CCTV9英语新闻：Sunflower rehabilitation center（在线收听）

　　June 26th marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Illicit drug use has seen continued increases across the country, especially among young people under the age of 18. Falling into a life of abuse can be devastating to the user and their family. To help addicts, rehab centers have been set up to help users kick the habit.

　　Like many other young drug addicts, Chan’s decent into the abyss started with curiosity.But fortunately she was able to recover from her addiction with the help of the rehabilitation community.

　　"I didn’t have much knowledge at that time. I started using drugs out of curiosity with some friends, and I had no idea I was liable for my own behavior. I felt like I was reborn when I became a member of the community, I have become more responsible."

　　Unlike conventional treatment centers which were run more like jails, guarded by police, this one allows members of the community to take part, and addicts are given more freedom.

　　Guo Xiaoqing, police officer of Sunflower Anti-drug Community, said, "The community is like a big family, all the members and staff are families. We are all equal. Even the management has former drug addicts on its staff. They make all the basic decisions in their lives, we just offer some advice on the big ones."

　　Apart from daily chores, members are also in charge of performing during special occasions. The sight of recovering addicts has brought hope to many but the grim facts cannot be ignored.

　　According to the latest official data, there’s been an increasing number of people using drugs like methamphetamine and ketamine, popular drugs used at night clubs. Their use has risen from 30 percent of all illicit drugs, to 38 percent in the past three years. The proportion of young people under the age of 18 comprise the largest group using these drugs, accounting for more than 85 percent.

　　Xu Benshu, director of Beijing Rehabilitation Center, said, "There’s a lot improvement on educating young people about drugs, but it is far from enough. We should continue to educate students in high school and college."