Drug addiction in Manipur has reached alarming levels, destroying families and communities. But amidst this crisis, one man is leading the charge against substance abuse—Ole Wangkheimayum.
Once a victim of addiction himself, Ole ran from rehab 42 times before turning his life around. Today, he is the founder of Realize Rehabilitation Centre (RRC), a facility that offers rehabilitation, mental health support, and even digital detox programs for those addicted to smartphones.
His mission? To break the cycle of addiction and restore hope to the people of Manipur.
The Rising Addiction Crisis in Manipur
Manipur has long struggled with high rates of drug and alcohol addiction. Easy access to illicit substances like heroin, SP capsules, and WY tablets has led to a public health crisis, affecting both youth and adults.
But addiction isn’t just about substances anymore—phone addiction is on the rise, leading to mental health issues, social withdrawal, and declining productivity.
Ole understands these challenges firsthand. He was once trapped in addiction, losing years of his life to drug abuse. But instead of letting his past define him, he chose to fight back.
Realize Rehabilitation Centre (RRC) : A New Approach to Recovery
After overcoming his own struggles, Ole established Realize Rehabilitation Centre (RRC) in 2018. Unlike conventional rehab centers, RRC focuses on a holistic approach to addiction recovery.
Some of its key programs include:
✔ Detoxification & Medical Support – Helping individuals safely withdraw from substances.
✔ Psychological Counseling – Addressing the mental health aspects of addiction.
✔ Family Therapy – Educating families on how to support their loved ones.
✔ Skill Development & Reintegration – Helping recovering addicts regain independence.
✔ Phone Addiction Treatment – Teaching youth to balance digital and real-life interactions.
By combining medical care, therapy, and social reintegration, RRC ensures that recovering addicts don’t just survive—they thrive.
Tackling the Stigma Around Addiction
One of Ole’s biggest challenges is the social stigma surrounding addiction. Many people in Manipur still see addicts as criminals rather than individuals suffering from a disease.
“We don’t punish people for having cancer,” Ole says. “So why do we punish them for having an addiction? They need help, not judgment.”
Through community awareness programs, RRC works to change these outdated perceptions and encourage families to support their loved ones rather than abandoning them.
From Addict to Advocate – A Story of Redemption
Ole’s journey from running away from rehab to running a rehab center is an extraordinary example of resilience. His 42 escapes were not failures—they were stepping stones to his transformation.
Today, he dedicates his life to giving others the second chance he once received. His message is clear: “You can always start over. No matter how many times you’ve failed, recovery is possible.”
With his unwavering commitment, Wangkheimayum Ole is not just changing lives—he’s changing the future of Manipur.