Non-drug therapies help addicts at rehab

"Long-term drug addicts usually have immune system decay and damage to brain and body balance," Wang said. "Around three in four of the rehab center residents suffer from chronic diseases, such as hepatitis, high blood pressure and diabetes.

"The exercise was tailor-made for their recovery of physiological functions and the nervous system, which is an important part in abandoning drug habits."

The residents do tai chi exercises jointly developed by the administration and the Shanghai University of Sport at least once a week, divided in groups according to gender, age and health. They spend an hour on various physical exercises every day.

"The tai chi exercises, which can increase body flexibility and coordination, are very popular among residents," Wang said.

The acupressure exercises, jointly developed by the administration, the Shanghai Mental Health Center and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, were designed for people addicted to new types of drugs, Wang said, because they could give targeted stimulation to acupoints related to corresponding neural circuits in the brain.