Nearly 300 Rescued from Abusive Detox Center in Mexico

In a significant operation three months ago, police forces rescued nearly 300 individuals from the Despertar Espiritual detox center in Tonalá, situated in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Mexico. This center was notorious for its abusive practices under the guise of drug rehabilitation, highlighting a pervasive issue in the region. The rescue shed light on the severe human rights violations occurring within such facilities, where patients were often held against their will and subjected to torture-like conditions

The problem of abuse in detox centers is not isolated to Despertar Espiritual but is a widespread issue across Mexico and other Latin American countries. According to the Colectivo por una Política Integral hacia las Drogas (CUPIHD), these centers often operate without government oversight. There are approximately 2,000 such facilities in Mexico, many of which forcibly detain individuals, leading to severe human rights abuses, including isolation and physical punishment

These centers are typically run by former addicts, colloquially known as 'padrinos,' who impose treatment based on personal experience rather than professional training. This often results in harmful practices justified as necessary for achieving abstinence. Some 'padrinos' believe that harsh treatment helps patients appreciate the consequences of their addiction, further perpetuating a cycle of abuse

Legal frameworks in Mexico contribute to the problem, as involuntary admission to such centers is not classified as a criminal act but merely a disturbance of public peace. This legal loophole allows families, sometimes with the aid of 'spiritual patrols,' to commit individuals without their consent. The aftermath of such experiences often leaves individuals traumatized, with physical and psychological scars that deter them from seeking further treatment

The lack of adequate public services for drug users in Mexico exacerbates the situation, forcing many to turn to these unregulated centers. This environment fosters resentment towards family members who facilitate the admissions and creates a barrier to effective rehabilitation. As awareness of these abuses grows, there is an urgent need for reform in drug treatment policies to ensure humane and effective care for those struggling with addiction