DARE works directly with Burmese ethnic communities to provide development and to strengthen addiction education and has been using ear-acupuncture (NADA Protocol) as an adjunct treatment

There are currently no other addiction prevention education, treatment, relapse prevention programs on the border.  Burma is one of the biggest illicit producers of opium, heroin and methamphetamines in the world.  Estimates of addiction rates in the ethnic areas of Burma range from 40 – 85% of the total population.  The majority of ethnic young people of Burma are reported to be addicted to methamphetamines, alcohol, nicotine and other drugs.  The reasons for these high addiction rates are rooted in the social and economic systems of Burma. DARE works directly with Burmese ethnic communities to provide development and to strengthen addiction education and treatment within the ethnic communities, and has been using ear-acupuncture (NADA Protocol) as an adjunct treatment.

Mr. Vatsyayan went to the border area of Burma and Thailand in March, 2005, representing Nada India Foundation to develop the links with  the organizations. He visited the de-addiction centers run by DARE project in the refugee camps. Nada India is a technical partner. He also visited several organizations including UNODC, Thailand Harm-Reduction Forum, DARE Project, NA (Narcotics Anonymous) hoping to collaborate and network in future years on ear- acupuncture. 

Later ,he went with Ms.Pallavi Project Director Pehchaan ,Nada India and conducted workshops on counselling skill with staff and volunteers of DARE Project working with displaced people from Burma.