A couple who have successfully battled a decade-long,
life-threatening drug addiction, got married in Wuhan, capital of
Hubei Province, late last month in an
emotion-charged ceremony.
Hao Ran and Liu Qian were in tears at having finally made the
moment for which they have been waiting years.
Under two big red Chinese characters Xi that denotes double
happiness, the pair kissed after exchanging their wedding rings
amid joyous wedding music and prolonged applause from the assembled
crowd.
In addition to their parents and relatives, the audience
included their friends, neighbors, local officials and the
media.
The Wuhan-based Chutian Metropolis News reported that
12 years ago, Hao and Liu, then 17 and 16 respectively, were like
any average, healthy teenager.
Some of Hao's friends used to take heroin at the time and his
nightmare began after the curious Hao was persuaded to have a
try.
At the same time, Liu also became a drug addict after she was
fooled by friends that ketamine could help her lose weight.
Hao and Liu are estimated to have spent more than 1 million yuan
(US$130,000) on drugs in the past decade.
The two met by chance four years ago and soon began dating. They
loved each other deeply, but no one believed in the prospect of
them having a life together as they could not give up their drug
habit.
When Liu's mother learnt of Wuhan's first methadone treatment
clinic in the first half of 2006, she immediately took Liu
there.
After a month, Liu's addiction had reduced and she no longer had
to rely heavily on heroin to sustain her. She immediately asked Hao
also to go for methadone treatment.
In the past few months, the pair has been seen arriving at the
clinic, hand-in-hand.
Liu's mother believes it was not just the methadone but also the
power of love that has helped Hao and Liu give up drugs.
Hao and Liu encouraged one another constantly in their fight
against their addiction.
"I can read what he wants from a minor movement or an expression
in his eyes," Liu said.
When Hao showed a carving for heroin, she immediately took him
out into the streets to keep him under public gaze or for a walk
along the beach.
When Liu had a craving, Hao would tell her to take up some
embroidery, her hobby, to distract her.
After six months, Hao and Liu managed to rid themselves of their
addiction. Two months ago, Hao made his marriage proposal. "We hope
the nightmare has gone forever," he told local media.
The couple plan to run a small restaurant to earn their own
living.
And they would also like to have a baby!
(China Daily July 5, 2007)