Mental block

Yang's problem dates to 2004 when his mother died of cancer and his wife lost her job. He was working as a taxi driver, but he began using methamphetamine to ease the strain of the double blow.

"I bought the 'ice' from a former classmate in junior high school and relied on the drug to relieve stress," he said.

In 2006, he was detained after police caught him using drugs in a hotel in Beijing, and was sentenced to 10 days' administrative detention. As a result, he stopped using drugs.

However, he relapsed in 2007 when his wife divorced him, leaving him to care for their 12-month-old son alone.

"I felt so depressed and hopeless. I couldn't see a way out, so I sought stimulus and solace by abusing drugs," he said.

Between 2007 and 2013, he spent his savings of 300,000 yuan ($44,000), sold his house and borrowed money from friends as his addiction worsened.

In 2013, he was arrested for drug use again. Instead of being placed in detention, he was sentenced to three years' community correction and his activities were closely monitored. Once again, he stopped using drugs.

However, just before the sentence was due to expire, Yang's father was badly injured in a car accident and had to undergo surgery to treat an intracranial hemorrhage.

Yang had no money to pay the expensive medical fees, and feeling under pressure, he began using drugs again. He quickly became addicted for a third time.

"After that relapse, my physical condition became worse and worse, I had a persistent severe headache and developed heart problems and stomachaches. My eyesight deteriorated, too," he said.

"I couldn't support my family, so my son was sent to the local welfare institute and my elderly father was left in the hospital alone."

When he was caught using drugs the third time, Yang was sent to the rehabilitation center. Now, after 20 months on the program, he understands his problem and is determined to stay away from drugs.

"I feel so sorry for my son and my father, who can't care for himself and is still receiving treatment in the hospital," he said.

"When I get out, I am determined to keep away from drugs completely. I will bring my son and father home as quickly as possible and start a new life."