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)