The Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) together with the National Center for Mental Health officials conducted a two-day “Drug Abuse Treatment Seminar Workshop for drug surrenderees and their families on November 30-December 1, 2016 in Odiongan, Romblon.
“This is a pilot program of the health department designed to enable a drug surrenderee and his/her family to handle the craving for drug and prevent relapse,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo explained during the two-day workshop held in Odiongan, Romblon.
“It is a stop gap measure intended to provide immediate health services to drug surrenderees while waiting for services to become available and accessible,” he added.
The pilot program targeted 20 participants, 1 drug surrenderee and 1 from his/her family. It provided adequate information about drug addiction, treatment and rehabilitation. It also Included basic motivation measures on how to stay sober/abstinent and trained families of substance user as the major supportive caretaker.
According to Janairo, most people recovered and have done it on their own even without formal treatment. “The simple fact that most people cure themselves includes the motivation of their family. Every family member must lend care and support and make the patient realize that his/her family, future, employment is compromised and that he needed to change for the better”.
The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) estimated drug users to be around 1.8 million in 2015. As of August 31, 2016, there are about 700,000 drug surrenderees in the country.
“The best thing that we can provide to a member of a family who is a substance user is to give him/her a supportive and safe harbor. The family’s involvement in the drug treatment process such as providing emotional support can help alleviate feelings of isolation. Constant encouragement can also aid in the way towards recovery,” Janairo concluded.