THE AdDU-Center Against Illegal Drugs (CAID) Drug Hotline, the first in the Philippines that caters calls for inquiries about drug abuse 24/7 has been operating for more than a year now.
Drug specialists have been receiving calls not only from Davao City but as far as from Quezon City.
There were calls about drug use and relapse preventions, appropriate referrals and substance abuse information. The team of the Drug Hotline was trained using the 12 modules created by Drug Hotline Program Head to equip the referral specialist of the knowledge and skills to effectively answer clients’ concerns regarding substance abuse.
Even up to now the team was continuously trained especially with updates on drug issues. Mr. Roawie L. Quimba, CAID director, is very supportive of these activities as he believes that learning should not stop and as specialists, they have to professionally upgrade themselves and that is through knowledge and skills enhancement.
Last April 5, 2018, the team had its retraining at the CAID conference room. It started with the discussion about the objectives of the retraining as presented by Apple G. Alvarez, RN, MN. She also reiterated that this will be practiced every first week of the month and each of the referral specialists will be given the opportunity to be the speakers of the retraining.
Cullen Sorrosa, RN, was the first to present about how dangerous is liquid ecstasy. Liquid ecstasy or also known as GHB or 4-hydroxybutanoic acid is completely different from ecstasy which is the MDMA in chemical makeup and is not related.
However, the effects are similar. The former is colorless and odorless and it is commonly known as a rape drug. The effect can last in a day with short-term effects of euphoria, disorientation, increased sociability and sexual desire. Sorrosa also said that although there is limited research proving that the use of liquid ecstasy is addictive or can cause craving even after two to three uses, however, most of the research says that it can surely cause memory damage, respiratory and cardiovascular health problems.
While Ms. Moonlight Nicole Tabar, RN discussed the deadly effects of both the short and long-term use of the new synthetic psychoactive drug called “flakka”. Some also called it as gravel because of its crystal chunk appearance. Tabar said that Flakka is said to be a new generation bath salts created in foreign drug labs. It is usually made from a synthetic version of amphetamine-like stimulant in the cathinone class known as alpha PVP. The cathinones are chemicals derived from the khat plant. She also emphasized flakka side effects such as having uncontrollable or bizarre behaviors like running naked, thoughts with delusions and paranoia.
Indeed, the mind that desires to learn is a mind that embraces the beauty of science. If one wishes to be a specialist in a certain field, one has to learn about his or her craft well and embrace discovery. Because when one is obsolete with knowledge and skills, it does not produce expertise. Hence, I believe that retraining unlocks the door for anyone to be competent with their service. Experts do not become experts when they complete one full training but in the days, weeks, months and years of continued learning.
To Peter Paul Hontiveros RN, Lejaen Star Lyka Ledda RN, Mary Gil Navales RN, Peter Cullen Sorrosa RN, and Moonlight Nicole Tabar RN, a hundred thank you for your expert service!