IT WAS in the early last year of 2018 when the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) invited me to be the speaker on drug addiction. When I was tasked to submit a theme – I simply thought about “The vicious truth about substance abuse: How it hurts me and you?”.
Excitedly, when Roy Cresencio Linao, RN, MN – a member of the House of Delegates of the PNA informed me of its final date, I prayed to God by heart “Lord, make me an instrument for nurses to further understand the substance abusers’ cries, fears, and ultimate needs”.
So, finally, it transpired last Saturday, February 22. First part of the talk included history on drug addiction, its theories and nature, causes and painful truths. It also included its impact to the health care system, family, education and mental health. The issues affecting treatment use were also presented. The harmful effects of addictive drugs such as marijuana, “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride), ecstasy, etc. were discussed in the easiest way everybody could understand.
Part 2 of the talk presented how to spot drug addiction and its prevention. The existing private and government rehabilitation centers in Davao City where clients can be referred were also presented. Community-based rehabilitation interventions and its roles were shared, plus the existence of the drug hotline and referral helpline services. Relapse triggers, signs, prevention and the 12-step program as the road to recovery were emphasized. Most importantly, the roles of the nurse in helping clients achieved recovery were highlighted.
Yes, it feels like, after the talk, I feel why God has given me such a gift to passionately care for substance abusers. I am further motivated to continually share my knowledge, learning and experiences about the beauty of unconditional love, patience and care towards those substance abusers, dependent and addicted.
Oh, I felt more blessed that at the end of the seminar, participants who are administrators and staff in schools and hospitals took the time to personally speak to me and share their interest to join in helping drug reformists as part of their advocacy.
Join me then... Let us not allow drugs to hurt me and you! Let us help the drug reformists not kill their hope, joy, body, brain, and souls.