LAST November 29 to December 3, 2017, the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU)–Center Against Illegal Drugs (CAID) Healing and Recovery for Drug Surrenderers (Herds) or reformists together with the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac) had its Healing and Recovery Camp for the first batch Drug Surrenderers under the Ateneo program in Camp Alano, Toril Davao City.
The five-day recovery camp started its Day 1 with partner agencies sponsoring services for the reformists which include HIV testing by OLYMPUS society of Davao and a medical check-up by DOH. Mandatory drug tests to the participating reformists were also done by the staff of CAID Drug Hotline and representatives from Cadac. A free haircut was also given by United Gays Association of Toril (UGAT) for the reformists every after medical consultation.
A self-awareness session was conducted by Ms. Amelyn L. Laro, RSW of Holy Cross of Davao College which was then followed by a values clarification activity handled by Engr. Richard P. Manapol, MCE of the Engineering and Architecture Department of AdDU. Further, Dr. Gene Gulanes, Davao City Treatment, and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCDD) Central Manager, presented clearly ill effects and consequences of substance abuse. While, Ms. Leah J. Aportadera, RSW, MSSW of the Social Work Department – AdDU conducted a team building activity that helps build rapport among the drug reformist participants and facilitators. All of these made the Day 1 and 2 of the recovery camp very fruitful.
Two of the major activities of the camp were from the two major strands under the MIOP manual, among these are the Early Recovery Skills and the Relapse Prevention Sessions. The reformists were divided into smaller groups and were handled by different facilitators like Mr. Ronald Rivera – CADAC Officer, Mr. Kenneth Tee, Mr. Dennis Jaleco, Mr. Oliver Capuno, Mr. Adam Lambac and Mr. James Villaceran.
The Early Recovery Skills session covered topics about internal and external triggers vis-à-vis substance abuse, common challenges in early recovery, body chemistry in recovery and other activities or sessions which may help the participants take a step forward towards recovery and change. The relapse prevention strand then focused on topics which include but not limited to alcohol, boredom, avoiding relapse drift, motivation and recovery, total abstinence and others.
Mr. Lunar Tan Fayloga of the AdDU Theology Division and Mr. Butch Samante, AdDU Alumnus, also did a spirituality session for the drug reformists. While, Ms. Sheryl R. Lopez, RSW, MSSW, Social Work Department – AdDU Faculty, discussed the Health and Wellness (Self Care and Community Resiliency Model) .
The Davao Dog Lovers Community (DDLC) which was partnered by the K-9 unit of the central 911 was also present on the fourth-day session to share how pets can be healing partners as it relieves anxiety. Mr. Arvin G. Serra demonstrated on how to train dogs. The activity was processed at the end by Mr. Floyd Web of the DDLC.
The last day of the Healing and Recovery Camp Batch 1 ended with 53 recovering drug dependents ready to move up to the next phase -- after care programs. Thank you so much to Mr. Roawie L. Quimba - AdDU CAID Director for his unconditional support and to Dr. Melba L. Manapol, CAID Herds Program Head, for all her efforts in leading the recovery camp!