THE Department of Health (DOH) is implementing an outpatient program for drug dependents classified as moderate and low-level drug users.
DOH-accredited drug rehabilitation specialist Rechi Cristobal visited Better Days Ahead Recovery Center in Bacolod City recently to train some staff on how to carry out the outpatient program.
This approach is flexible approach and less costly to those drug dependents whose addiction is considered mild and moderate, he said.
The outpatient program will only take three months for the drug dependent to complete their rehabilitation, Cristobal said.
As a former drug dependent, Cristobal discouraged the youth and even the elders who are curious about drugs to stay away from it. “Never try it even once, because the euphoria is only temporary. Drugs will really ruin one’s future and their family.”
He said that if society can give them a new source of connection or excitement like sports, it is better than be lured to use drugs.
Drug use usually starts from the family but mostly peer pressure and curiosity, he said.
“As a parent also, when we start parenting our children, let us do it in a more flexible manner. Yes, we are the authority over them, but it would be better if we also act as their friends who can be there for them through thick and thin,” he said.
Addiction is really bad. So if they cannot deal properly with their addiction, they better seek professional help in order to recover, he added.
Meanwhile, while many are still engaging to drug use and drug trade, he said that the anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte has significantly reduced the number of drug laboratories in the Philippines.
“Shabu now is being transported to the country as ready-to-use because they can no longer set up drug laboratories here. A lot of drug laboratories were already exposed and closed down by this administration,” he said.