OFFICIALS of the Talisay City Government have set up a “helpline” that will urge drug users in the city to avail themselves of their community-based drug aftercare program.
But Dr. Rey Ceasar Bautista, who heads the city’s Community-based Aftercare Program, told Sun. Star Cebu that for now, their helpline is only available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Bautista said they initially came up with a hotline after finding initial success with their community-based aftercare program.
He believes that the helpline can help drug addicts, especially those who are reluctant to tell their drug addiction problems to anyone.
While they have yet to receive calls, Bautista disclosed that more people are coming in to avail themselves of their services.
Programs
Talisay City’s Community-Based Drug Aftercare program is composed of two programs, namely, the Relapse Prevention Group (RPG) and the 12-Step Fellowship Program.
First-time clients undergo the 90-day RPG program as a first step toward breaking their need for drugs.
The 12-Step Fellowship Program, which is based on a program created by Alcoholics Anonymous, aims to keep recovering drug addicts drug-free one day at a time.
First step
Bautista said the program is one way of convincing potential clients to initiate the first step towards rehabilitation.
“Dili mi gusto nga pugsanay ang ilang pag-ari sa amoa. Gusto namo nga sila mismo ang kusang muadmit nga addict sila ug kailangan nila ug tabang (We don’t want that their coming here is forced. We want them to be the one to admit that they’re addicts and that they need help),” Bautista said.
If they will be given enough financial support, Bautista hopes to put up a facility in the city exclusively for drug addicts who are trying to heal themselves before they are initially profiled for rehabilitation and aftercare.
He also plans to expand the program and hopes to make it into a 24-hour hotline.
Potential clients can call (032) 490-4731.