Coops seen to help former drug users

CEBU, Philippines – The program for recovering drug dependents is set to include in its after-care services the putting up of a cooperative so that drug users on their way to full rehabilitation will be assured of employment after undergoing intervention programs at the rehab center. 

It is a fact that former drug dependents mostly suffer from the stigma of unsuccessful integration due discrimination even after their rehabilitation. Circumstances make it difficult for them to find a job and lead a normal life, this was further noted.

Aside from a means of livelihood, the cooperative would function as a continuation of the rehab. Through the program, recovering drug users will be required to report once a month to the rehab center where their psychiatric, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being will be reassessed. Also, the program will conduct random visits to the homes of the dependents where they will also be asked to submit to further drug tests. 

Dr. Jocelyn Abellana, regional program coordinator of the Dangerous Drugs Abuse Prevention and Treatment program, said that the main goal of the after-care program is to “focus on the clients that they may achieve holistic recovery and be provided with support and guidance to prevent relapse into drug use.”

After-care services will help recovering drug dependents to cope and manage their craving for prohibited drugs after discharge and aid them in acquiring knowledge and skills to prevent or manage relapse.

In the first inter-agency meeting held yesterday in line with the program, Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo, Dangerous Drugs Board Undersecretary Paul Clarence Oaminal, Regional Trial Court Judge Meinrado Paredes; officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Probation and Parole Office, Cebu City Health Department, Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency-7, and the Philippine National Police; as well as the Oasis of Love for the spiritual sector decided to work on the putting up of the cooperative by first dividing the labor through the creation of committees. On April 17, the said agencies will meet again to tackle on how to go about with the creation of the said coop. — Johanna Natavio/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)