Drug rehab centers now full of patients

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) is alarmed by reports that at least 10 public and private rehabilitation centers in Cebu can no longer accommodate persons suffering from drug addiction.

 “For us it’s already alarming. In fact nagkabata ug nagkatigulang ang manggamitay. Based sa records 8 years old ang kinabataan nga naggamit, and 11 years old ang kinabataan nga na-rehab and 62 years old ang kinatigulangan nga naggamit, while 55 years old ang kinatigulangan nga nagpa-rehab,” COSAP chief Dr. Alice Utlang said.

Utlang said all 10 rehabilitation centers are presently full of patients.

She said 80 patients who wanted to seek treatment are waiting to be accommodated at government-owned center in Argao town.

Of the number, Utlang said that 15 to 20 patients were from Cebu City.

Utlang said there are parents who would go to her office everyday to seek help from the city government for treatment of their family members who are using illegal drugs.

“Sa una ang COSAP once or twice a month naay parents moanha para magpatabang. Karon almost everyday na. Naay parents mianha,” she said, adding that the latest case involves a 15 years old.

With this, Utlang urged parents to watch over their children. If a member of the family is found to be a drug user, she advised early intervention to avoid further complications.

“Lisod kaayo if didto na sila manawag sa opisina sa gobiyerno or professionals kung grabe na ang ila-hang miyembro sa pamilya nga nagdrugas,” she said.

She said that parents who sought for assistance from COSAP usually request for aid since private treatment fees range from P18,000 to P40,000.

Cebu City does not have its own rehabilitation center, but COSAP offers outpatient rehabilitation.

Utlang said there are private rehabilitation centers that are located in Cebu like the House of Hope, Teen Challenge, among others.

“Mas maayo makaagi sila og counseling activities. Unsa’y ilang buhaton in case mag-crave sila’g gamit og droga,” she said.

The city government is eyeing to have its own rehabilitation center this year, she said.  (FREEMAN)