Manila exhibit showcases services offered in drug rehabilitation

With the growing menace of drug addiction in the country, more often than not, the agony of seeing one’s addicted loved one deteriorate due to the dearth of qualified rehabilitation centers, is almost unbearable.

In an effort to raise public awareness of the services offered by several drug rehabilitation centers in the country, an exhibit was held recently at the Fugoso covered athletic court in Tondo, showing various ways of how to treat victims of substance abuse.

Sponsored by the Western Police District (WPD) Anti-Drug Enforcement Group, it showcased the concerted efforts of the government, non-government organizations and private rehabilitation centers in waging war against drug addiction.

"Public knowledge about drug rehabilitation and treatment is still limited and an effort such as this is a commendable move in bringing informed choices for the families of those who fell victims to drugs," said Dr. Rosendo Saulog, a Dangerous Drugs Board accredited physician.

Joel Macaspac, a facility administrator of one of the participating private drug rehabilitation centers, echoed Saulog’s sentiments and said, "Seeing how a loved one gradually falls into self-destruction is the hardest thing to bear. Usually the gravity of the problem is denied, causing consequences that entangle people in a mesh of complications and when situations become unbearable and options are exhausted, then the thought of seeking professional help through rehabilitation centers comes to mind."

Macaspac works for Well-Spring Foundation Inc. composed of duly-accredited professionals and paraprofessionals tasked to give counseling and medical services. The program is eclectic, based mainly on the Hazelden Model, 12 Steps, Therapeutic Community (TC) Concepts and Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach from Minnesota, USA, emphasizing humane treatment and spiritual dimension.

Well-Spring Foundation Inc. Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center is located at 6 Maalalahanin st., Teacher’s Village East, Diliman, Quezon City with telephone numbers 9205993, 9210125 and 9271317.

Saulog, who has observed different facilities abroad and is regarded one of the country’s authorities in drug rehabilitation, suggests the following factors in choosing the appropriate rehabilitation center: A humane and holistic program approach in drug treatment and rehabilitation with emphasis on spiritual formation, staffed by adequately trained professionals, with a program on relapse prevention and family therapy situated in a secure and homey atmosphere fostering peace and harmony."

He added:"It is understandable that the family considers rehabilitation a final, difficult option, yet a necessary choice that they have to make. Two crucial points, the overall welfare of the family’s loved one entering into rehabilitation and the chance of recovery from addiction make deciding even more difficult."