Ex-junkie turned drug rehabilitation executive supports random drug tests in schools

A drug rehabilitation center executive who admits having been a drug addict in his youth said the random drug tests set to be conducted by the government in schools and colleges nationwide could be an effective weapon against illegal drug use and addiction.

Jerome Villegas, program director at the Negros Oriental Drug Rehabilitation Center, said he started taking drugs in grade school and random drugs tests, done properly, could help deter thousands of Filipino youths from trying illegal drugs.

“As long as they do it by the law, it’s great,” Villegas, 30, told The STAR in a phone interview.

He said the results of a drug test “could be very helpful,” providing concrete proof for parents of a drug dependent to start the rehabilitation of their child.

“Anyway, what’s wrong with taking a drug test? If you know you’re not using drugs, it should be no problem,” Villegas said. ”For me, if I will be tested and I will not have to spend a single centavo, (then) why not?”

He said he is an example that one can conquer drug addiction with effective rehabilitation, however bad the case may be.

Villegas said early drug testing could have arrested the development of his addiction, which started in the fifth grade and became a full-blown dependency when he reached high school.

His drug use, he said, had caused him to drop out of college at several schools. Since his school allowance was not enough to finance his shabu purchases, Villegas said he started stealing money from his parents’ wallet. He also stole their appliances and furniture and sold them to get money for his vice.

Less than eight years ago, he said he had himself checked in at the New Beginnings Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, which helped him get over his addiction. “As of today, I’m seven years and five months sober,” he said.

Villegas said he was grateful to the rehabilitation given him by New Beginnings, which was the reason for his involvement with their drug rehabilitation center in Negros Oriental.

“There are many people out there who are suffering from drug abuse and need rehabilitation but they cannot afford it. Here at the Negros Oriental drug rehab center, we offer them affordable rates for confinement and treatment,” Villegas said.

Aside from speaking in seminars and lectures, Villegas said that he regularly engages in fund-raising events to raise money for the operation of the rehabilitation center. – Rainier Allan Ronda