Fatalities, diseases and violence as a result of substance abuse and its related activities are continuously rising despite the joint efforts of government units and private sectors. In this alarming situation, we should do our part in decreasing addiction problems in the country. We should not take this for granted. This is applicable to all residents of all cities in Metro Manila. Addiction is a serious matter that needs exclusive attention. Even the smallest action which addresses the problem of addiction can make a huge difference.
As a responsible citizen of the Philippines, we should help the government with their anti-drug campaigns and do our best in saving the lives of these victims. We must take actions in helping them find their way to recovery - encouraging victims to accept they have a problem and that they need professional help. Preventing addiction from spreading out like an outbreak is everyone’s role, no exception.
If a person starts abusing alcohol or drugs, that person will eventually become addicted to the substance. He will desire to use and abuse the substance again “to feel good”. This is also true when he experience stress, pressure or if he is in a negative situation. He will think that the feel good effect is his escape door and relief. The rush of this good feeling will constantly pop up to the abuser’s mind, telling him about the “comfort” and the positive sensation involved. That feel good effect is usually the reason why the substance is addictive.
Bringing an addicted person to a rehab center is not an easy task, especially if the victim is in the denial stage, or if he is still unaware of his condition. As expected, a person suffering from addiction has transformed into a very different individual. He or she is experiencing overwhelming changes in his or her psychological, physical and emotional individuality. These changes are the result of years abusing alcohol or drugs. Ignoring these circumstances may lead to undeniably explicit problems in the future. If the worst come to the worst, this person may soon end up in a hospital bed, in a prison or in a coffin.
The Roots Should be Removed
Realizing the roots of these negative changes plays a big role when it comes to one’s recovery. Identifying the reasons why he became addicted to a substance will reveal rational grounds behind such behavior, giving us the idea of what kind of approach should be done to correct the problem. Recognizing a deeper level of reasoning can help in pointing out which rehab program is suitable and must be implemented.
The roots that cause the addiction can be mild personal issues triggering low self-esteem and lack of self confidence. It can also be domestic in nature. A person consciously declines help and rehabilitation because he has personal conflicts as well as unresolved issues concerning other family members. This can be tackled by family members opening up with the patient.
Putting a person under rehab is difficult but there are available resources that can be utilized to effectively bring back a person into his normal state. We should take full advantage of these opportunities to save him from total destruction.
The Future is in Our Hands - Let's Fight Addiction Together
We strongly believe that everyone has the responsibility of helping people who are struggling from addiction. Everybody has the task of guiding victims of addiction, even those patients who are just in the earlier stage, to get out of their struggle. We all are part of a team, and we should play as a team in building up a safe and a strong society, free from the danger brought by illicit drugs. The next generation relies on the present team - us. The future of our children is basically in our hands.
We cannot undo things, if someone has already failed to do the prevention stage, and he or she has fallen to the pretentious trap of addiction, we should move on to plan B. We need to help him seek for professional help. We have to prevent him from creating additional damages to his life and to the lives of the people around him. We need to take actions of leading him into a rehabilitation facility. Our ultimate goal is to bring him back into the community as a responsible and rehabilitated man.
One of the goals of rehab center is to uplift not only one’s personal character but his social interaction and spiritual level as well. Developing relationships among residents by conducting group activities is always a part of a rehab program. This allows the patient to blend in and increase his confidence when it comes to talking and working with people.
Developing spiritual faith with God is also part of the program. It enhances the individual’s mind-set towards his devotion to a superior being that will eventually make him choose to surrender his old, negative life. It also increases his positive perspective towards life, in general.
There are many help available. Everyone can recover from addiction. All we need to do is to maximize these helpful resources and we can be sure that we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Recovery is possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and you would be surprised how many treatment options are available for you.
We know that entering a rehab facility is a big decision for anyone because it creates a stigma in the society. But we must also consider the worst case scenario - the possibility of hitting rock bottom if we continue to allow addiction rule over our lives. It will be very difficult for us to get out of the pit. You have to ignore the common perception of the society regarding substance abusers. It is only temporary. Consider it as a challenge, accept it manly enough and do your best to win over it. Always remember that if you manage to finish the course of a rehab program, getting back into the society will be easier for you. Instead of focusing on the negative views of people, focus on the long term benefits of rehabilitation.
It is possible to fight addiction. It is difficult indeed but it is achievable. The first step is to accept that you, like everyone else in this world, need help.
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