TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Eight individuals who have previously engaged into trading and using illegal substances attended a one-day session on stress debriefing and personal development from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
The activity was initiated to provide a comprehensive support to Recovering Persons Who Used Drugs (RPWUDs) as they transition from inpatient rehabilitation to aftercare, serving as a vital component of their lifelong commitment to recovery.
By fostering a sense of community, solidarity, and acceptance, this initiative aims to reinforce key learnings from treatment, facilitate the application of coping strategies, and promote a stigma-free environment within the community.
The participants have served a certain period of treatment and rehabilitation service that helped them managed their stress reaction as a result of engaging into unlawful activity before, and improve coping mechanisms for their wholesome recovery.
The activity’s main speaker, Lorraine Salibad, a licensed psychologist and psychometrician employed by CSWD, stated that “real-life struggles and triumphs are what motivate people to use drugs.”
She said addiction to illegal substances do have worst effects in life, and all who have been caught in the grips of addiction need more time and support to heal completely, to live in recovery.
“The activities related to stress debriefing and personal development will empower them, minimize the risk of relapse, and ensure they (RPWUDS) feel supported and valued on their journey towards sustained well-being,” she added.
Ptr. Leonardo Tayaban from the City Barangay Affairs and Community Relations Office (CBACRO) also shared faith reflection to the participants.
Gideon Wansi of CSWDO said today’s activity is part of the 18-month care program where the RPWUDS need to complete all the sessions involved in the intervention plan as basis for the formulation of assessment and recommendation to be submitted to Department of Health (DOH)- Treatment And Rehabilitation Center-Region 2. By Darwin S. Serion