Assessment of the Wellness and Self-care Strategies of Drug Surrenderers in San Fernando City, La Union: A Basis for an Intervention Program

Claudia Denise  Barbadillo,; Luzviminda  Salamanca,

Assessment of the Wellness and Self-care Strategies of Drug Surrenderers in San Fernando City, La Union: A Basis for an Intervention Program

Claudia Denise Barbadillo | Luzviminda Salamanca

Abstract:

The war on drugs in the Philippines aroused queries from the community and from neighboring countries. Disputes concerning drug rehabilitation programs and human rights violations have been a target for scrutiny. Around 1.8 million drug users are present in the country. Local government units are mandated to put up community-based rehabilitation programs to prevent and eradicate drug abuse. Barangay Anti-Drug Action Council is revitalized to address peace and order. The objective of this study is to evaluate the wellness and self-care strategies of 307 drug surrenderers using descriptive research design with questionnaire and standardized test as tools. Personal and psychological profile, degree of problems related to drug use, problems encountered and degree of effects along the implementation of PNP Oplan Double Barrel “Project Tokhang and degree of self-care strategies employed are variables explored as bases for the formulation of an intervention program. Majority are male adults, unmarried, Php5,000 and below monthly income earners and high school graduates. Emotions Profile Index Personality test reveals tendencies towards depression, isolation from social contacts, withdrawn, anxiousness and cautious personality traits. Drug Abuse Screening Test yields a low level score implying further monitoring and re-assessment. Top three problems encountered are; (1) Being dragged to the police station when resisted to surrender, (2) Forced to list down known drug user or drug pusher and (3) No chance to consult lawyer before surrendering. Project Tokhang has no effect on the life aspects of participants. Spiritual self-care strategy is infrequently utilized

References:

DILG Memorandum Order 2015-63 (DILG MO 2015-63)
Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation Number 4, Series of 2016, “Oplan Sagip”
Lakas ng Pagbabago Community-based Rehab Program, City of San Fernando, La Union
Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 89 entitled Implementation and Institutionalization of the National Anti-Drug Plan of Action
National Police Commission Memorandum Circular Number 16-2016 (NPC MC No. 16-2016).
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
Republic Act 9165, also known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
Rev. Bishop David, (2018), Pastoral Accompaniment of Drug Surrenders and their Families (presented during the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA) 2018 International and 54th Annual National Convention)
Vali Rashidzadegan Doost, Ali Kamkar, 2017, The Effectiveness of Teaching Emotion Regulation Based on Gross Model on Coping and Depression Strategies in the Drug – Dependent People
Rajita Sinha (2009), Chronic Stress, Drug Use and Vulnerability to Addiction
Sarah Landale, Martin Roderick, (First Published October 22, 2013), Recovery from Addiction and the Potential Role of Sport: Using a Life-course Theory of Study Change