Power of music: Ending drug dependence in Tacloban City

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – “A historic day for us.”

A famous artist in this city made the statement to describe his personal milestone – he has decided to move away from drug dependence by attending a counseling program for drug users sponsored by the city government.

“It gives us hope that there is a way to reverse the increasing trend driving people to be arrested for drug issues and then to an early death.  I am very glad that such program is opening to help us off the streets, out of jail, and [to be] whole again, to turn our lives around, and regain ourselves,” said the artist who asked not to be named.

Under the city government’s Transformation Program, music therapy and counseling are tools to help drug addicts begin their journey to recovery.

The program, launched on July 11, has around 400 participating drug dependents. The Tacloban City government will set up an office at the Tacloban Astrodome to provide support for those under the program.

“We wanted them to realize the importance of family unity as the main foundation of the individual and we wanted them to know they have a 24/7 support system. And if they need physical and or psychological help, they are provided with evaluations so we can better help them,” explained Tacloban Mayor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez.

Power of music
                              
Participants are encouraged to undergo “music therapy” by singing or dancing, or writing songs or discussing their lyrics with others in the program.

Volunteer doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, and pastors use their knowledge to decide on the course of treatment that will work best for each participant.

The therapy may involve some type of music creation or it could be just listening to music.

“Listening to a happy song can lift people’s spirit,” Romualdez said.

“Our doors are always open to those that come to us and we are there to help with their obsessions, pain, and anxiety. We welcome them with open arms with the hope that they can obtain peace after addiction,” she added.

The city government will also  help participants find livelihood opportunities.

“We encourage them to start with a short-term goal – finding a job and changing their focus. We want them realize that they can change their life and there is always a solution for every problem and we are here to help to stop their self-destruction,” Romualdez said.

Caring community

The Tacloban City police Director, Police Senior Superintendent Rolando V. Bade said the police have changed their approach towards drug users who seek rehabilitation.

“We’re giving them the message that the community is a caring community – there are resources available if you want to get help to get off your addicted lifestyle,” Bade said.
 
Meanwhile, hundreds of drug dependents in the city have come out to admit their addiction. They all have a common goal – to return to their families drug-free in more ways than one.

The famous artist who cannot be named talked to his fellow participants about the  pain he had caused his family, and the damage he has inflicted on himself.
He wanted to recover because he was already neglecting his family, he said.

“I can’t wait to attend the Transformation Program and witness the bright new lives and hopes that will spring forth from our doors.  Our community needs this, and that is why I am very happy that it is here,” he said in Bisaya.

He said the program has given people like him reason to believe that “there is a way to reverse the soaring trend driving people to be arrested for drug issues and then to an early death.” – Rappler.com