WHOLISTIC DRUG ABUSE REHABILITATION: A CALL FOR BALANCED AND HUMANE SOLUTIONS

WHOLISTIC DRUG ABUSE REHABILITATION: A CALL FOR BALANCED AND HUMANE SOLUTIONS The fight against illegal drugs in the Philippines has been a long and controversial journey. Today, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., there are efforts to shift towards a more bloodless, humane and wholistic approach. From Punishment to Rehabilitation: A Necessary Shift One of the most critical questions we must ask is whether the government still relies primarily on police operations or if it has genuinely embraced community-based rehabilitation programs. While law enforcement remains essential in addressing illegal drug supply, addiction itself is a medical condition, not just a crime. Treating drug users as criminals instead of individuals needing help has led to fear-driven policies rather than sustainable solutions. Thankfully, there have been positive developments. The government has started expanding community-based drug rehabilitation programs (CBDRPs), with the goal of establishing them in all provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays by 2028. But is this enough? A Persistent Police-Heavy Approach Despite these efforts, law enforcement operations continue to be at the forefront of the government’s anti-drug campaign. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are still conducting aggressive drug raids, often raising concerns about due process and human rights violations. This leads us to ask: Do the police still conduct home raids without search warrants? Are drug users considered criminals even before proven guilty? Has the government set clear, numerical targets for reducing illegal drug supply and the number of users? While President Marcos Jr. has instructed law enforcement to ensure “bloodless and humane” operations, human rights groups report that extrajudicial killings continue. This raises another crucial question: How effective is the coordination between law enforcement, rehabilitation centers, and the justice system? Tackling the Root Causes of Drug Use To truly address drug abuse, we must recognize the underlying social issues that fuel addiction. Studies have shown that poverty, lack of opportunities, and mental health struggles significantly contribute to drug dependence. However, has the government implemented enough programs to tackle these root causes? If drug use is poverty-related, then simply arresting users does nothing to address the problem. Instead, we need: Job creation programs for at-risk communities Expanded mental health services Stronger education and awareness campaigns, especially targeting youth Another key factor is preventing drug users from gaining access to illegal substances. But does the government know exactly where the supply of drugs is coming from? Are illegal drug laboratories still operating within the country? If so, what concrete steps are being taken to dismantle them? The Role of the Private Sector and Civil Society A wholistic approach to drug rehabilitation should not be the government’s responsibility alone. Private organizations, religious institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have long been involved in helping rehabilitate drug users. The question is: Is there effective coordination between these groups and the government? Moreover, how well are the police trained in collecting and preserving evidence? Are there fair and transparent processes for prosecuting drug cases? In a country where the legal system often moves slowly, ensuring that law enforcement and the judiciary work together is crucial to prevent wrongful convictions and abuse of power. Looking Ahead: A Long Road to Drug Eradication Despite efforts to shift to a more rehabilitative approach, the Philippines still faces a long road in solving its drug problem. Some of the most pressing issues remain unanswered: Does the government have a clear timeline for eradicating illegal drugs? Has it been proven that crime rates are directly linked to drug use? Is there reliable data showing that sex crimes and other violent offenses are drug-related? While past administrations have made bold claims about eliminating illegal drugs within short timeframes, history has shown that a drug-free Philippines cannot be achieved overnight. Instead of relying on fear-driven campaigns, the government must invest in long-term, evidence-based policies that balance law enforcement with public health strategies. Final Thoughts: A Call for Compassionate, Effective Solutions The Philippines has seen the devastating consequences of a purely punitive approach to the drug crisis. While the current administration appears to be shifting towards rehabilitation, much remains to be done to ensure that drug addiction is treated as a public health issue rather than just a crime. A wholistic approach means prevention, rehabilitation, and law enforcement must go hand in hand. It requires a government that listens to medical experts, social workers, educators, and law enforcers—all working together to create real, lasting change. The question remains: Is the Philippines truly ready to embrace a more humane, effective approach to solving its drug problem? The answer to this will define the future of the country’s anti-drug campaign. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 02-21-2025