Exercise, counseling await Taguig drug addicts

THE TAGUIG City government has lined up a two-month program to treat hundreds of drug dependents who “surrendered” under “Oplan Tokhang” and help the national government’s efforts against illegal drugs.

“Our program will rehabilitate not only the body but also the mind poisoned by the illegal substance,” Mayor Lani Cayetano said in a statement on Sunday.

Taguig’s Drug-free Community Program will engage drug dependents in physical activities in addition to a seminar and counseling, medical checkups and a livelihood program.

Based on Southern Police District records, there were 1,618 drug users from Taguig City who voluntarily submitted themselves under the government’s antinarcotics drive.

Participants would be required to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle and naturally detoxify harmful chemicals from their body through perspiration.

“To make sure that drug dependents will stick to their commitment of being drug-free, they will undergo a medical and drug test,” Cayetano said.

They will also be equipped with training and skills to promote better chances of recovery and transform them into productive members of society.

“Studies indicate that loneliness has a connection to drug addiction. That is why we need the love and support of our loved ones to protect the members of the family from drug addiction,” Cayetano added.