Help give the society drug free youths
By: Boniface O. Mouti
Treatment of drug users usually
depends on several factors ranging from the type of drugs one is using to the
period that the person has been using the drug. There are several methods used
in treatment. I would like to mention a few of them briefly before trying to
talk exhaustively about counseling which is one of the commonly used method.
Cold turkey: this is the process whereby an individual who has
been doing drugs undergoes a sudden withdrawal from them. Cold turkey can bring
complications, hence the need to handle it with a lot of care.
Maintenance: it involves a system that is well controlled and monitored by
experts, in which the user continues to take drugs but in a controlled pattern
under strict observance until one completely does away with the habit.
Detoxification: this is a process by which a user withdraws from a drug in a
safe environment(detox centre), such that symptoms are minimized.
Medical rehabilitation: it is the process by which one is brought back to a
state of physical, psychological and social wellbeing and reintegrated into the
community. It follows initial treatment and such can be carried out in a number
of ways, for example relapse prevention.
Counseling: this involves the addict visiting a psychiatrist or other
experienced personnel for personal guidance on how to top the habit. However,
there should be a strong conviction on the part of the user to stop taking
drugs. Counseling substance abuse victims can be quite strenuous. It is the duty
of the counselor to deal with the situation in a calm and rational manner. It
would help to know the background of the drug user. What were the experiences in
the institutions one attended? Why did they abuse drugs and how they started.
How long have they been using the drug and whom do they share them with? What
kind of drugs do they use?
The counselor should avoid telling the drug user what to do, rather ask him or
her how they expect to be supported. This entails being available for them and
talking about shared fears and worries. Encourage them to find constructive
alternatives such as hobbies or pastimes. Avoid suggesting abstract impractical
solutions. Complex problems should have complex solutions. However, do not let
them think their case is hopeless. The addict's search for a superficial
resolution of life through drugs, follows directly from relationships that were
often superficial and external. Young people who seek solace in drugs are often
expressing tendencies that were always present in their home and school lives.
The ever-present danger of withdrawal creates an ever-lasting present craving.
Counselors need to be aware of family backgrounds. They should be helped to
accept their status and the reality of their life and help to instill in the
user a sense of hope and build in the user a strong conviction of the need to
change. Counseling should be consistent. Every effort should be made by the
counselor to follow on the progress made. It is vital to note at this point that
acute drug addicts that cannot be handled by the counselors should be referred
to professional psychiatrists and medical personnel for treatment before they
are counseled. Counseling will prove to be useless if the user does not
demonstrate a concrete spirit to stop using the drugs.
Conclusively, we request those concerned to work out ways and means of
establishing counseling centers in schools and other institutions where the
youth are involved, which will enable them to discuss their problems easily and
find solutions. In a nutshell let us always have the interest of our young
people at heart and let us give the society drug free youths.
Email: rehofo@yahoo.com
