VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 10 • OCTOBER 2013
A SLICE OF ORANGE Refreshing Your Health
KEEPING DRUGS OUT OF THE OFFICE, PART 2 • The road to rehab • Why go to rehab? • The drug-free workplace • New beginnings
Keeping drugs out of the office, part 2 IN THE SECOND PART OF THIS TWO-PART SERIES, READ ABOUT THE MUST-KNOWS OF KEEPING A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.
Last month, we discussed how drug abuse harms you and your relationships; and some
warning signs of possible addiction.
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Now you notice that your husband seems to be having trouble, both at work and getting some good night’s sleep. Or maybe your girlfriend no longer hangs out with her best friends, and has taken to smoking. Or maybe you tried taking ecstasy over one weekend, which has now turned into a weekly joint. What do you do?
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 10 • OCTOBER 2013
The road to rehab
jor stumbling blocks of drug users is the per-
him or her into drug use in the first place.
Rehab, short for rehabilitation, is a pro-
vasive denial that accompanies addiction. In
Furthermore, cravings and withdrawal symp-
gram that helps people trapped in addiction
most cases, the drug addict tends to minimize
toms can become overwhelmingly strong to
get out of this dark pit.
his drug use and its harmful effects. Attending
withstand, highlights Dr. Bautista.
Many misconceptions have surrounded
rehab will assist the person see reality, allow-
However, despite these pressures, one
rehab. Most people think that rehab is a jail
ing him to tackle the problem head on. This is
needs to remain abstinent, because as long
filled with criminals. That it is a place of tor-
done through various clinical techniques that
as some drug is in the body, one’s mental
ture, torment, or brain washing. And that it is
eventually lead to the addict taking responsi-
fitness and judgment is distorted. Since this
just a way to separate the “adik” from society.
bility for his actions. This is a crucial first step
period of detox may take weeks, rehab can
These are farthest from the truth. Most
to recovery.
help you handle these pressures throughout
rehabilitation centers are well equipped fa-
this period.
cilities with professional staff of psychiatrists,
psychologists, professional counselors, social
With all of these
that it places the addict in a supportive envi-
benefits, getting
ships tend to deteriorate, and loneliness and
workers, and other specialists to focus on the personal needs of each person. Some rehab centers even allow you to simply attend ses-
rehab is the best
sions and let you go home afterwards. Most rehab programs employ a well-rounded program using a wide variety of modalities, such as behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, group therapy, and medications to soothe with-
ronment. During addiction, personal relationdepression set in. The supportive environment of rehab slowly begins to repair the emotion-
thing a drug addict
al and relational damages done by addic-
can do for himself
support between recovering people is best in
and his loved ones.
drawal symptoms and underlying anxiety and
Another reason why rehab is so helpful is
depression.
tion. It is well established that the bond and providing a new support system. Lastly, classes and lectures aimed at replacing old harmful beliefs that led to addiction, with new empowering ones, help main-
Why go to rehab?
According to Dr. Irces G. Bautista, a
get help through rehab is the difficulty of ab-
diplomate of the Philippine College of Oc-
staining from the addiction. Without rehab,
is the best thing a drug addict can do for
cupational Medicine, and the occupational
the addict may be poorly equipped to handle
himself and his loved ones,” Dr. Bautista en-
health physician of ActiveLink, one of the ma-
the emotional and social prodding that led
courages.
The second reason why an addict should
tain long term recovery. “With all of these benefits, getting rehab
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 10 • OCTOBER 2013
The drug-free workplace The workplace is a major cause of stress for
In efforts to identify and assist people
most people—stress that can lead to a person
with or at risk for addiction, the company is
to turn to drugs. Therefore, the workplace has
obliged to enforce strict confidentiality during
a responsibility to foster a drug-free environ-
these procedures. Drug testing should con-
ment for its employees.
form to strict procedures, and performed only
The Department of Labor and Employment
through accredited testing centers. Tested
has issued Department Order 53-03 (Series
employees must be informed of test results,
of 2003), also known as the Guidelines for
whether positive or negative. All cost of drug
the Implementation of a Drug-Free Work-
testing should be borne by the employer.
tling drug addiction, The New Beginnings Foun-
place: Policies and Programs for the Private
The Order also specifies that company
dation Inc. is a place where you can find help
Sector. According to the Order, “it shall be
policies should include provisions for em-
and refuge. The New Beginnings Foundation was
mandatory for all private establishments em-
ployee assistance and counseling programs
ploying 10 or more workers to formulate and
for emotionally-stressed employees. Follow-
implement drug abuse prevention and control
ing rehabilitation, the employer may allow
programs in the workplace, including the for-
resumption of the employee’s job if he/
mulation and adoption of company policies
she poses no serious danger to his/her co-
against dangerous drug use.” This Order is
employees and/or the workplace. However,
meant to ensure that every employee is safe-
repeated drug use even after ample opportu-
guarded from the harmful effects of drug use.
nity for treatment and rehabilitation should be
from all mood-altering chemicals; significant im-
According to this Order, companies
dealt with the corresponding penalties under
provement in the quality of life; and ongoing
should try to increase awareness and educa-
the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of
tion of employees on the adverse effects of
2002. However, these penalties shall be de-
You can visit them at Room 101, Midland Man-
dangerous drugs. The company should also
livered only after due procedure.
sions on 839 Pasay Road Makati City. You may
monitor employees susceptible to drug abuse,
also call (02) 894 5399; (02) 622 6874; or
to be able to institute preventive measures.
ployees and their loved ones may be safe-
Interventions and treatment or rehabilitation
guarded from the ills of drug abuse.
New beginnings If you or your loved ones ever need help bat-
formed in 1990 by a group of Filipinos who realized the need to provide the Philippines with a humane, caring and effective treatment option for drug and alcohol dependency. The New Beginnings Foundation is the Asian pioneer of the 12-Step based treatment approach combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Treatment is aimed at complete abstinence
maintenance of a recovery program.
With all these measures in place, all em-
(+63) 917 807 3422. You may also email breakfree@drugrehabphilippines.com.
services should also be made available.
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Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelinkbenefits.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2013 ActiveLink
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A Slice of Orange
is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Ivan Olegario, MD