Can one prove this statement to be true?
http://www.miadhu.com.mv/news.php?id=10329
May be lack of a half way house is one contributing factor, but it is premature to assume this to be the main cause for relapse!
Can the HRCM then state the type of rehabilitation program offered at DRC is useful and state that having the half way house will make all the difference?
I think before making statements like this, it is better to have appropriate research conducted by professionals in the field!!!.
NNCB already have many facilities, perhaps it is high time some one researched on what is going on at these places where so much of government finances are already being exhausted.
I am yet to come across 'lack of a half way house' as a cause of relapse....to state this is the main cause of the high relapse rate is just ridiculous.
I also wonder whether it is really upto HRCM to identify the causes of relapse of the drug dependent people of the Maldives ?
Should they also start providing inputs on the quality and type of treatment and rehabilitation programmes that are required?
Or should they be investigating the abuse of rights of the clients that may or may not be happening within the rehabilitation system of Maldives instead?
Wonder whether it would be of any use if someone examined whether such abuse of rights happen at admission and discharge of the clients from these programmes, when addicts who are users get criminalised ..etc..should not the commission be looking at things like this instead of examining the causes of relapse and making statements of this nature!!
But if not HRCM, who else would become the watchdog for those involved in the rehabilitation process? We do need reports like the auditor generals , to get insights into whats really going on within the walls of these institutes.
We also need professionals ( national or international) to come and evaluate these programs so that they can make recommendations to aspects like effectiveness of treatment, rehabilitation and prevention models that are followed in the country.
Policy makers need to look for research based evidence when they make decisions on how to proceed on delivering cost effective programmes to address the drug problem of the country. And if HRCM or any other body need to make a comment on such technical aspects perhaps it would be better to refer to such reports!
4 comments:
They just want to look good in front of the TV viewers. It's all a media stunt they want to pull off.
Hi....
First time I came across your blog..... Read some - thanks!!! excellent eye openers. Been over a year I guess, since we last talked - so thought will say hi and see how you all are doing. Pls say hi to swt little dhania...she is such a pretty, sweet and graceful little princess.
Heyo dhua salaams to all......Marie.
I don't think there is any proof that half way homes will reduce the relapse rate. However, having worked in the rehabilitation field (drug)for over 12 years in Asia and having had the experience of working in a half way home for the mentally ill in the UK, I can say that these facilities (at least in the west) have had a positive impact on the treatment of the beneficiaries. They bridge the gap between a regulated institutions and a home, thereby, joining the two important link of being under a supervised care but having the freedom of living a "normal" life! Many beneficiaries go through the rehabilitation process many a times but in vain. After a few attempts, either by the rule of the institution or their own will, they refuse to return to the same programme! In such cases, half-way-homes work miracles!!
I have been in the Maldives working as a consultant for the UNFPA and closely looked at various NGOs as well as the Government run programmes. Due to the law of the country, people with various history of drug abuse are all put in the same facility and same programme is offered to all of them! I am not sure how this can work effectively.
I agree when you say that resources are limited and in such cases, the government & the NGOs should do well in looking at running programmes that are cost-effective and long term!
More discussions on this topic should be encouraged!!
Very interesting blog! Great to be able to hear your views on this very important issue and of course you are right that there needs to be a lot more research before making any assessment. Just so you know I worked with UNICEF in the Maldives and worked closely with the Journey team...so happy to see that there is some progress?
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