VSMMC to launch free drug test drive

The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center will offer at least 500 free drug tests in line with the celebration of November as Drug Prevention Month.

"Beginning November 7 in time for the Drug Prevention Month celebration, we will conduct free drug tests, and to all who are interested, just visit our hospital. This is one of our efforts as we celebrate Drug Prevention Month," said Primo Joel Alvez, VSMMC officer-in-charge.

Earlier, Department of Health's Substance Abuse Prevention Program coordinator Joy Abellana said there has been a change in profiles of drug users in the region as most of them are now from ages 29 and above from the usual 22-24 age bracket.

"Most of those who will approach me are in the working age group and the employed. In fact, little addicts are found in school, many in the drug centers right now are already having white hairs," Abellana said.

She said that the change in profile only shows that government's programs are effective, adding that a person with mental illness would easily use drug because mental illness and drug addiction coexist.

"We conduct lectures and promotions in schools that's why only a little addicts are found there. Giving lectures to students is very effective," she said.

Although Abellana was not able to give figures in the regional level, she said that of the 3.4 million Filipinos who are into drugs, 1.4 million are regular users. The country has a population of at least 85 million. - Jasmin R. Uy