‘Alcohol and marijuana are not part of the local culture’

Anti-alcohol and anti-drug addiction advocates came together Friday to express concern about the alarming number of island residents who suffer from substance use disorders and to call for changes in community behavior that fosters these addictions.

Cris Sablan, a confessed former victim of substance use disorder and now substance prevention program supervisor at the Commonwealth Guidance Center, said these disorders are curable and preventable.

Like non-communicable diseases, Sablan believes that alcohol and drug addiction, along with mental illnesses, must be classified as diseases that can be treated.

He strongly disagreed with the perception of many in the community that “alcohol” is part of the local culture and thus cannot be prevented.

“It’s been emphasized in our community and our culture that drinking is part of the local culture…and I have to object to that. We have to stand up. Let’s do our family gatherings without these alcohol drinks and other substances. Let’s stay away from the practice of making them part of our celebrations,” he told the crowd during the proclamation signing on Friday to designate September 2011 as national alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in the Commonwealth. This year’s theme is “Join the voices for recovery: now more than ever.”

“Substance use disorders are a treatable, yet serious health care problem, and our community must take steps to address it,” states the proclamation signed by acting governor Eloy S. Inos at the Office of the Governor’s conference room.

Activities are now being prepared for the monthlong occasion, with the Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery Coalition taking the lead in collaboration with various entities and groups. The coalition is led by former Department of Public Safety commissioner Clyde Norita.

Norita said outreach programs such as counseling on three islands are among the highlights of the coalition’s initiatives. He said that what is particularly alarming is that majority of those with alcohol and substance addictions are young adults.

Norita is convinced that prevention remains the key factor in addressing substance abuse disorders. “I believe that prevention is far better approach than enforcement, which is after the fact and damage has been done. With the coalition taking the lead, in collaboration with partner groups and entities, we can help more people enter the path to recovery,” he told Saipan Tribune.