HOPE: For our community, for our people

The work that case managers Taylor Ada, Alvin Tagabuel, and Becky Mettao do for the CNMI’s new Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation program is more than just a profession.

The three man the Hinemlu O’hala Para Enteramenti Recovery Center, or HOPE Recovery Center, sharing obstacles and triumphs within the program’s therapeutic process and how it transcends a standard 7:30am to 4:30pm job.

“One day at a time comes to mind when I think of addiction recovery. Every single day is another chance at life, and another chance to make things better,” Ada said.

Addiction recovery isn’t all about learning how to stop the addiction of substances, she said. “It’s learning how to cope and manage so you can get through your everyday life and know that it’s easier to not use or go back down that road.”

For Tagabuel, the journey is also one of self-evaluation. “Working with our participants has opened me up to see their struggles from their perspective, and it has made me change a lot of my opinions about addiction. This journey has opened me up to a whole new outlook on how to help those who are struggling with addiction.”

Being that the recovery center is still a new program, there are still a lot of bumps in the road.

“It is not an easy task to start something that has never been done in our community, but with the help and guidance of those above me, I am steadily progressing forward on this journey to make our community a better place for our children,” Tagabuel added.

In her capacity, Mettao said that, like any other journey in life, time is of the essence.

“Just like any other journey in life, this takes time and requires effort. The one thing that keeps me going is truly the journey that our clients are on,” she said.

Being able to see the changes that clients go through, Mettao said, the casework has been really heartwarming as changes happen within the families as well.

“Patience is very important because we need to be able to work with time rather than against it. As part of the Commonwealth’s first rehabilitation center, things will take time and we will encounter more changes than expected. As long as we keep our mind on the goal, all the

accomplishments and hardships become worth it.”

Working with clients from a variety of backgrounds for the past six months, Ada added that recovery work is invaluable.

“This program is ours…for our community and our people…We’ve already seen change in our participants in such a short time, which is truly amazing. Although we’ve been there to help, all the work and progress has been done by them,” she said.

Reiterating the sentiments of Reuben Chong, the center’s certified substance abuse counselor and licensed clinical social worker, Ada noted that the true success of treatment begins with full utilization beyond the center.

Ada said that “we’re never going through the battle alone and when we’re ready, there are people who are willing to help and fight with you.”

“Our lead clinician likes to say that our goal is to work ourselves out of a job. It is the ultimate hope that there may come a time where those affected by addiction have all been helped and no longer need our services,” Tagabuel said.

Realistically, Mettao said there is hope and clients can continue to see success. Recalling a story focused on resiliency, Ada said that change must come from within.

Mettao emphasized that a community struggling with addiction needs to be proactive.

“We are a very new program but there are beautiful changes already taking place. What I hope for the community is for them to continue to have hope.”

“If you want change, you have to make it happen. It is not easy, but life is so precious and has so much to offer…when you’re ready to be honest with yourself and those around you and are ready for change, help is available,” she said.

“If you know someone who is struggling with addiction, do something about it. Show them some tough love by providing pamphlets or contact numbers of available services so that they’re aware, push them to get help, transport them if need be—do whatever you need to do get them to take the first step in their road to recovery,” she said.

With all these experiences as a young caseworker, the work is a very humbling experience, Tagabuel said.

“I get to see the program develop and see it improve the quality of life in our little community. I think of a person who is struggling internally and it’s a struggle between applying the skills for recovery against the old habits that the addict is trying to get away from,” he said.

This struggle is not something that will go away overnight.

“It is lifelong,” Tagabuel said, “but I am positive that with the right treatment and support, a person can stay sober for a long period of time.”

Tagabuel said that participants who come to the center willing to take the initial step for recovery are stronger than they realize.

“You are not alone. Whatever your struggle is, there are people out there that are going through the same thing and have figured out ways to find healing. Yes, you would have to take the initiative to go out there and seek out the help, but once you get through that process and start

getting the help that you need, then you will start to heal yourself.”

At the end of the day, full recovery relies on the strength of the community, Ada said.

“This center is truly a great investment for the CNMI,” she said, optimistic that our community will continue to move forward with recovery and help those who are truly in need.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres shares the three’s sentiment and passion for the program, noting that the work toward recovery is a labor of love.

“It’s young people like Taylor, Alvin, and Becky that help move this essential program forward in order to achieve its critical mission. We, as a community, must continue to support our loved ones afflicted by substance and alcohol abuse. If you know anyone who needs help, please refer them to the drug court and this program. We are here to help our people keep that hope towards a better life for themselves and their loved ones,” Torres added.

Yvette Sablan, the special assistant for Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, said that all services are free and the center holds excellent staff dedicated to the recovery of each and every participant.

The HOPE Recovery Center is staffed 24 hours a day and has recently completed four more three-bedroom building for safe and sober living with participants from the general public.

For more information or help, call 323-7277/78. (PR)