‘We have programs to help drug dependents’

Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. State Systems Development Initiative project coordinator Shawnalei Ogumoro, right, notes an increase in the number of babies born to mothers who had used an illicit and/or non-illicit drug during their pregnancy, at the first CNMI Drug Court Stakeholders Presentation at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan’s Hibiscus Hall last month. Next to Ogumuro is CHC chief OB/GYN Dr. Jeanolivia Grant who joined her in discussing the topic of “drug use and babies and prenatal methamphetamine exposure.” (Ferdie de la Torre)

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres reminded drug dependents to avail of programs that could rid them of their illegal substance use. Crystal meth, popularly known as “ice,” has become one of the major problems in the community. In fact, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. earlier reported several incidents of pregnant women using the illicit drug.

Crystal meth is the most common choice of some pregnant women who use illicit drugs, followed by marijuana while cigarettes and alcohol are the non-illicit drugs, according to the report.

CHCC State Systems Development Initiative project coordinator Shawnalei Ogumoro, in last month’s CNMI Drug Court Stakeholder Presentation, said there have been five mothers who self-reported their drug use during their pregnancy in 2016 compared to one and two each in 2014 and 2015.

The data was based on self-reporting by the mothers of their substance abuse during their pregnancy upon labor and delivery at the Commonwealth Health Center. There could have been more cases involving mothers who decided not to inform doctors and nurses of their drug use.

Premature delivery, placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, lethargy, heart and brain abnormalities, and neurobehavioral problems or worse, death, are some of the effects “ice” use will have on an unborn child.

An infant, if it survives during birth, could then be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where the cost is $1,000 a day or $14,000 to $28,000 for a one or two-week stay.

Torres told Saipan Tribune it is unfortunate to learn that this could happen to the baby if a mother is an “ice” user. “It is really unfortunate that some babies had to go through [this]. I wish that none of our children went through with it. Whether the mothers are substance abusers or not, this is the more reason for us as a community to fight against the epidemic of meth use. We should give treatment to those people who are substance abusers, especially pregnant women who use meth during their pregnancy.”

Torres is a father of five with his wife, Diann.

He said there are agencies that support the rehabilitation of drug users like the Community Guidance Center or the nonprofit group Marianas Behavioral Health International Inc. CGC usually presents facts on the various types of illegal substances and their consequences.

“I advice and encourage everyone, especially those who are pregnant, to please stop and seek help. Come to the CGC or seek private counseling and have yourself cleaned up for the sake of the baby and the future generation,” said Torres.

He added that he has also instructed all CNMI law enforcement agencies to coordinate to combat this menace.

Educating the youth

Alicia Limtiaco, U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the CNMI, said that informing the youth of the effects of drug abuse is one way of teaching them not to give in to peer pressure and try. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has been going to different schools in the CNMI to educate students on the dangers of illegal substances. They have already visited the Alternative Education-High School, Saipan Southern High School, Tanapag Middle School, Garapan Elementary School, Chacha Oceanview, San Vicente Elementary School, and Dandan Middle School. Hopwood Junior High School has been one of their longtime partner schools, while William S. Reyes Elementary School’s Parent-Teacher-Student Association had requested for a similar talk.

Limtiaco said that allowing former users to talk to children have a direct impact. “The message of keeping our minds and body healthy have an impact and influence the way a young person may think and act in the future. Prevention and outreach are also critical and important aside from enforcement.”

“These outreaches in our communities make a difference. The kids listen especially if we have people who are courageously sharing their past personal experiences and challenges they had faced. People who are in recovery, people who have been in the criminal justice system, who served time, come out of prison, and transformed their lives.”

Limtiaco said they would continue their outreach. “It is an important effort and we are privileged to have persons in recovery to speak about their personal experiences to the kids. They have a powerful message and these individuals have been involved in the criminal justice system.”

“They can really share how drugs changed their lives and their families, because they worked really hard to be in recovery. They contribute back to the community and they are doing very well. It is all about hope and coming together as a community to support them.”

She said drugs have affected some people directly or indirectly. “Everyone of us had been touched by drugs. We might have a family member or a friend who have used drugs.”

Talk to your kids

A recent study showed that children whose parents talked to them about drug issues are most likely not to try illegal substances. Forty-two percent of kids who were given the drug talk and its dangers by their parents or guardians are less likely to use and abuse compared to those who have not discussed the issue with their families. The study also showed that 25 percent of youth said they have that kind of conversation with their families.

“What we need to improve on is for the families to talk to their children on a regular basis. We encourage parents and guardians to talk to their kids. Engage with them so they could understand that they can make the right choices and have adults to trust.”

She said “ice” has been the principal drug abused in the CNMI and Guam, that’s why it has been part of their campaign to also involve the youth. “When young people talk to their peers, it makes a difference. They can relate to each other and understand what they are going through in terms of social pressure and influences.”

“When we have young people who are part of the campaign, we can make a difference and it sends the right message of support. Having the conversation with the kids that there are people that they could reach out to is a reminder to them to keep their bodies and minds healthy, and to make the choice of being drug free.”