Gen Z ex-drug user shares journey to recovery

ILLEGAL drug use is a perennial, as well as controversial, problem in the Philippines. Estimates indicate that over four million people in the country struggle with drug addiction. 

The government has been working to address the issue through a variety of means, including law enforcement, drug treatment programs, and public education campaigns.

In recent years, the previous administration launched a controversial anti-drug campaign known as “Oplan Tokhang,” which involved police officers visiting suspected drug users and dealers in their homes, ostensibly to encourage them to turn themselves in and to urge them to stop using drugs.

But the campaign took a bloody turn, and it reaped criticism because of the high body count in the police’s anti-drug operations. Human rights groups have accused police officers of being responsible for the extrajudicial killings of alleged drug users and dealers.

History of drug use

Drug abuse refers to the habitual use of substances that have addictive properties and can lead to negative consequences for the individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being. 

It has been a part of human history for thousands of years, with evidence of drug use dating back to ancient civilizations.

Throughout history, people have used drugs for various reasons, such as for medicinal purposes, religious ceremonies, and recreational activities. However, the misuse and abuse of drugs have also been prevalent, leading to addiction, health problems, and social problems.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, drug abuse became more widespread as new drugs were developed, such as morphine, cocaine, and amphetamines.

The extensive availability and use of these drugs led to the creation of laws and regulations aimed at controlling drug use.

In some instances, these have worked; in others, not so much. 

Gen Z ex-drug user

Jeorge Biolado was just 13 when he started to become a pill popper. What began as a jest from his peers turned his life upside down.

Similar to other drug addiction narratives, Jeorge tried illegal medications like marijuana and  methamphetamine or shabu, in the hope of escaping the dilemmas he was facing in his life and with his family.

In an interview with republicasia, the 25-year-old said he believes that people like him become drug dependent because they think this would solve the problems they carry on their shoulders. Drug abuse is similar to a colorful trap that makes a person fall into an infinite rabbit hole with little to no hope of salvation.

Para syang butas na may design sa ibabaw, na pag tinapakan mo, bangin. Hindi mo gugustuhin na mahulog do’n,”

Jeorge Biolado

His wake up call

It took Jeorge years before he could finally drag himself out of the abyss and put an end to his illegal substance abuse.

According to this Gen Z, he ultimately decided to do something about his drug addiction after witnessing what illegal substances had done to his peers.

“Ang nangyari kasi that time, umalis ako sa bahay. Iba’t ibang tao yung nakakasama ko, nakikita ko yung mga nangyayari sa kanila,” Jeorge recalled. 

Parang naging reflection ko yung lahat ng naging kwento nila. Nalalaman ko na, ‘Ah dapat ganito pala, dapat ganyan.’ Then sabi ko mali talaga. It’s time to stop talaga na wag na, tama na,”

Jeorge Biolado

A mother’s love

Seeing his mother cry also became a wake up call for Jeorge. It made him realize that what he was doing was wrong. This also became a factor that drove him to finally change.

“Nakita ko si mama umiiyak sa harapan ko kasi hindi nya na kaya yung mga ginagawa ko no’n, hindi nya na alam kung ano pa ba yung pwede nyang gawin para mapatigil ako o mapagbago,” he said.

He also shared that he talked with his older brother regarding his situation, and his brother advised him to consider discontinuing his illegal activities.

The importance of support in recovery

Support from family can be crucial for individuals struggling with drug addiction. 

Emotional support from family members can help the individual feel loved, accepted, and understood. They can provide encouragement, motivation, and a sense of purpose that can help the person stay on track in their recovery. They can also offer a listening ear and provide a safe and supportive space for the person to talk about their feelings and experiences.

However, if family members can’t provide this, Jeorge said those trying to recover from drug addiction could find other people to whom they could share their burdens, and who would help them become better versions of themselves. 

Sa pamilya kung walang nagsusuporta, makikita mo ‘yon sa iba. Depende na nga lang ‘yan sa sasamahan mo, kung tunay na pagsuporta ba ‘yung ibibigay sayo o [masamang] impluwensya lang din makukuha mo sa kanila,”

Jeorge Biolado

Jeorge’s message to fellow Gen Zs

When asked about what he wants to tell his fellow Gen Zs who are going through the struggles he had faced, Jeorge said it is time for them to stop their drug use.

He also recommends that they choose their friends wisely and to make sure they make the right choices.

Hindi masamang makipagkaibigan, hindi maling makipagkaibigan. Ang mali is yung gawaing mali, tinutuloy nyo pa rin,”

Jeorge Biolado

“Kasi bandang huli, [yung] kaibigan nyo mawawala rin yan pag nasa kulungan na kayo.”