Kunci's journey

Brother… how can sexual diseases were transfered ?

rehabilitasikunci — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:42:25 +0000

Many students gathered when we arrived with our rent car. It ws 10.30 a.m. when arrived. The seminar sholud be started at 10.00 a.m. It was rain and the street rather sleepery.

Today we gave the seminar for the teenagers and it brought up ALL kinds of questions and comments. We talked about sexuality, relation men and women, drugs, and what these words meant and how if we meet with these situation. We talked about what the general problem among the teenagers, how they should do during this phase.

We talked about the great influx of peer that came through their relation with anybody at school, their neighbourhood, and public place. We also talked about the danger of peer pressure. Add it’s really danger.

Man young student didn’t know how sexual disesases was transmitted. It’s like big barrier, and we come to explain it to them.

Summary of Youth Responses on Drugs Abuse

rehabilitasikunci — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:11:53 +0000

YOUNG PEOPLE AND DRUGS INDONESIA

Background

As part of the preparation of the Youth Sessions in the International Harm Reduction Conference, representative of UNICEF along with its partners in Indonesia has conducted a preconsultation with young people in Indonesia. The pre-consultation involved 40 young people at Yayasan Harapan Permata Hati Kita (Yayasan Kita), a drug treatment and recovery community center and at a meeting of eight young people hosted by Badan Narkotika Nasional (BNN) a government agency working with young people in drug prevention activities.

Summary of Youth Respons

Part One: Young People’s Views on the Nature of Drug Use

Why do young people begin using drugs?

• Curiosity and a desire to experiment

• Lack of information and experience

• Personality types which make some youth vulnerable to drugs

• Poor personal characteristics including poor decision making

• Pressure from self to fit in

• It was available, offered by a friend

• Felt pressured by friends, mainly at school

• Following other people’s lifestyles (adopting ready made lifestyles) that looks cool

• Trying to find something new

• Parents used drugs

• Poor communication with parents

• To gain parental attention

• Angry at parents

• House servants were using

• Availability of alcohol at home

• Early initiation with alcohol

• No alternatives to drug use for enjoyment

• Coping with difficulty in sleeping

• Experimenting at first, abusing next, addicted after

Why do some young people continue to use drugs?

Self

• Problem avoidance, such as stress, loneliness• Avoiding reality• To get attention, especially that which is not received from family• Improved ability to socialize• Liked the enjoyable effects and sensation of drugs• Felt that drugs was the whole world and that drugs had became one’s best friend Friends • Wanting to have fun with friends• Because a significant other (boyfriend/girlfriend) was also using• Because friends also continued to use

Family

• Parents could not control young person’s behavior, provided too much freedom, or are too soft

Lifestyle

• Because it felt right• Began to enjoy the lifestyle• Wanting the freedom of self expression• It gave a sense of self confidence• Wanting to be cool

The Nature of Drugs

• Did not know how to stop• Didn’t have information on how to stop• Using became a need; once they started heroin, they had to use to avoid withdrawal symptomsWhy do some young people stop using drugs?

Personal Feelings

• Tired and bored of an addicted lifestyle, tired of being tired• Stressed out, desperate, feeling guilty and depressed• Having a will to stop• Feeling that they have damaged the family by lying, stealing and cheating

Because of Others

• Parents by far are the strongest forces of change that can help addicts find help and stop use• Most significant others: parents or boyfriend/girlfriend found out and forced them to stop• Loss of good friends• Thinking about the negative effects drug use to family and siblings Risks Involved in

Continued Use

• Began to look into the future• Increasing risk of HIV• Already have HIV and HCV• Risks of overdose (already overdosed)• Risks of getting caught by police• Always had problems• Thinking about the possibility of having drug addicted kids• Life has become unmanageable• Decline in their general state of health

Financial Reasons

• Difficult to continue to support the habit financially

Part Two: How Young People Feel About Current ApproachesWhat are some of the options for young people who want to stop using drugs?

Medical Approach • Attend an outpatient clinic and be treated by doctors and psychiatrists• Detox through inpatient programs (including mental hospitals)• Go to a counselor at a drug dependence hospital

Home Therapy • Cold turkey (isolating oneself at home)• Geographical move (moving to a different neighborhood or city)• Substituting the use of other drugs• Imagining the future• Finding activities and staying busy

Rehabilitation • Go to rehabilitation centres (religious, therapeutic community, police rehabilitation, bootcamps)• 12 Step programs: trying to be clean just for today, one day at a time• Find a support group

Alternative Healers • Herbal medicine• Shaolin approaches

Religious Approach • Go to a religious boarding houses• Go to a religious leader to be exorcised and prayed forWhat problems have young people encountered in finding help to stop using?

Basic Problems • Did not have much information as to where to go for help; had to ask friends who were addicts• The services provided were pathetic and inadequate• Bad experiences and treatment from providers, i.e. discrimination, stigmatized as addicts• There were no facilities available that were good for addicts• No information was ever provided on HIV, HCV, effects, transmission and prevention

Medical Community • Medical community only knew about giving medicine, conducting detox and tending the body• Medications are too high in dosage• Did not provide counseling or information on drugs, harm reduction or viruses• Doctors do not have accurate information on substance abuse and addiction• Addicts end up disliking the service providers because their service were minimum and uncaring• Not professional in providing services• Testing for HIV without consent• Providing naltrexone and rapid detox to HCV positive addicts• Service providers do not really care, only how much addicts pay

Religious Community • Religious people only knew how to give advice without having information on substance abuse• Addicts end up disliking the service providers because their service were minimum and uncaring• Not professional in providing services• Harsh treatment and violence

Police Related Community • Violence• Punishment

What support do young people need to stop using drugs?

• A community that can provide therapy (recovering addicts helping addicts)• A good facility with a good program that understands addicts and makes us feel comfortable• The finances to be able to go to proper treatment• Knowledge and information about addiction as well as on the best programs available• Patience and dedication on the part of service providers in working with addicts• Support groups for clients (addicts helping addicts) and support groups for families• Emotional support from family and significant others, mental serenity and a sense of faith• Help in gaining the awareness of the need to recover and a clear program to work on• Aftercare including the active involvement and support of parents• Support services such as drop-in centers and 24 hour help hotline• Support from the nation in supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction• Materials that are comprehensive and continuously provided to the public

What are young people’s feelings about service providers?

• Resentful, distrustful, confused and shameful• Service providers are discriminative and stigmatize addicts• Service providers don’t have the welfare of the addicts and young people in mind• Service providers don’t have information and skills and are ineffective in helping addicts thus making addicts feel pessimistic about the likelihood of ever getting better• Great because doctors give medicine that addicts can mix with other street drugs• Service providers are annoying and not professional enough to work with addicts• Angry because they misled addicts with wrong information (i.e. naltrexone and rapid detox as the magic bullet and cure or that a person would overdose if they use after these treatments)• Annoyed that medications provided created side effects• They don’t provide us with enough time to consult• Fearful (having had been beaten and sodomized at a religious center and police based center)

Were prevention or harm reduction messages provided by service providers?

• Prevention messages were never available, none• No information prior to using regarding effects and dangers of drugs• Only knew about the types of drugs available to use• Providers that addicts came in contact with did not have any information about drugs, viruses• Information received on harm reduction was so limited and vague• Only knew about overdosing and avoiding abscess, but never followed instructions• Myths were plentiful (i.e. not necessary to use new needles; alcohol would kill all germs; HIV is only infecting sex workers, squatters; to revive an overdosing addict just inject him with salt)

What advice would you offer to service providers for working with young people?

Prevention Issues • Seek effective ways to prevent the misguided curiosity of young people• Prevention must be done before exposure to drugs because once you begin you will not listen• Programs must move beyond using scare tactics to more effective approaches such as life skills• Parents need to take part in prevention, providing attention and discipline (tough love)• Schools to take a bigger part in preventive measures, as early as possible (5th grade)• Provide workshops at school level, teachers must be informed (most schools are not ready)• Programs currently have very limited penetration outside major metropolitan areas

Harm Reduction Issues • Not available and not provided; most young people do not have information on harm reduction• Service providers do not seem to have information on harm reduction, and never pass on harm reduction messages to young substance abusers when they seek help

Early Intervention Issues• Help young substance abusers to understand the risk involved with the use of drugs• Create a healthy drug-free environment in hang out places• Associate drug-using lifestyle with risk and problems, because most do not do so• Help young people learn the skill of problem solving• Provide information on how to stop drug use, what young people can do when friends are using• Encourage families to be involved and educated in how to intervene

Treatment Issues • Professionalism in dealing with addiction is still lacking• Young people feel that there’s a huge gap between their needs and the services provided• Young addicts are distrustful in general, and are distrustful and resentful of service providers• Young addicts feel misunderstood and mistreated• Harsh treatments are reported in religious and police settings, while discriminative treatment is reported in the medical communities

How to Prevent Youth from Using Drugs

• Schools can provide age appropriate information about drugs that is also culturally appropriate• Information at all levels for everyone before experimenting with substances• Specific goals and dreams for youth – support for goals and dreams• Provide good environmental factors at home• Good communication with parents who are willing to discuss sensitive issues• Use positive peer pressure and allow youth to develop programs• Greater socialization with other individuals and youth as opposed to interaction with technology• High availability of constructive, alternative options for youth (parks, community centres)• Alumni and ex-drug addicts can visit schools with drug information• Provide positive role models

How to Motivate Youth to Stop Using Drugs

• Highlight the stress and tiredness associated with living life as an addict• Help young substance abusers see the problems they are creating for themselves and howunmanageable and filled with problems their lives have become• Highlight problems associated with drug use, i.e. health issues, age, and risks• Help young substance abusers to look into the future• Highlight the financial effect of drug use

Young People, Drugs and HIV/AIDS

• Most university students understand AIDS and the relationship between drugs and AIDS• High school students have little or no knowledge or believe that it is not going to affect them• Elementary students have no knowledge at all• Most youth have serious misconceptions regarding the means of available protection• Most are not properly informed about the high possibilities of AIDS due to IDU• Many don’t know how to protect themselves or understand the proper use of condoms• Most young people are in state of denial in regards to their vulnerability to AIDS and STD

Meeting on Regional Consultations on Young People, Drugs and Substances In Indonesia

rehabilitasikunci — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:40:42 +0000

In reviewing the information that was compiled in the country consultations with young people, two points are evident. The first is that there is a great deal of similarity in experience and perspectives of the young people within our region. Second, on the whole, the young people who participated in these consultations feel that their country’s current efforts in addressing drug issues are generally ineffective. This second perspective applies to a range of programs from prevention to treatment to supply reduction. In addition, the young people felt that in the area of harm reduction, there were in fact few programs, which promoted this perspective. Further, they felt that in the cases where harm reduction messages were promoted, the information was often incomplete or inaccurate. As professionals, we can receive this information in a number of ways. One reaction could be to dismiss it as the sincere, yet uninformed opinions of young people. A second would be to embark on an effort to conform all program approaches to the advice they have provided. Yet as is often the case, the best response is perhaps somewhere in the middle. The perspectives of young people are invaluable and should be balanced with our collective understanding of what well-designed research has demonstrated as effective practice. In that regard, it is interesting to note that much of the information the young people have provided in these consultations in fact reflects what the research literature would suggest. For example, in the area of prevention the young people dismissed the effectiveness of scare tactics and instead recommended the teaching of decision making and other appropriate skills; with regard to treatment they suggested that programs be of adequate length, involve families and provide strong aftercare. Those familiar with the literature on effective prevention and treatment know that these suggestions are verymuch in accordance with what the research on these topics would support. The following three sections will summarize young people’s views on the nature of drug use, the various types of approaches that have been used in their country to address this issue, and their recommendations for developing effective programs.

Nature of Drug Use Among Young People

I had refused my friends when they asked me to try to smoke drugs the first time. My friends said that it would make me feel good after smoking it. Finally I tried it after my friends had persuaded me for several times. I could not sleep after I had tried for the first time. I didn’t even know it was yaba (amphetamine).

The young people who participated in the consultations identified a number of reasons why young people use drugs. These reasons include issues related to personal feelings and beliefs, family factors, peer influences and social conditions. Personal feelings and beliefs range from the desire to seek positive outcomes associated with drug use such as improved school and work performance to the need to cope with life’s problems and stresses. In identifying the extent to which family factors contribute to drug use, the young people suggested that parents who constantly fight, put pressure on their children or show little interest might lead young people to use drugs. With regard to peers, the young people spoke of both external and internal pressures to use drugs. In some instances they identified situations where peers activity encouraged their involvement in either using or selling drugs. In one case, they spoke of a progressive scheme designed to lure them into drug use and then involve them in selling drugs to others. In other instances the pressures were internal. The young people simply wanted to fit in with others and felt that using drugs would lead to a more interesting social life. Finally, with regard to social conditions, young people suggested that the easy availability of drugs, coupled with media images that made use attractive, created an environment that was conducive to drug use. In reflecting on the young people’s discussions on the nature of drug use several points are worth noting. The first is, that as the literature would reinforce, drug use is often the result of a series of complex factors including conditions that are present in both an individual and the environment in which he or she lives. Secondly, as one examines the reasons advanced for initial use versus continued use, it is clear that there is a shift in why an individual uses drugs over time. While the reasons for initial use was to some degree attributed to dealing with problems, it was for the most part seen as a way to enhance one’s experience. When the young people discussed why some people continued using drugs, it was clear that enhancing effects became less important and the degree to which the drug could be used to cope with life became more important. Also of note, is that as drug use continued, the role of peer influences also increased. Finally, in some cases the addictive nature of drugs was mentioned in that young people continued using because they found it difficult to stop. With regard to the effects of drugs, young people are aware of the many physical harms associated with drug use. They also felt a major negative consequence of drug use was being arrested and/or killed by either police, dealers, or the continued use of drugs. In other instances, they reported what they felt were the positive effects of use including an increased sense of selfesteem and acceptance by peers and boy/girlfriends. Little was said about the long-term psychological impact of drug use, although some young people did speak about the extent to which drugs can take away your sense of value and dignity. In some cases, the young people were also aware of the relationship between injecting drug use and HIV/AIDS, but others were not. In many cases even those who were aware of this relationship did not have an accurat understanding of how to protect oneself from infection. In the case of factors that contribute to young people stopping drug use, it was interesting to note that the role of the family was mentioned by a number of young people. In other instances peers were also identified as key factors, especially the support of a boy/girlfriend who does not usedrugs and disapproves of use by others. In other cases, young people attributed stopping drug use to lack of availability or high prices (especially as a result of government crackdowns on drugs). These young people also pointed out that they were afraid of being arrested and sent to detention centres by the police. Other reasons cited had less to do with fear of negative consequences and were more related to young people’s desire to achieve a sense of self-worth, as well as the respect of their family and community. Finally, others pointed to their interest in maintaining a job to be able to help support their family.

Young People’s Impressions of Programs Designed to Address Drug Issues

The government does not provide any alternative activities. They only arrest us and send us to detention centers. If you would like us to stop using drugs, putting us in a detention center is not the right way. It doesn’t solve the root of the problem.

The impressions of young people regarding programs that address drug issues can best be summarized in the form of a chart. Exhibit One identifies seven key program areas that young people reported having some level of experience with in this region.

The seven key areas are (1) School-Based Preventio(2)Communications/Media/Social Order Campaigns (3) Faith-Based Programs (4) Harm Reduction (5) Treatment (6) Aftercare and (7) Supply Reduction.

Exhibition One

Program Type	Young People’s Comments	Young People’s Assessment
School-Base Prevention	Young people identified prevention as an important activity that should be age and culturally appropriate, and both provide information as well as teach refusal skills and decision making.	These programs are generally ineffective since programs are either based on scared tactics or are inadequate with regard to the information presented. Also, teachers are not properly trained.
Communication/Media/Social Order Campaigns	Campaigns of this nature have been developed in each of the countries involved in the consultation. These campaigns involve a range of media including brochures, speeches, parades, and billboard messages.	These campaigns are ineffective because the messages are usually too general (examples: Bad people use drugs or don’t use drugs). This messages will not work with young people, especially drug users.
Faith-Base Programs	Young people identified faith-based treatment approaches that ranged from exorcism to residential treatment programs.	While issues of faith were identified as important factors for stoping drug use, the young people suggested that religious program staff don’t always understand drug users and sometimes treat them in a hars and judgmental manner.

Exhibition Two

Program Type	Young People’s Comments	Young People’s Assessment
Harm Reduction	The young people had some exposure to harm reduction messages in some countries, and no exposure in others. Programs included presentations on clean needles and syringes as well as distribution of brochures.	Overall, even in those instances where harm reduction was addressed, the young people felt that much more should have been done. Further, they reported that many providers are not familiar with harm reduction or gave inaccurate information about drugs.Note: The lack of accurate information was reinforced in the young people’s discussions of harm associated with drug use. For example, manny unaware of danger associate with drug use especially in relationship HIV/AIDS
Treatment	The young people were aware of many types of treatment approaches including outpatient, inpatient, detox, therapeutic communities, faith-based programs and rehabilitation centers (included boot camps).	Overall the young people felt that treatment programs were not effective. The major reasons were two fold. One concerned the availability and/or the cost of accessing treatment. The second pertained to program staff. Young people felt that program staff often don’t adequatly understand drugs and drugs users. They also felt that staff were judgmental, disrespectfull and mistreated young drug users.

Exhibition Three

Program Type	Young People’s Comments	Young People’sAssessment
Aftercare	Some young people in the consultation groups were familiar with the concept of aftercare, but generally did not know of programs that provided such services for drug users in their community.	Young people pointed out that aftercare is an important part of treatment but is generally not available. One participant observed that the only extent to which follow-up occurs is that they are told to report periodically to the police after they are released from detention and rehabilitation centres. When they meet with the police they are encouraged to identify other drug users and sellers in the community as opposed to being offered support.
Supply Reduction	The young people were very aware of high-profile government effort to control the supply of drugs. These efforts included police crackdowns on deallers and users.	The young people felt that these campaigns were generally effective in the short run by both decreasing the availability of drugs, as well as driving up the price to a level that is prohibitive for many young people. On the other hand, they reported that most people just turn to cheaper and sometimes more dangerous drugs (like glue sniffing). They also said that the effects of these action would be temporary and that in time the drug users who are arrested and placed in detention centres will return to drugs use and that systems for selling drugs will be re-established

Recommendations of Young People

The recommendations advanced by the young people who participated in the consultation groups concerned a number of key areas. With regard to prevention programs, young people suggested that governments need to promote the active involvement of communities, schools, and families. With regard to specific program development, the young people noted that the age of first use is getting younger, so prevention programs need to begin with young children prior to their first exposure to drugs. Programs should also focus on skill development as opposed to providing only information and should be age and culturally appropriate. Schools should play an important role, balanced by alternative programs in the community and support for families. Teachers and other professionals should receive proper training to provide accurate and relevant information. The young people also recommended the use of positive peer pressure both in school andcommunity settings including the establishment of youth camps that provide opportunities for discussion, skill development and positive alternative activities. Specific mention was also made of issues of harm reduction. Young people noted that very little information was available on this topic and recommended that programs be developed to educate young people about ways in which to reduce the harms associated with drug use – especially the harm related to the use of needles and syringes as it pertains to HIV/AIDS infection. With regard to treatment, the young people suggested that service providers should consider the importance of early intervention including outreach services designed to educate and motivate young drug users. For example, they recommended developing programs that help young people learn the risks associated with drug use, as well as the steps one must take to quit using drugs. In addition, the young people made some specific recommendations for treatment programs. They suggested that programs find ways to encourage voluntary entrance to treatment and have varied courses of treatment depending on the nature of an individual’s drug use. They also recommended that programs require the participation of families. Further, they felt that in many cases, service providers needed to stop being judgmental of young drug users and instead deal with them in a professional and compassionate manner. Given the fact that most young drug users are distrustful and resentful of service providers in general, it is all the more important for providers to consider ways to create supportive environments for treatment and rehabilitation. Finally, they suggested that due to the huge gap between need and treatment services, alternatives to rehabilitation centres, such as family and community-based programs, should be considered as effective options for young drug users. Finally in the area of supply reduction, the young people recommended reconsidering the strategy of conducting police crackdowns on drug distribution as a sole strategy. The young people observed that while these programs typically have impressive short-term effects they often drive users to seek cheaper and more dangerous drugs (such as glue, fake drugs) and/or resort to crime to get additional money. In addition, they felt that once these initiatives are completed, networks for drug distribution are quickly re-established and old patterns of drug use resume.

How to gain the resident?

rehabilitasikunci — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:51:53 +0000

How we gain the residents? It’s big question and hardly we say that: it’s not easy. In few weeks ago, many people contacted and asked for help for their family. They called and even came to our house for the information. Of course, we explain what is TC, what is Kunci, and how they should enter Kunci. The first requirement is the hardest: what is your motivation to get better? Do you have strong motivation?

Not so many people agree that motivatino is the most value thing to enter the rehabilitation center. Can we push someone to enter since they still don’t want to stop use drugs? Many brothers of Charity in Indonesia asking about this, and it make Kunci feels desperated. Yes, we feel lonely in this mission. Not all the brothers give their hand to Kunci, and most of them love to give their speech to Kunci. We know working in drug treatment is not normal way for some people.

No matter with all things which has happened around us, we will still working for the best.

Rotary’ Visitation

rehabilitasikunci — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 05:39:57 +0000

Today, immediatelly, we were suprised with the coming of Rotarian to Kunci. How many? 10 rotarians. They have celebrated the opening of the library in SMP Karitas and SD Karitas. Yes, we suprised that Rotary opens the library although we heard they only lend the books to the library but not the building. If I were the principal, I will ask Brother Lukas to open the library. Brothers of Charity is the owner. So?

Anyway, it was not our problem. But, today they came just for sightseeing. They asked about the condition, about the programs, about the past residents, and about the Matching Grant for Kunci. But the worst, we also discuss about the Dillip. Who is he?

Edwin figure out him as the destroyer of dream. Yes, last July he came and refused our proposal for Matching Grant. We had short discussion about the proposal, and according to Dillip, the proposal should be for Vocational Training not for the tools, building, water, etc.

Today, DG of Rotary Indonesia (we don’t know his name) strengthen us. He agreed the proposal and suggest to looking another disctric to help Kunci. The proposal has been canceled for 2 years, hopefully, nest year it will be true. Thanks for all who has helped Kunci.

How do we live?

rehabilitasikunci — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 06:09:05 +0000

Many people still still think how they must life with the others. One day, old man sais to me that there are six important things. They are:

Trustworthiness

be honest, don’t deceive, cheat or steal, be reliable, do wahta you say and you will do, have the courage to do the right thing, build a good reputation, be loyalm, stand by your family,friend, and country.

Respect

treat others with respect, follow the golden rule, be tolerant of differences, use good manners, not bad language, be considerate of the feelings of others, don’t treathen, hit, or hurt anyone. Deal peacfully with anger, insults, and disagreements.

Responsibility

do what you are supposed to do, persevere: keep on trying, always do your best, use self control, be self disciplined, think before you act – consider the consequences, be accountable for your choices.

Fairness

play by the rules, take turns and share, be open minded, listen to the others, don’ take advantages of others,don’t blame others.

Caring

be kind, be compassionate and show you are, express gratitude, forgive others, help people in need

Citizenship

do your share to make your school and community better, cooperate, get i nvoleved in community affairs, stay informed, be a good neighbour, obey aws and rules, respectr authority, protect the environment.

You will not be the best, but many people will respect you and think that ” I must listen to your advice”

Hello everybody!

rehabilitasikunci — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 03:29:37 +0000

We start our new day in this world. Yes, we have another world and this is the other. Working with junkies, drugs abuser, people who has problem with drugs is another world. We have our own world. Talking, thingking, acting, speaking are always abnormal way. And since drugs damaged permanently, we must work harder than you think.

We invite all the people who interested in this world. Come and join us!