Episode #3: The Journey of reaching, and supporting drug Addicts

Host: Pham Thai Phuong

Guest: Ms. Ha Ngan – Helianthus’s President

https://www.facebook.com/HelianthusOrg 

Duration: 9 minutes

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In everyone’s perception, drug addicts are often associated with negative connotations. However, in reality, drug addiction may be due to various causes. Holding negative stereotypes and stigmatizing them can lead to more serious consequences, such as theft or even murder to obtain money for drugs.

Today, The Right Hand podcast, as well as our special guest, will provide a new perspective on a group of drug addicts in need of help and support. We will also explore the methods we can use to help drug addicts live and work like normal individuals.

Part 1: Introduction

Q1: Can you introduce yourself briefly?

• Hello Thai Phuong and hello to all the listeners of the podcast. I am Ha Ngan, currently a senior in class 12 of Hanoi – Amsterdam High School, and I am also the co-founder and president of Helianthus Season 2. I am delighted to participate in today’s podcast episode and share my insights about this target group.

Q2: What motivated you and Helianthus to help drug addicts? Is there a special reason behind it?

• Because drug addiction in Vietnam is seen as a social menace, not a chronic disease that can be treated. Instead of being treated in Methadone centers or receiving help, people are often sent to detoxification centers and treated like criminals. They face social stigma. Therefore, I want to change people’s perception of them and help them have a better life for themselves and their families.

Q3: Can you share more about the unique target group that Helianthus is focused on? (What is Methadone, and how do those undergoing Methadone treatment handle it? What is the effect of Methadone treatment on addicts?)

• What is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic drug that has a long-lasting effect and is an opioid agonist. It was introduced and licensed in Vietnam by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, USA) in 2008.

• EFFECTS

Methadone has effects similar to other opioids such as morphine and heroin but has a longer duration of action. In 1964, two doctors discovered that Methadone helped their patients quit using heroin and significantly reduced the need for increased dosage over time.

• PURPOSE OF METHADONE PROGRAM

Reduce the harm caused by addiction to opioids.

Reduce the use of illegal opioids and injection drug use.

Improve health, help patients maintain employment, and lead a stable, productive life, contributing to society.

Part 2: Reaching Out to Patients

Q4: How did you initially find and reach out to drug addicts for your project? Typically, this is a unique and challenging target group to engage with.

• Through the Tây Hồ Medical Center, where Methadone treatment takes place, I connected with some healthcare professionals there, who introduced me to patients undergoing treatment and in need of support.

Q5: Have you ever met the family members of these addicts? How did you feel?

• Our club organized online classes during the pandemic, and the students were all diligent and eager to learn. Some of them had never attended school before, but when we taught them, they learned quickly and were very dedicated.

Part 3: Working with Patients and Their Families

Q6: What methods have you used to engage with drug addicts during your project?

• Initially, we met them at the treatment center with the help of healthcare professionals. After initial meetings, we connected with them through various online methods such as phone calls to have more in-depth discussions about their family situation and their needs. We also organized classes for their children and sponsored their education fees.

Q7: In your conversations and interactions with them, what do you think are the most significant obstacles or difficulties that drug addicts face? (Hà Ngân shares some notable cases and interviews.)

• Most ordinary people tend to avoid and fear drug addicts. However, the patients undergoing Methadone treatment are individuals who have voluntarily sought treatment to rebuild their lives and not be a burden to their families. Therefore, they are generally responsible and considerate individuals. Due to preconceived notions and societal stereotypes, they face difficulties in finding employment and experience social stigma.

Q8: Besides drug treatment, do drug addicts want help with something else? How receptive are they to receiving help?

• They need help finding employment and financial support for Methadone treatment (approximately 300,000 VND per month). For those who don’t have stable employment, this is a significant expense alongside other family expenses. In addition to Methadone treatment, they also have to make sacrifices in other areas like sending their children to school.

Q9: Can you tell us about some initiatives that Helianthus has undertaken to help drug addicts and their families?

• We organize extra classes for the children of these individuals and sponsor their education fees to reduce the financial burden on their families.

Q10: What are the most significant challenges you’ve faced when working with drug addicts and their families?

• Some individuals are not open about needing help, so they try to avoid charity organizations like ours. Due to the stereotypes and prejudices against them, many are reluctant to accept assistance.

Part 4: Raising Awareness

Q11: As mentioned at the beginning of the podcast, people often have negative stereotypes and bias against drug addicts. However, through your sharing, we’ve gained a better understanding of drug addicts, including those who have made unfortunate choices and want to recover through scientific treatment. Can you share some ways that Helianthus has used to change the public’s perception of drug addicts?

• Everyone faces certain difficulties in life, and patients undergoing methadone treatment are no exception. However, regarding the social stigma associated with this condition, I believe that the first step in helping them is to change the community’s perspective and make them more open-minded about their condition. Helianthus has posted articles to help viewers understand this illness better and provides a safe space for patients to share their stories. This way, we can make people understand more about them, see that they are just like anyone else, wanting to live a normal life, and contribute to the community.

Q12: Do you think Helianthus has been successful in raising awareness and educating people about methadone patients? (For example, receiving support from the media or positive responses from sponsors, etc.)

• We have achieved some degree of success, although not on a large scale. With the support of friends and people around me, there has been more positive sharing about methadone patients. Currently, we are helping methadone patients and their families. For example, we provide financial support for medication and assist their children with online learning and school fees.

Part 5: Reflection and Future Plans

Q13: Looking back on your journey with Helianthus, what are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had?

• Working with Helianthus has allowed me to have more conversations with methadone patients. I met isolated individuals who shared a lot about their lives. The most memorable experience was a family consisting of a single father and his son. The mother had left when the son was very young, and the father was a methadone patient. Due to the lack of a birth certificate, the son hadn’t been able to go to school until he was eight years old. Through contacts in the healthcare sector, I learned about this family and reached out to help. Currently, the son is attending a good school near the city center.

Q14: What are Helianthus’ plans for the near future, if you can share?

• I have handed over the club to new members, who will continue to carry out meaningful volunteer activities. I hope the new club members can contribute and assist special cases in society, such as the methadone patients I’ve helped this season.

Part 6: Conclusion

Host: Through the insights shared by Ms. Ha Ngan, we have gained a better understanding of a rather unique group within society. We’ve also become more aware of the challenges that people undergoing methadone treatment face when confronting societal stigmas.

Methadone treatment is a scientifically endorsed method used by the state. Methadone patients need more opportunities and support to integrate into the community, engage in activities, and work, just like any other citizen. This is a time for us to reflect and contribute more to making society a better place.

Thank you, Ms. Ha Ngan, for your valuable and insightful sharing today.

Q15: Is there a message you’d like to convey to our readers today?

• Through The Right Hand’s podcast, I hope that information about methadone patients and their strong determination to reform will reach more people in the community, helping to change their old perceptions. Helianthus is just a small part of the community, but we’ve already made significant positive changes. I am sure that when the whole community acknowledges and provides opportunities for them to be accepted and integrated, they will undoubtedly create value for the community. They will break free from their old lives and help change the fate of their families and children.