Religious rehab for drug addicts - helping hand or hindrance?
Published: 24 August, 2010, 07:46
Edited: 25 August, 2010, 07:49
Religious rehab centers are on the rise in Russia, offering non-traditional aid to drug addicts in the country. But critics argue such centers are no more than sects, and that addicts trade one crutch for another there.
It is very important that the problems of drugs is being discussed and the information about the problem becoming part of the broader social awareness. RT is greatly contributing to the fight against drug addiction by focusing media attention to the growing problem. Also, great contributions are made by RT military analyst, Khruschev and his blog on drugs and Afghanistan. There are no proven "best" ways of dealing with drug problem. However, the least effective method is to leave the problem up to the high level federal authorities to try to solve it in a vacuum. To be effective, whole communities need to be aware, and become involved. Early education is the key. At the elementary school level it is critical to explain to children what drugs are all about, and the dangers that they pose to their health. It is never too early to explain that drug trade is about making money for the pushers, while the users, their families and whole communities suffer. In depth information needs to be available at all levels of education, as well as public media campaign, of the adverse health effects. There is no harm with any group trying to help, especially religious based groups. More coordination may be needed by community social services, mental health and health officials on the people under their care and treatment, so that the potential for abuse is mitigated, while the volunteering work increases. The more public gets involved, the better.










Some react positively to a Religious intervention and reduce their drug intake(the Saved) some react negatively to a Religious intervention and increase their drug intake (the Dammed). Neither outcome absolves the modern state of its responsibility for finding a social solution to the problems posed by hard drugs. And preferably one that is not dependent on an ideological residue of the Middle Ages. Of the older Capitalist states only the USA has merged politics and Religion in a broad right wing amalgam. Its aim is to legitimize a low tax, low social provision model. With the resulting social deficits met by charities of one form or another. The European model is the Welfare State with its concomitant tax regime. Its up to the Russians to select which road they wish to travel.