At Life-Gate we see first-hand the dramatic consequences of drug abuse. The impact of ICE is far-reaching: destroying not only the individuals, but their families and ultimately to our society.
We are fighting hard to raise public awareness through the media as to the urgent need for our country to acknowledge and address the drug-epidemic, especially ICE and the new synthetic substances.
On 24th August 2015 Reverend Angel Roldán, our CEO, presented a White Paper to the State and Federal Governments, including details of the Singapore Government’s model—a strategy that has over 20 years of proven success behind it— through TV, newspapers, radio.
Following its presentation Rev. Angel met with both Liberal and Labor politicians at State and Federal Government levels in an effort to see our nation’s policies reformed.
“I have been helping people with drug addiction for more than 25 years. I am motivated to continue fighting against the drug epidemic, I managed a Rehabilitation Centre and I know how it can benefit those trapped with drug addiction.
The intensity and damage we see today, especially with the increase of ICE affordability and availability is more than alarming.
The sad reality is drug addicts—in most cases— do not seek help, or sometimes seek help but are unwilling to be inconvenienced, i.e. they will not go willingly to a rehabilitation Centre. Only 5-10% will seek help, which means a staggering 90% to 95% refuse help!!!
The Singapore model shows how “tough love” or “caring enough to intervene” has proven to be a compassionate and efficient way to achieve positive results. I believe implementing this strategy would bring positive results: this approach has been transforming individuals, families and the society in Singapore for over 20 years.
In Singapore, individuals and families have been very thankful to the Government for caring for their family members. It will not completely erase drug addiction, but it will reduce it considerably.
We have a tangible solution demonstrated by the Government in Singapore, which has been successful for many years. Here is their main strategy:
- Prevention, Drug Education at all levels, i.e. Schools, Media, Seminars, etc.
- Enforcement, which aims to apprehend traffickers and addicts
- Treatment/Rehabilitation in Detention Centres and Halfway Houses (including counselling, teaching job skills) which aims to reform and deter addicts.
- Aftercare and Continued Rehabilitation. Which aims to reintegrate addicts into society.
This is only possible when Government changes policies and legislation in order to give the necessary authority to apprehend not only traffickers, but also addicts.
This is a long term solution to the problem. Government and non-Government Organisations need to be involved in the four areas of prevention, enforcement, treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare. The support of the community is essential, communicating the goals and vision to the wide community needs to be done effectively.”
Excerpt from the White Paper, “The ICE Epidemic” present by Rev. Angel Roldán, 24th August 2015
Life-Gate Inc 