Yesterday marked the “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”, with Grand Lisboa, the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre, The Parisian Macao and Jai Alai Oceanus, following an invitation by the Association for Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers of Macau (ARTM) to simultaneously light their buildings up in green* for the event and promote creating a drug-free environment in Macau.
The launch ceremony for yesterday’s event, which was broadcast live online, was held at Be Cool Project in Taipa.
Continuing to provide treatment and raise awareness
Prior to the ceremony, ARTM President Augusto Nogueira told The Macau Post Daily that the association is currently providing treatment for 35 people, along with follow-up and outreach support to over 50 individuals.
Addiction to methamphetamine and alcohol are the most common substances that the association treats, Nogueira noted.
Moreover, alcohol in particular is something that Macau needs to look more into, he pointed out, while also considering the establishment of “proper” follow-up and treatment.
Nogueira made a comparison to the treatment for tobacco addiction in Macau, which has a government agency for the following-up and prevention of its use, while people may already know where to go to seek treatment. “I think it’s time to do that for alcohol” as well.
Meanwhile, Nogueira pointed out the importance of working together to create awareness of drug addiction, as well as putting a stop to the stigma and discrimination of those who have recovered from drug abuse, which is important as they need support and jobs, among other things. Having the mindset of thinking that they will relapse sooner or later makes it “very difficult for these persons to succeed”, Nogueira underlined.
He emphasised that families also have an important role to play for recovery and prevention to at least reduce exposure to drugs as much as possible.
*Green means health and well-being according to 3rd goal of the United Nations sustainable development goals, a recent ARTM statement noted.
Association of Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers of Macau (ARTM) founder and President Augusto Nogueira (left) poses with his colleagues after yesterday’s launch ceremony at Be Cool Project in Taipa. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
This screen capture taken and downloaded during yesterday’s live broadcast shows the five properties lighting up in green.
