Drug program ‘opens hearts’

By Konradus Epa, Jakarta

Sacred Heart Father Lambertus Somar, who founded a foundation to treat drug users, has helped more than 1,000 addicts.

Since its establishment in October 1998, the Kasih Mulia Foundation (YKM) has developed eight drug treatment centers in Jakarta and Bogor, West Java.

“YKM wants to be the witness of God, especially to those who are weak and helpless,” said the 79-year-old priest.

In this interview with ucanews.com, Father Somar describes the work.

ucanews.com: How do you deal with the addicts?

Sacred Heart Father Lambertus Somar: We use the method of “Man helping man to help himself.” We listen first to understand how a client becomes an addict. We also use the model of Therapeutic Community.

YKM wants to be the witness of God and reach out to humankind, especially those who are weak and helpless, regardless of their backgrounds.

How effective is the model of Therapeutic Community?

We befriend the addicts to create trust. We can see a spiritual power that helps them to realize that ‘we are not alone but with those helping us.’

With a community, we can learn from one another. In this way, people can make a commitment to be better.

We do not give a recipe to the addicts but open their hearts. It is the power that helps us to arise and recover.

How long do addicts take to recover?

It varies but generally a person needs about six months to open up.

He also needs six months to get along well with society. Another six months is needed to communicate intensively.

How many addicts have recovered?

Eighty percent recover, not because of me but themselves. I only help them.

Those who do not are older and suffer from mental illness.

Numbers are not important but I have helped more than 1,000 drug users.

Currently, we have 70 patients.

How many of the patients suffer from HIV/AIDS?

The figure is confidential. However, 50-70 percent of drug users commonly use needles. That is why they are infected with HIV/AIDS. Free sex also contributes to infection.

What programs do you offer?

We have personality development, teamwork, talent and development, communication and socialization, leadership, and spirituality.

Going back to basics is important. The patients must heal themselves.

Are there obstacles in the recovery process?

Sometimes families reject patients. Some recovering patients are successful and even help others.

So the family’s role is important?

Yes. Sometimes family members blame each other. They must reconcile too.

Any support from the Catholic Church?

The foundation is run by the Church, particularly by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. It is recognized by Jakarta and Bogor dioceses where we have treatment centers.

We also work with the Jakarta Archdiocese’s AIDS Service Bureau in organizing parish programs for young people.

How do you campaign against drugs?

Every year our centers joins 15 others in a sports competition to introduce people to a healthy life.

By helping one person, we can save ten others. It is difficult but we can do it. We must decrease the number of drug users.