DOH launches drug abuse helpline 1550

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday launched its Substance Abuse Helpline 1550 ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26.

Program manager Jose Bienvenido Leabres of the DOH’s Dangerous Drugs Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program said the helpline seeks to ensure access to professional assistance for persons who use drugs (PWUDs) amid quarantine.

Leabres explained that the helpline will provide information and support, brief interventions, and referrals to appropriate treatment centers for PWUDs and their families.

He also assured the public that calls will be confidential and protected by the Data Privacy Law.

The helpline will be available from Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Ito po ay isang special project ng Office of the President pati na rin ang DOH. Ang target population natin ay… drug users [o] PWUDs, pangalawa, sa mga pamilya, at pangatlo, para sa general public,” Leabres said in a briefing. -NB, GMA News

He also clarified that reports of drug-related crimes must still be forwarded to government agencies such as the Dangerous Drugs Board, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Philippine National Police.