Drug Dependence Prevention and Treatment Work

(I) Social Welfare Institute-Department for Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependence

The Department for Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependence (DPTDD) of the Social Welfare Institute under the government of Macao SAR is responsible for the planning and the execution of anti-drug prevention and treatment work. Its main scopes are: to implement anti-drug preventive education and publicity, to provide detoxification and rehabilitation services, to collect and analyze important materials and data in the drug dependence domain, to conduct relevant studies, and also to participate in regional and international co-operation.

2003 was a fruitful year for the prevention and the treatment of drug dependence work. As for prevention work, the DPTDD of the Social Welfare Institute inaugurated two new facilities – “The Healthy Life Education Center” and “Resources Center for Anti-Drug Education” The first Center allows for the strengthening of the promotion of drug abuse prevention and health education to children, while the other one focuses on providing drug control related information and tools to all Macao citizens, in order to popularize further anti-drug education. In the same year, a “Narcotics Youth Social Service Award Program" was introduced for the first time. The result was satisfactory. It fulfilled the aims of drug abuse preventive education among youngsters and motivating non-governmental organizations to become more active in realizing anti-drug activities. As for treatment work, the operation of the “Drug Treatment Complex Center” (DTCC) continued to improve. In 2003, several clinical research and training programs were started, which enlarged the professional knowledge and skills of the staff. A “Recreation Unit” of the DTCC is gradually fulfilling its function as a treatment and rehabilitation day center, reinforcing follow-up and reintegration services. Regarding the support to relevant non-governmental organizations, a great step was made too. The Social Welfare Institute subsidized the construction of a new female detoxification center in an attempt to protect the continuity and to increase development for female treatment. Furthermore, the plan of rebuilding a male detoxification center is under way, in order to improve the facilities of NGO’s drug treatment services.

Meanwhile, the Social Welfare Institute completed several important related studies, of which “The Macao Tertiary Student and Drug Research” and “The Research of Drug Abuse Situation among the Youth from Street in Macao” were completed and published in Chinese and Portuguese versions, building up a long-term system of comprehensive data analysis on juvenile drug abuse. Another project on “The Study of Substance Abuse Situation and Evaluation of Treatment and Rehabilitation in Macao” was also completed, providing invaluable data and suggestions on the drug abuse situation, drug treatment services and the anti-drug policies. The report was published on May 2004.

Apart from this, during the same year, the Social Welfare Institute organized different related departments to support and participate in several major regional seminars and anti-drug activities. For instance, including “The 2nd Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Conference on Policy to Tackle Drug Abuse and Trafficking” held in February in Zhong Shan; “The 3rd Hong Kong, Macao and Mainland Conference on Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment” held in March in the city of Kun Ming of Yun Nan; “The 7th Meeting on National Substances Dependence” at Urumuqi of Xin Jiang in September; “Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Joint Anti-Drug Rally” held in GuangZhao of the 6.26 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and Anti-Drug Itinerary Exhibition held in ShenZhen in November. As a whole, in 2003, exchanges and cooperation had concrete effects on Anti-Drug work in Macao.

The Division of Prevention of Drug Abuse and The Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation are two subordinate units of the Department for Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependence of Social Welfare Institute, which in charge of all prevention and treatment work.

1. The Division of Prevention of Drug Abuse

 By means of seminars, exhibitions, training courses and the media, the Division promotes anti-drug education and propaganda in schools, communities, families, and to people from different social classes. The Division also encourages and supports NGO’s to hold anti-drug prevention events, aimed at rising the general public’s awareness of draug control, enhancing people’s concern and participation in Macao’s drug control, together building a drug-free community

At present, drug abuse preventive education in Macao is developing towards the direction of professionalism and perfection. Besides holding drug education talks and promotions, in recent years, well organized drug abuse prevention programs have been introduced. “Healthy Life Education” and “Clearing the Smoke-the Quest for the Truth about Cigarettes” programs are the major anti-drug teaching tools for children and adolescents. The results of these programs are evident and related programs for Form 2 and Form 3 High School students will be in used in the near future.

1. Healthy Life Education Center “The Healthy Life Education” is an internationally recognized program of health and drug education. The targets are 5-12 year old schoolchildren. By using specific and flexible tools and methods, children are led towards the advantages of a healthy life as well as being shown the dangers of drug abuse. Since its introduction in September 2000, 55 schools, around 40,000 students/times, used the program. With ardent support and the raising in demand from schoolteachers and students, further development of the program had been made in 2003. The Social Welfare Institute is focusing on the expansion of facilities of the related program. On one hand, there are plans to establish an independent “Healthy Life Education Center” in the NAPE area. On the other hand, there will be a gradual moving out from the first Healthy Life Education classroom, initially stared in the “Ilha Verde” Youth Center. The design, facilities, environment and location of the new Center comply with the needs and development of the program. The main specialty of the Center is a multifunction classroom with a capacity of 100 persons. This provides a perfect teaching location for drug prevention. In addition, this program is made beneficial to more and more children. The new center was inaugurated in November. Over 100 guests, school headmasters and teachers were invited to share the achievements of Healthy Life Education Program.	Inauguration of The Healthy Life Education Center. Primary School Students dancing with “Harlod”
In 2003, 15,656 kindergarten to Class Six Primary School children from 40 schools participated in this program, accompanied by 511 teachers. In the same year, the Division of Prevention of Drug Abuse organized two sessions of program promotion and visit for teachers in order to let them know more about the meaning of the related program and the operation of the center. 48 teachers from 17 schools participated in the event. As well, during summer vacation, 75 school children aged between 8 and 12 years, from 2 groups, and 154 persons from 4 institutes visited the center and held exchange activities.
2. Program on “Clearing the Smoke-the Quest for the Truth about Cigarettes” The program is based on “Healthy Life Education” to develop a smoking prevention activity. The target is junior one high school students, and uses a new interactive teaching method with multi-media equipment. Discussions are held with students about smoking in order to prevent and decrease student smoking as early as possible. In 2003, 2,446 junior one high school students of 55 classes from nine schools participated. The feedback was positive both from teachers and students, as a questionnaire indicated most students said the program enriched their knowledge and discretion about smoking problems.	“Clearing the Smoke - the Quest for the truth about Cigarettes” Class.

3. Anti-Drug Talks and training Courses

51 Anti-Drug Talks were held with 9,000 participants from 19 Primary, secondary and College students. Regarding community promotion, 16 Anti-Drug Talks were given to several Non-governmental Organizations. 584 adolescents and parents were present. In addition, the Division provides Anti-Drug training programs and talks for professionals every year; subjects include general substance abuse knowledge, anti-drug law, the local drug abuse situation, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as preventive education, and visits to relevant organizations. In 2003, 70 teachers and social workers participated in the training courses and talks.

Drug Abuse Prevention Talk introduced at schools.

Statistics on Anti-Drug Talks and Training Courses in 2003

4. Resources Center for Anti-Drug Education

Inauguration of the Narcotics Preventive Education Resources Center.

In order to enhance and focus on the supply of anti-drug related information and teaching materials to the public, so as to popularize such education. In 2003, the Social Welfare Institute established "Resources Center for Anti-Drug Education" at no.7 Rua Sanches de Miranda. The Center was inaugurated on 25th June. The Center provides multi-media facilities include books and magazines, consultation on anti-drug information through Internet, assistance in making related teaching materials. The Center coordinates with the Division of Prevention of Drug Abuse for the organization of anti-drug talks, as well as providing reception enquiry services. From June to December in 2003, the frequency of visits was 509 persons/times, including individual and groups visits, and also reservation of the premises. In the same year, the Division provided 29 enquiry services to the public; most enquiries were from students (16), the rest were teachers, social workers and other employees.

5. Anti-Drug Exhibitions and Promotions Through exhibitions, leaflets, posters, banners, souvenirs, bus notices, radio announcements and television publicity, the Social Welfare Institute propagates the anti-drug messages to the public constantly. In 2003, 10 exhibitions were held respectively in schools and communities. This was also amplified during related messages during the drug abuse high-risk period of the summer vacation and Christmas. The same year, a new promotion short film advising teenagers to cherish their beautiful life and withdraw from drug the quickest possible was launched. A series of relevant brochures were also published, in particular a “Drug Abuse Prevention Practical Handbook” distributed to teachers, parents, social workers and professionals. In addition, an anti-drug enquiry hotline 781791 is available, and all telephone enquiry or assistance request are welcomed.

Drug Abuse Prevention Practical Handbook

6. Important Anti-Drug Events

[ The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking ]

In response to “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” on 26th June, as usual, the Social Welfare Institute collaborates with various officials and non-governmental organizations to launch a series of large-scale anti-drug campaigns.

On 27th June 2003, the Social Welfare Institute together with the Macao Sports Development Board and the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau held a “Summer Vacation Activities Opening and Anti-Drug Day 2003” at the Largo do Senado. The objective of the campaign was to spread anti-drug messages to all Macao citizens and encouraged adolescents to cherish the long holiday and to choose healthy activities. Apart from performances by Macao and Hong Kong singers, various entertainments, sport activities, and Anti-Drug drama were also offered. This attracted a large public including youngsters, making the show with enthusiastically atmosphere.

Guests hosting the Anti-Drug Day Activities Opening Ceremony.

On 5th July, the Social Welfare Institute with the cooperation of more than 10 officials and non- governmental organizations held an “Anti-Drug Variety Carnival” at the Largo do Senado, the aim of which was to focus the whole city’s awareness upon drugs and related problems, to mobilize the population, especially teenagers, to support and take part in the fight against drugs. Apart from the fabulous, formal opening ceremony, game stalls and an anti-drug exhibition were available. In order to enlarge the contact with the population, 3 supplementary areas were set up for different associations to produce street performances. In addition, an outdoor broadcast by Teledifusão de Macao S.A. (TDM) was set up to comply with the theme of United Nations “Let’s talk about drugs”, through discussions with the public on drug abuse problems and the present action of relevant works. The live show enabled the participation of the whole city through broadcasting station, with programs including an “Anti-Drug Slogan Competition”, a “Live Improvised Drama” and “All for Fun”, which highlighted the carnival.

[ Tobacco-Free Activity ]

In concordance with the theme of “Tobacco free film, tobacco free fashion, Action” of the “5.31 World Tobacco-Free Day” the Social Welfare Institute together with the Health Bureau, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and the Cut Audio-Visual Association organized “No Smoking, In Fun DV Video Production Program” for the purpose of enhancing teenagers’ awareness of tobacco damage. Under the instructions of qualified video and film making tutors to enable participants to develop their imaginations, working together to produce a short anti-smoking promotion film for youngsters in Macao. The filmmaking project was divided into drama, art and documentary sections, and 21 participants finished the productions. These were projected on the occasion of the Tobacco-Free Day, to show the result of their creations of the last three months to the media.

“World No-Tobacco Day” Activity - Youth DV Video Production.

During the month of May, a series of promotions diffused related messages through broadcasting station on the effects of smoking and the harmfulness of second-hand smoke. In various districts of Macao, Taipa and Coloane banners and light box of “No Smoke, In Image” were displayed to draw the public’s attention to the issue of smoking, thus, together building a tobacco-free environment.

[ Sunny Youth Activity ]

“Positive Life, Say No to Drugs”; adolescents participating in Substance Abuse prevention activity.

In 2003, the Social Welfare Institute for the first time collaborated with the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Macao Sports Development Board, as well as non-governmental organization Sin Meng Charity Association to realize the “Sunny Youth-Social Service Award Program”, with the theme of “Positive Life, Say NO to Drugs”. Through a series of activities, youngsters were made aware of the damage of drugs and a message of positive life was promoted. Various activities included an Anti-Drug Poster Design Competition, Anti-Drug Slogan Competition and Sports Competition with variety show. The first two competitions used a new voting mode by sending SMS messages, so as to involve the participation of the public, therefore increasing their anti-drug concern. The winning works of the two competitions were shown at the Largo do Senado on 5th October. Meanwhile, a corresponding performance and professionals in related fields explained drug knowledge to the public. The show attracted an enormous numbers of spectators and participants

The final activity of “Sunny Youth” was a sports competition with variety show, which held on 25th October at the Macao Jockey Club. About 5,000 teenagers attended. Hong Kong youth idols “Twins”, “Yumiko” and “Boy’z” performed on this occasion. By calling and encouraging teenagers to say no to drugs, to undertake social services and to face life positively.

7. Development of diversified Anti-Drug Activities

According to statistics of the Division of Prevention of Drug Abuse in consecutive years, participants in preventive education mostly were schoolchildren and adolescents. The majority of such activities were led by the government. In order to motivate the population, reinforce community preventive education and develop diversified anti-drug activities towards youngsters. In 2003, the Social Welfare Institute introduced two new prevention projects - “The Narcotics Youth Social Service Award Program” and “The Anti-Drug Drama Barnstorm”. The projects’ operations were as follows:

[ Narcotics Youth Social Service Award Program ]

The project was officially launched in October 2002 with the aim of mobilizing more youngsters to organize different anti-drug education activities and support-related works. 8 Youth Associations participated in the project of 2003. Various activities were held and each had its own particular themes which included video making, drama, dancing, sport, web page design, 4-box comics, posters, song lyrics, and entertaining events. The above activities attracted the participation of more than 3,500 teenagers. The entire project fully demonstrated their creativity and team spirit, inciting them to commit themselves to the preventive anti-drug mission, thereby bringing more practical materials on related work, as well as to young partners. On 2nd April 2004, the Social Welfare Institute held an exhibition and trophy ceremony of the “Narcotics Youth Social Service Award Program” at Largo do Senado to reward participating Associations and let the public to share in the efforts and achievements made by those teenagers.

Teenagers participate in “Narcotics Youth Social Service Award Program”

Activities organized by various Associations

[ Anti-Drug Drama Barnstorm ]

Theatre Farmers Anti-Drug Drama Barnstorm

On behalf of the Social Welfare Institute, the Macao professional drama club Theatre Farmers elaborated and performed a creative and educational Anti-Drug Drama – “ICU Dot Com” From November to December 2003, it was performed in several High Schools. The contents of the play included drama and discussions, to expose the side effects caused by smoking and drug abuse, and hence to solicit youngsters to consider related problems. Through interactive discussions, this motivated students’ participation, so as to strengthen their defense on drug damage and anti-drug concern. “ICU Dot Com” played 29 times in 17 local High Schools, with more than 10,000 students and teachers in attendance. The vivacity of the play deeply impressed the students.

8. Mobilize Non-Governmental Drug Control Activities

By means of technical and financial support, the Social Welfare Institute gives incentive to mobilize Non-Governmental Associations take part in the development of Anti-Drug prevention work within the community.

In 2003, the Social Welfare Institute granted $234,200 patacas to five Associations to hold more than ten activities, with predominant topics being anti-drug prevention, anti-smoking and the development of adolescents.

Activities organized by various Associations

Besides, in 2003 the Social Welfare Institute maintained substantial financing to the “Young Men’s Christian Association of Macao” for the support of the operation and development of its “Youth Community Center” located at Ilha Verde. Facilities of the Center include several function rooms such as a multi-purpose activity room, an Audio-Video room (Karaoke), a Band room, a Computer room, a Dancing room and a Conference room, etc. The service target is to provide preventive and developmental activities to youngsters aged from 10-24. The Center also has an obligation to spread the Anti-Drug message.

In 2003, there were 1,213 effective members of the center, while frequency of attendance reached 30,872 throughout the year. Activities held in the same year included the Prevention of Drug Abuse Promotion Competition, Anti-Drug Knowledge Talks, visits, trainings of volunteer workers, adventure counseling series, and music and drama art works, with more than 224 types of activities with the participation of 32,927 persons/times

2. The Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation

This Division is responsible for managing “The Drug Treatment Complex Center”, which provides a voluntary detoxification treatment and rehabilitation service. It also provides professional skills and financial support to related non-governmental institutes, furthermore calculates and analyses the data of drug abusing population. “The Drug Treatment Complex Center”, which opened in October 2002, with an outpatients' clinic and interim inpatient primary detoxification ward, as well as a “Recreation Unit” for study and relaxation, provides a complete and diversified drug treatment and rehabilitation service for drug addicts. Since it's opening, the Center constantly evaluates and reviews its services, through practical working experiences, so as to coordinate the idea of optimization between administration and services. In 2003, several new services were introduced to increase the service capacity, both in outpatient and inpatient services. Regarding improvements to facilities and training, in 2003, the interior design and facilities were completed in “the Recreation Unit” which made the Unit a daytime center of leisure, training and a conference venue for inmates and non-governmental institutes. Two doctors have already finished the practical training offered by the Treatment of Mental Illness Service of Health Bureau. Newly employed medical workers also completed in-service training on drug treatment counseling.

Drug Treatment Complex Center located behind Estrada de S. Francisco. Doctor providing treatment to drug addicts.

Regarding support for NGO drug treatment services, the Social Welfare Institute financed the construction of a “Teen Challenge” Female Drug Treatment Center, which was completed in 2003 and officially opened in October. In addition, the Social Welfare Institute plans to rebuild the male Drug Treatment Center and a design plan was already completed before end of the year. The Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation also helped other organizations to hire more social workers, as well as providing a series of Drug Treatment Certificate Courses for newly recruited social workers and other employees, so as to enhance the professionalism of Macao's drug treatment workers. In addition, it strengthened the support and monitoring on management, in particular, systematized the accounting system of related institute, a necessary of financial and technical assistance is provided.

Furthermore, in 2003, when Macao and the neighboring regions experienced an outbreak of SARS, the Division supervised “The Drug Treatment Complex Center” and related non-governmental centers coordination with the Macao SAR authority's appropriate precautions. Through their fighting experience during the SARS outbreak, drug treatment staff enriched their flexibility in handling crises, as well as increasing cleanliness and safety standards with drug treatment facilities.

1. Drug Treatment Complex Center

[ Cases recorded by outpatients' clinic: ]

In 2003, the outpatients' clinic followed up 384 voluntary detoxifications. 87 were new cases, 276 were returnees and 21 were long-term cases. The total number of followed-up cases increased 30% compared with that of 2002 (chart 1), while the total number of services provided reached 9,540, almost the same number as for the previous year (chart 2).

[ Medical Diagnosis and Treatment: ]

3,700 drug urine tests were carried out in 2003 and this accounted for a 44% increase compared with 2002. As for drug abuse diagnosis, apart from traditional drug tests, MDMA ecstasy, cannabis and alcohol solutions were purchased, as well as alcohol breath tubes to reinforce the checking of a further variety of abused substances. For infectious diseases body checks, in 2003, 289 body check and infectious diseases diagnoses were carried out for drug treatment patients and related staff. The number of people examined was the highest ever. It increases the opportunity of examination for those who seek drug treatment, therefore to control effectively the proliferation of infectious diseases among these people, especially the transmission of AIDS. In 2003, the contamination of total examined cases was as follows: hepatitis B and C was almost the same as before, however, hepatitis C infection still accounted for 73%. An alarming situation occurred in the same year with one confirm case of AIDS and one suspected case. The risk of HIV contamination among drug takers is rather worrying. On the strength of the circumstance, the clinic launches relevant publicity, apply harm-reduction measures by inculcating knowledge and methods of precaution and treatment about infectious diseases to patients, propagating messages of hazardous syringe sharing and unsafe sex and also providing free condoms to outpatients.

[ Psychosocial Intervention and Rehabilitation Work: ]

In 2003, social workers provided 2,406 examples of psychosocial assistance and 2,464 examples of family assistance to outpatients, a total of 4,870 persons/times. Psychological counseling declined when compared with the previous year, whereas family interventions increased. The Social Welfare Institute will also provide necessary and temporary financial support for those in a precarious situation. The Division for Drug Treatment and Social Rehabilitation followed up an average of about 30 subvention cases per month.

[ Primary Detoxification Service: ]

In 2003, 138 persons/times for detoxification were recorded by the Primary Detoxification Unit, comprising 115 males and 23 females. Ages ranged from 35-39. There was a high increase in treated cases compared with 2002. Regarding operational aspects, inpatient services increased several measures in order to optimize the treatment quality, and meanwhile, carried out assessments with different services, amended internal operation rules when needed, for instance, through the award planning, drug treatment and rehabilitation co-workers plan, as well as introducing “Therapeutic Community” models to consolidate hospitalization.

Besides, the inpatient clinic adjusted the procedure of case referral to increase co-operation with NGO's, so that more patients after completing treatment could participate in the related NGO rehabilitation programs. The Social Welfare Institute also, through “Macao Renovation and Mutual Assistance Association” referred ex-addicts to work partially in the Drug Treatment Complex Center. The co-worker plan provides to ex-addicts valuable learning and working opportunities, and this increases the chance of reintegration and reduces the possibility of relapse.

[ Development on Medical Trail: ]

In early 2003, the Drug Treatment Complex Center completed the assessment and clinical study on Buprenorphine, a dissolved under the tongue method is used. The results are satisfactory both in practical operation or clinical experiment, relevant study was presented in “The 3rd Hong Kong, Macao and Mainland Conference on Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment” and in the middle of the year was officially used as detoxification medicine for inpatients.

Therapy provided by Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation 2002-2003

Chart 1. The number of new cases registered is less than 2003. Moreover, there is a high increase in returnees. Therefore, the total number has increased of 30% compared with 2002.

No. of Services by Outpatients' clinic 2002-2003

Chart 2. The total number of outpatient services provided is similar to that of 2002. Due to cases related to family problems increasing lately, the Social Welfare Institute has strengthened the relevant work. Because of the shortage of man power, cases intervention in general has to be reduced.

2. Development and Support to Non-Governmental Treatment Services

In 2003, the Social Welfare Institute subsidized four non-governmental organizations, consisting of four detoxification dormitories, one rehabilitation midway residence, one outreach drug treatment service and one mutual assistance association. The total amount of usage of the above-mentioned services was 785 persons/times. (See chart below)

Non-governmental Organizations receiving subvention 2002-2003

In recent years, the Social Welfare Institute has constantly evaluated and adjusted financial support to drug treatment organizations for the purpose of improving and optimizing the quality of related services and proper development. In 2003, there was an increase compared with that of 2002, either in fixed financial support, facilities and other subsidies. The increase is due to the sponsoring of institutes for the recruitment of competent social workers, the acquisition of recreational equipment, the rebuilding of a female drug treatment center and especially to related organizations for the development of SARS preventive measures and campaigns.

Financial support of Social Welfare Institute to non-governmental drug treatment service statistics in recent years

[ Substantial support to Non-Governmental Organizations/Associations Drug Treatment in 2003: ]

In order to optimize the quality of services and the effectiveness of drug treatment organizations, in 2003, the Social Welfare Institute subsidized relevant organizations and associations to hold 37 drug treatment and rehabilitation activities. As well, it financed the purchase of equipment for those centers, and the reinforcement in health and prevention measures, the holding of regular meetings with all concerned parties, together to combat SARS.

Macao Teen Challenge:

Due to the development of the A-Ma Cultural Village, the Teen Challenge Female Drug Treatment Center had to relocate, so as to ensure the continuity and the stable development of this unique female drug treatment center in Macao, the Social Welfare Institute assisted the Teen Challenge with the re-planning and relocation of the center. In addition, it financed MOP$ 3 million for the reconstruction and also supplied the necessary facilities. The new center was completed and began operating in October 2003.

Christian New Life Fellowship in Macao:

In the second half year of 2003, the Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation began giving assistance to the center's outreach services to contact youngsters with drug abuse, through co-operation exploring the drug abuse situation of Macao's teenagers, to evaluate service needs and related strategies. With the financial support of Social Welfare Institute, these works will be started in 2004.

Macao Renovation and Mutual Assistance Association:

In 2003, The Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation provided assistance to the Association in hiring social workers and with professional training development, as well as with the setting up of an administrative regulatory system with accounting expertise, in order to optimize the overall management and development capacity of the Association. Besides, the Social Welfare Institute continues to collaborate with the Association on the co-worker program, which provides constant and practical working opportunity for ex-addicts, together to improve the work that after drug treatment recovery.

3. Other Special Tasks and Activities of the Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation

* On 25th January 2003, The Drug Treatment Complex Center held the “Chinese New Year Gathering & Graduation Ceremony of Certificate course for treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts” to encourage ex-addicts to continue abstinence and strengthen the willingness of reintegration. Approximately 50 people participated in this event and, besides celebrating Lunar New Year; there were also an awards ceremony for the “Certificate course for treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts” to ten trainees who had completed the program.

Chinese New Year Gathering at "Recreation Unit" for addicts under treatment and their family member.

* On 22nd August 2003, in collaboration with “The Association of Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers of Macao” to hold a “Activity of summer season gathering for ex-addicts and their family members” so as to enlarge communication and cooperation between non-governmental drug treatment organizations. As well, the aim was to motivate inpatients, ex-addicts and their families to take part in more healthy activities and support jointly drug treatment and rehabilitation work.

* To ensure the staff's awareness of fire prevention, The Drug Treatment Complex Center with the assistance of Fire Brigade, held a fire drill course, on 5th August an on-site fire drill was conducted, together with the personnel of Fire Brigade, so as to establish an effective procedure for emergency escape and the evacuation the inmates.

* So as to mobilize and support the in-service training for staff of NGO, optimizing the professionalism of drug treatment, in 2003, The Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation provided the following training courses for those organizations:

(a) Drug Treatment workers Elementary Course (Second Term)

The program contains 10 units and was held from April till July. Subjects encompass Macao's Drug Control Departments and mechanism, the concerns and rules of infectious disease prevention, the variety and harm caused by commonly used drugs, basic caring skills, the activation of effective communications and attitude, the skills used in preventive methods against relapse, the directions and ways of drug abuse prevention publicity, peer counseling, confidential rules and the setting up of a plan and target for positive life. There were 16 participants in this course, including institute supervisors, social workers and co-workers.

Specific training activity organized by The Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation.

(b) SARS Prevention Talk

In order to prevent effectively the advent of SARS, during March and April 2003, three talks were given by doctors and social workers from The Division for Treatment and Social Rehabilitation to related organizations. Topics mainly included the causes and symptoms of SARS, transmission methods, prevention methods, counseling and the application of preventive works. The total number in attendance was 70. Besides, inspections were held on the situation of prevention on eight related premises to provide necessary technical assistance and emphasize the notion of infectious disease prevention for the staff and inmates of NGO drug treatment premises and to ensure that the equipment and environment met the standard.

(c) Drug Treatment Related Social Workers Professional Training Course

The course was held from November to December 2003, with discussion of International and Macao SAR drug control mechanism and law, the causes of addiction and drug effects, the different modes of detoxification guidance, motivation discussions, propagation methods and skills on harm reduction, therapeutic, community method and application, experience exchange/case sharing, the handling of emotions and decompression prescriptions. Thirteen persons attended the program, and apart from enriching drug treatment social workers' expertise, it also enlarged experience exchange and co-operation among them.

(d) Prevalent Drugs Talk

On 13th November 2003, the Social Welfare Institute invited an expert chemist from The Forensic Laboratory of Judicial Police as a guest host. Topics of the talk included the varieties and consumption methods of prevalent drugs in Macao, drug related law and drug abuse tendencies. There were about 50 people in attendance from different drug treatment organizations. This occasion allowed participants to increase their knowledge about drugs, and also handle more precisely the varieties and evolution of drug abuse, and this served to elevate the competence of related workers.