The Minister of Justice, Mr. Drs. Arthur Dowers, as part of his efforts to address the alarming problem of addiction and street addicts that has grown over the past years, conducted a working visit to Stichting Hunto in Sero Colorado.
During the visit, the minister toured the facility and met with the staff responsible for guiding addicts on the right path and teaching them how to stay on it.
Stichting Hunto has a maximum capacity to treat 40 addicts and employs 10 staff members dedicated to guidance and supervision. Currently, the center has 10 addicts under supervision, 7 men and 3 women. In the past, the rehabilitation process for each addict ranged from 8 to 11 months, but today better results are achieved when the team, together with the foundation’s psychologist, conducts professional evaluations and determines when a client is ready to leave. Additionally, clients who are ready to leave receive follow-up care (nazorg) that includes continued support from a psychologist, as well as a relapse prevention plan with phone numbers the client can call if needed.
Stichting Hunto in Sero Colorado is not just a place to spend the day. Each day is filled with recreational and structured activities to keep clients engaged and disciplined. Each person has specific responsibilities, including doing their own laundry, keeping their living spaces clean, participating in individual and group sessions, and following the program as stipulated. Additionally, at the end of the week, clients are allowed visits from family, which are important to the rehabilitation process.
Guiding addicts is not easy. It requires courage, patience, knowledge, and empathy to achieve the goal of helping individuals overcome drug addiction and become people who can reintegrate into society and contribute to general well-being.
Minister Dowers was impressed by the state of the facility, the extensive program offered, and, particularly, the level of commitment and expertise of the staff. Some employees have themselves experienced profound personal change in the past and now share their own experiences to guide others.
Addiction is a national challenge that requires an integral and sustainable approach. The situation demands firm action and coordination between law enforcement and serious rehabilitation. It is time to address the addiction problem with determination.
The Ministry of Justice will continue to strengthen collaboration with relevant institutions to create a comprehensive and sustainable approach in efforts to combat addiction in Aruba.
