If drug addiction is a health issue, how to achieve healing is key.
TCI Village, a newly opened rehabilitation facility in Amadeo, Cavite, calls itself “a healing place for persons with addiction and behavioral issues.” Founded a year ago by Jun Tan, Joel Chavez and Joey Ibañez—three recovering persons whose life and near-death experiences made them bond as brothers to help other people—TCI, or Total Care Institute, offers a one-year program that adapts the biopsychosocial approach.
The biopsychosocial method systematically considers biological, psychological and social factors and their complex interactions in a client’s condition. It is a therapeutic approach in a community-based recovery structure, with behavioral interventions.
TCI’s overall goal, says Tan, is to help the client/resident mature as an individual, learn decision-making skills and develop a healthy and safe lifestyle.
The program is supported by 12 steps that provide spiritual awakening to strengthen commitment to sobriety and a direct guide for clients/residents in their life-long recovery.
Each client/resident will be assessed by TCI’s clinical team to address specific needs and develop an individualized treatment plan. “We have licensed psychologists, Dra. Claire Abass and Dr. Ferdinand Salonga; a psychiatrist, Dr. Ronald Eliphanio; and Dra. Eleanor Ronquillo,” says Tan.
TCI likewise employs a staff of psychometricians and social workers.
“The program consists of seven months’ stay inside the facility,” Tan explains, followed by two months of going out gradually and reintegrating with family and society.”
Visitation of the client/resident’s family members is allowed on the fourth month of the program. By that time, there is acceptance and thankfulness on the part of the client/resident for the opportunity to heal, and regain lost values and dignity.
After-care program
The client/resident can go back to school and work till graduation from the program. It is followed by an after-care program, which includes a lifetime support group for graduates.
Weekly and monthly group sessions and activities help strengthen graduates in their journey to full recovery.
Tan notes that a staff of recovery coaches helps run the program: “They are vital in the recovery of each client because they share the experience. They are the role models and we call them kuya.”
TCI, which sits on a 3,000-square-meter property, with a capacity of 80 beds in dormitory-type rooms in a two-story building.
Its facilities include a full-size basketball court, a gym and, soon, a swimming pool. Clients/residents are encouraged to join its running club, biking club, yoga, tai chi and mindfulness activities.
A few steps out of the main building, in front of a small garden and standing by the main gate, is a Graduates Hall.
“This hall is dedicated to graduate residents who have completed the phases of the program,” says Tan. “We have fellowship and monthly meetings to celebrate life. Here we help and give strength to each of our graduates to avoid relapse.”
Visit facebook.com/tcivillage; call 09778140656. E-mail [email protected].
