On the outskirts of Antipolo City, Ryan* and Dave* are seeking shelter in a rehab facility. Both former drug dependents are now on the final phase of a four-pronged rehab process.

Their stories contrast starkly to the negative misconceptions attached to drug addicts. Both finished college in prestigious universities and belonged to privileged families.

Before rehab, their careers were blooming. Ryan was a new recruit in the business process outsourcing industry, while Dave took part in a successful campaign from an advertising agency. Both were articulate, courteous, and smart.

Ryan first became hooked to marijuana during college due to peer pressure. Despite his daily intake of marijuana, he maintained a good academic standing without his professors knowing he was under its influence. His addiction compelled him to experiment with different strains.

But, when the side effects started kicking in, Ryan began to suffer from recurring episodes of paranoia and psychosis as a result of extreme fear and anxiety.

“I was delusional to the point that I [thought] that people around me [were] going to do something bad. I was already hallucinating to the point I was seeing angels and demons,” he said.

Despite these warning signs, he continued taking strong strains of marijuana until his body collapsed. His family rushed him immediately to the nearest hospital. This forced his parents to send him to rehab for further treatment.

Meanwhile, Dave* had been a regular user of shabu since high school. He used to save a portion of his allowance to buy shabu from dealers. Although he temporarily stopped taking shabu in his early years in college, he eventually regressed to his old habits. Later on, he took hardcore drugs such as ecstasy, valium, and mogadon – dubbed as the “uppers.”

He was hooked on the extreme euphoria induced by the uppers. He stayed awake for several hours without eating anything. It heightened his senses and enhanced his athletic performance. However, it made him more reckless in his actions and decisions.

“Naging very impatient ako. Hindi ko ma-control anger management issues ko (I became very impatient. I could not control my anger management issues),” said Dave, who was known for his calm demeanor.

He even resigned from his company to join the underground drug business. While he earned lavishly, he gambled most of his money as an outlet to vent his frustrations.

His addiction took a toll on his mental health, amplifying his feelings of depression. At one point, he even attempted to commit suicide.

Dave was first admitted to rehab by his family in 2008. While it seemed successful at first, he fell into relapse until he finally returned to rehab last January 1. He said he is committing himself to change for good.

Before their release months from now, both are hoping to start new lives post-rehab. Ryan is planning to apply for a new job under a new business process outsourcing company. Both a son and a father, Dave is ready to mend the broken relationships with his family.

While their future plans are already set, they said that sobriety does not stop them from relapse. According to them, quitting drugs is not as easy as it seems.

“Honestly, most of the people here say na they’re still going to look for that high. People actually relapse and go back to the center,” said Ryan.

While rehab alone is not the ultimate cure to addiction, both Ryan and Dave agree that it is a good start to the healing process. According to them, a strong support system is also needed to help them along the path to recovery.

*Names were changed to protect their identities.