The shadow of narcotic substances looms large over Paraguayan society. The rapid spread of drug addiction, especially among vulnerable groups like children and adolescents, is no longer a problem confined to specific segments of society but is approaching as a societal catastrophe. However, amidst this crisis, criticism is mounting over the state's minimal role. At the 3rd National Conference on Addiction Issues recently held in Caacupé, representatives of Catholic religious organizations strongly criticized the state's indifference and uncooperative attitude, stating that "Plan Sumar," a national addiction prevention and treatment program, has effectively failed.
"Plan Sumar" Fails: A Tragedy of Desk-Bound Discussions Disconnected from Reality
"From the beginning, I couldn't shake the feeling that this plan was hastily put together," said Sister Gisela María Henao of the Franciscan Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Sacred Family, who attended the 3rd National Conference on Addiction Issues, delivering a firm diagnosis of "Plan Sumar"'s failure. In an interview, she heavily criticized the government's unilateral administration, stating, "It saddens me to hear that Plan Sumar has failed. However, they didn't even ask any of the organizations that have been working in this field for over 25 years if their methodologies were effective."
"Plan Sumar" was the main proposal by the Paraguayan state for the prevention, treatment, and social integration of people suffering from drug abuse. However, experts in the field unanimously agree that this plan, hastily pushed forward while ignoring the voices of those on the ground, was bound to fail. As Sister Henao pointed out, numerous private organizations, especially Catholic-based ones, that have cared for and helped rehabilitate addicts for decades in the field, received no consultation or requests for cooperation from the government. This clearly demonstrates the state's complacent attitude toward the addiction problem and the flaws in the policy-making process that failed to utilize the experience and knowledge of field experts.
In fact, information regarding the specific details and progress of "Plan Sumar" is extremely limited. The Paraguayan government heavily promoted the plan upon its announcement, but there was little tangible change experienced on the ground. Along with issues of transparency in budget execution, questions about the program's effectiveness also persisted. Addiction is not merely about stopping drug use. It requires a multi-faceted approach, including psychological counseling, vocational training, and support for social reintegration, which in turn necessitates long-term and consistent effort. However, "Plan Sumar" was insufficient to meet these complex demands and ultimately resulted in wasted budget and time.
The Absence of the State: The Catholic Church and Civil Society Struggle Alone
Sister Henao pointed out that the increase in drug consumption in Paraguay particularly affects vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents, expressing strong regret over the lack of state support. She lamented, "We receive no support of any kind—no financial support, no educational support, no training or national organizational support." This outcry reveals the reality that a significant portion of the solution to Paraguay's drug addiction problem relies on the dedication of the Catholic Church and volunteers.
The 3rd National Conference on Addiction Issues was held with the goal of bringing together Catholic identity organizations from across the country to reflect, connect, and strengthen prevention, recovery, and social integration activities within the Catholic Church. The event included education, prayer, exchange of experiences, a talent night, and a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Caacupé, with the final Eucharist celebrated in the presence of priests and Bishop Ricardo Valenzuela of Caacupé. Such gatherings suggest that religious organizations are voluntarily uniting to address the problem in the absence of state intervention.
Indeed, a significant number of addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers in Paraguay are operated by religious organizations, especially the Catholic Church. These organizations rely entirely on donations or the help of volunteers without government support. This situation makes it difficult for the state to avoid criticism for abandoning its responsibility, despite addiction having emerged as a serious social problem. Addiction is not an individual problem but a social illness, and its treatment and prevention are the responsibility of the state.
Sister Henao expressed envy, mentioning cooperation models between states and churches in other countries in the region, such as Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. She said, "Thanks to CELAM (Latin American and Caribbean Bishops' Conference), I was able to attend international conferences and be enriched by these experiences, and I dream that Paraguay will one day have such insights." This is a strong message that Paraguay, like other countries, must work organically with government and private organizations to solve the addiction problem.
The event was attended by Father Carlos Charly Olivero, a key figure in CELAM and founder of "Hogares de Cristo" (Homes of Christ) in Argentina, who shared his experiences in community ministry with people in problematic drug consumption situations. This is an example of the important role the Catholic Church has played in solving the addiction problem throughout Latin America and can serve as a good example for Paraguay.
The Dedication of Volunteers: An Unextinguished Flame of Hope
Along with criticism for the lack of effective policies, Sister Henao emphasized the crucial role of the Catholic Church in solely supporting people in problematic drug consumption situations. She stressed, "Volunteerism has been a powerful element that has allowed us to sustain ourselves here for a long time." This clearly shows how important the devoted efforts of volunteers are in solving the drug addiction problem in Paraguayan society.
Addiction is not simply a matter of individual will but a complex disease. Drug use is often closely linked to mental health issues, poverty, and social exclusion. Therefore, helping addicts requires a multi-faceted approach, including medical treatment, psychological counseling, social reintegration programs, and vocational training. In providing such support, religious organizations like the Catholic Church go beyond mere treatment, helping individuals find meaning in life and embark on a path to recovery through faith and community.
Regarding the spread of drug addiction among adolescents and children, Sister Henao warned, "Addiction is a pandemic because it is shamelessly spreading in all spaces, especially among adolescents and children. They are, on the one hand, the most vulnerable population, and on the other hand, businesses are set up for them to consume longer." This statement reveals the serious reality that drug addiction is spreading throughout society, and vulnerable groups, in particular, are being targeted by drug suppliers. Drug suppliers are exploiting the difficulty children and adolescents have in breaking free from addiction to turn them into long-term customers.
The Church Speaking Hope Amidst Despair
Amidst this grim reality, the Catholic Church does not abandon its message of hope. Sister Henao offered words of encouragement to young people suffering from addiction, saying, "There are many spaces for healthy interaction and growth, and for listening. We can always find a Plan B. Not everything is over. The Catholic Church has such spaces and organizations that help with prevention."
This message emphasizes that the church community can be a safe haven for those who have fallen into despair due to addiction. The Catholic Church goes beyond mere religious activities, embracing those who suffer in the lowest parts of society. This is based on the spirit of love and solidarity, serving as a beacon of hope in areas where the state's reach falls short.
However, the efforts of religious organizations alone are not enough to stem the tide of massive drug addiction. It is now time for the Paraguayan government to recognize the addiction problem as a national crisis and to devise practical solutions through cooperation with private organizations. It must listen to the voices on the ground, respect the experience and knowledge of experts, and establish systematic policies from a long-term perspective. Along with financial support, it must strengthen the addiction prevention and treatment system through education, training, and the establishment of a national network.
Paraguay's future ultimately rests in the hands of the younger generation who will escape the swamp of drug addiction. Only when the state, civil society, and religious organizations join hands and make efforts to "walk together" will the light of hope shine even brighter. The responsibility lies with the state and all of us to no longer repeat failures like "Plan Sumar" and to create real change. A genuine "united operation" to combat the "pandemic" of drug addiction is desperately needed.
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