Over 1,000 addiction cases aided by Sedqa in 2013

National drug agency Sedqa marks its 20th anniversary on Thursday 26 June, on the United Nations’ International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Throughout the past 20 years of service, Sedqa has been committed to educate and inform the public about the harm caused by drugs, offering treatment and rehabilitation services to persons of all ages having a drug, alcohol, and compulsive gambling problem.

Today the agency employs over 90 employees, with a well-developed programme of preventive projects targeting students in primary, secondary and post-secondary schools; programmes at the workplace; parental skills courses; and projects within the community amongst others.

Between January and December 2013, the Sedqa Alcohol and Gambling Community Service worked with 374 cases; 452 cases were dealt with by the Agency’s Drugs Community Service; 1143 cases benefitted from the services given at Detox, with 229 admissions made to the in-patient detoxification centre during the same period.

62 cases and 152 cases were further dealt with by the Family Therapy Services and Psychological Services respectively, reaching parents, children, partners and significant others to be able to support and sustain their relationship with the person experiencing the addiction.

Further support is also given in Court (202 cases throughout 2013), and also through residential rehabilitation programmes.

Sedqa encourages persons with a substance abuse problem, and their relatives, to seek help by calling on Supportline 179 (EU Helpline 116 123) or else on 2388-5110 during office hours.