Former drug users graduate at San Blas
Video: Paul Spiteri Lucas
A number of former drug users graduated at Caritas’ San Blas yesterday after cleaning themselves of the habit in a residential programme.
Caritas director Mgr Victor Grech said that according to 2009 statistics, there were that year 667 young people who sought treatment at Caritas centres - 83 per cent men, 17 per cent women.
Their average age was 25 but ages ranged from 14 to 59. 45 per cent of clients were unemployed and the primary drug used was heroin. Cocaine, the most common drug in the previous five years, dropped in usage.
The secondary drug last year was cannabis (43 per cent), cocaine (25 per cent) and heroin (10 per cent).
A total of 74 per cent completed their treatment and 26 per cent stopped it for six consecutive months.
Mgr Grech said that mephedrone, also known as Meow, Meow, could be bought on the internet and was still not considered illegal. It was being consumed by 40 to 50 per cent of drug users who took drugs during weekend parties, according to calculations.
Sold as a plant fertiliser, it affected mental health.
Between 2004 and 2009 the number of clients increased by 29 per cent.
Mgr Grech said that one of the aims of the therapy and formation given in Caritas homes was to help a person make the right choices, which would give his life a meaning.
Another aim was for the person to learn to live in a community with others, sharing, giving back, serving and making others happy.
The third aim was for residents to learn to return the love they would have received while at the home.
He said that drug rehabilitation was a long process which many times involved more than one care and treatment episode, since dependence on illegal substances was a chronic disorder.
Caritas has been providing a residential service for 25 years. Some of those who had received the service were now part of the Caritas staff. Others worked with Sedqa and other agencies.
Unfortunately, some returned to their old habits.
The graduation, which included a variety programme put up by the graduands, was also attended by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition leader Joseph Muscat.
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j grech
Jul 10th 2010, 13:10
well done to all those that have turned their lives around, you have acheived one of the highest test going, please keep it up and help the next person who finds themselves in the position you were once in, god bless you all .and double blessings to all staff . to all who did not manage to avoid temptation dont give up if at first you dont succeed then try and try again, may i wish all and every one of you good luck in your new future.
jane deguara nee hughes
Jul 10th 2010, 08:38
weldone
Edric Micallef Figallo
Jul 10th 2010, 01:17
I just love seeing people successfully redeem themselves. Well done! May you give hope to those that need it.
Manuel Mangani
Jul 9th 2010, 23:39
Congratulations to these graduates. If they continue to utilise the skills they learnt at San Blas, they will make it - not only because they will remain clean of drugs, but because they will lead fulfilling lives, albeit not problem-free.
Spare a thought too for the hard-working, dedicated and highly-competent staff who helped and guided them through the rehabilitative journey.
Joe Xuereb
Jul 9th 2010, 23:31
My best wishes to these very courageous people. We are all vulnerable to addiction in this world we live in. You succumbed but you overcame a terrible illness. Please, please, if ever you feel slipping, seek help immediately. You know where Caritas is and you know it works. Take care of yourselves and each other.
charles vella
Jul 9th 2010, 22:15
Well done who made the program It is not easy .My friend who is one of them is the best friend that l have met . He is the happiest man that l have met now. He has got a very caring
girlfriend . He has got a good working place . Keep it up
Jesmond Micallef
Jul 9th 2010, 20:29
Congratulations to these people. You now know what it is all about. I'm very sure it was not an easy ride for all of you. Keep cool and stay away from drugs. I sincerely wish you all the best and remember, when the going gets though, the tough get going !! God bless you all.
M, Barbara
Jul 9th 2010, 20:08
Proset lil dawn il-persuni li kienu lesti jghaddu mill-programm. Awguri ghall-hajja fejn l-ghajnuna nsibuha kif tghallimtu fil-programm. Proset lil Caritas, Careworkers u kull min kellu sehem kif ukoll membri tal-familja li ghenu lill-dawn il-persuni jaslu s'hawn. Awguri u nitolbu ghalikom halli tibqghu shah kontra d-droga.
CHARLES SPITERI
Jul 9th 2010, 20:07
wish them good luck SAY NO TO DRUGS keep it up and stay clean from drugs