Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Phoenix Recovery appeals for public/private assistance to address problem of addiction
The Mon Repos location of the Phoenix Recovery Project
With its primary intention to decrease drug demand and abuse in Guyana one addict at a time, the Phoenix Recovery Project has been making remarkable strides, even recently introducing the first female recovery programme.
By securing some funding from the United States State Department, through the Catholic Relief Services, the Recovery Project was able to commence operation of its female facility last September.
The Phoenix Recovery Project is located at Lot 90, Block CC, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and is a non governmental organisation which was founded in August 2002.
In its embryonic stage, it offered treatment and rehabilitation for men recovering from drug addiction.
These drugs included recreational drugs which have no legal restrictions (alcohol and tobacco) and drugs of abuse which are illegal, namely cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana.
According to a release from the entity, just as recreational drugs are abused, so, too, are illegal drugs.
However, it was noted that substance abuse does not only imply a particular type of drug, but the extent to which the drug is used or abused and the resulting effects as it relates to emotions, behaviour and mental stability.
Today, the Phoenix Recovery is able to cater to 12 women and an equal number of men, with a view to helping with their personal development, so as to ensure that they return as responsible, productive members to the society.
The ideal age of acceptance to the Recovery Programme is 18, and treatment and rehabilitation consist of two distinct phases.
Phase one entails residential care, while phase two is regarded as after-care; with Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings as an adjunct to treatment.
To enable the residential care, clients reside at the centre for six to 12 months, to undergo treatment. The treatment process allows each client to participate in group and individual therapy. There are also workshops on self-esteem, stress and anger management, and relapse prevention, among others.
Spiritual focus is also regarded as very important, and as such, the client participates in daily spiritual sessions.
Phoenix works in collaboration with the Psychiatric Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation to ensure clients receive the necessary treatment and care.
In the aftercare phase, clients are required to return once weekly for a 90-minute group therapy for 12 months, a process which helps to reintegrate them into their families, the community and the society as a whole.
The Phoenix programme embraces the notion that “drugs respect no one, have no barriers, and affect every stratum of our society.”
It is for this reason that the Project is requesting that both public and private sector organisations enter into partnerships with it for continuing efforts to treat and rehabilitate the afflicted, even as the public is being educated.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Bureaucracy gone bananas!
…Peeping Tom kaieteur News- Every morning, the government wakes up, stretches its arms, and spends one billion dollars... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
