The project responds to the problem of insufficient support for people addicted to drugs using the Addiction Treatment Centres run by the MONAR Association in smaller towns in Mazowieckie Voivodeship. In 2017, 10% of 15-34 year olds in Poland used drugs (National Bureau for Counteracting Drug Addiction, 2018). The treatment of psychoactive substance dependence and cross addiction (drugs and alcohol) is the main focus of the support provided to people staying in the centres. However, patients often suffer from accompanying addictions, such as internet abuse, gambling and compulsive sexual behaviour, which complicate the recovery process and reduce the effectiveness of standard inpatient treatment.
The project provided group and individual support to 44 male and female clients receiving treatment at the MONAR centres in Ostrołęka and Lipianka. The support included help with the prevention and treatment of behavioural addictions and money management. Two mothers with addiction problems benefited from a series of individual psychological consultations. Six anti-discrimination meetings were also organised for people in the centres in Budy Zosine, Ostrołęka, Lipianka and Wyszków, led by people representing groups at risk of discrimination. Two meetings were also organised with secondary school students from two schools in Goworowo and Ostrołęka, with the indirect aim of raising students’ awareness of addiction to psychoactive substances and familiarising them with the activities of the MONAR centres.
The project’s activities complemented the services provided by addiction treatment centres in the Mazovia region. Several dozen people received comprehensive support in overcoming accompanying addictions and improved their skills in managing their own budgets, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the standard therapies provided by the centres. They were also made aware of the problems and needs of groups particularly vulnerable to discrimination and prejudice.