By Dee McMath
Rehabilitation Centres
As in most other regions of the Europe, alcoholism
and drug abuse are growing problems in Andalucia. With the increase
in weekend binge drinking amongst young people in most main cities,
the rise in consumption of alcohol is becoming a major concern for
families, as well as the authorities. Crowds of young people take
to the streets of many Andalucian towns and drink alcohol from the
bottle or from plastic glasses. This regular street-party life is
known as 'el botellon' or 'la movida'. Apart from the obvious social
problems of security and noise levels, the side effects of this
level of alcohol and related drug intake is leaving its legacy of
serious addiction and health problems in its wake.
Rehabilitation Centres
There are many alcohol and drug rehabilitation centres
in Andalucia, where people of all ages can seek help and support.
In a recent interview, Luis Miguel Márquez, Secretary of
ALAC, 'La Asociación Libres de Alcohol' (Association Free
from Alcohol) in Linaraes (Jaen) said that the number of cases dealt
with rises by 75% in the summer months. He puts this down to the
increased free time over the holiday period. Although the media
reports mainly on the binge drinking of those in their teens and
early twenties, the average age group attended by ALAC is 42 years
and mainly from a mid to upper socioeconomic groups. Sr. Márquez
comments "it is very difficult to detect alcoholism in youngsters
- the problem tends to be evident from the age of 30 upwards".
He adds "Most young people who come for treatment here are
brought by family members and the abusive consumption of alcohol
is linked with taking drugs such as marijuana or cocaine.
The Andalucian Social Services have a network of
support and help set up to help with problems of drug dependency.
The initial port of call for therapeutic assistance is through your
local Amubulatorio (National Health Clinic). This is the first part
of the network of assistance available and can lead to Hospital
Detoxification, Therapies within the Community, Treatment Shelters,
Rehabilitations centres, Day Centres and Special Meeting Centres.
These are State funded options, for which you will need to be a
contributor to the State Social Security system and will be less
likely to find English speaking assistance.
There are other privately run centres across Andalucia,
offering many different types of support and help, including access
to therapists and psychologists. In many areas inland, these centres
tend to be run and attended by Spanish nationals and Spanish speakers.
However, in some of the major towns along the Costa
del Sol, where many thousands of English speaking residents have
now lived for many years, there will almost certainly be someone
to speak to in English. The best way to find English speaking centres
or assistance is by checking out the local (and usually free) English
language newspapers and magazines. The 'Sur in English', which is
free and to be found in most large newsagents and some bars and
cafes on Fridays, has an excellent small ad section where groups
and centres advertise.
Alcoholics Anonymous in Andalucia
The worldwide Alcoholics Anonymous organisation operates in Andalucia and there are many well established English speaking groups, especially along the Costa del Sol, which meet regularly. Most of the English language weekly newspapers have a section on club meetings, with details of when and where you can find this type of support. Whether on holiday or resident in Andalucia, you will be made welcome. For further information on meetings from Nerja to Gibraltar, phone: 952 470 358. Also see the AA entry in the Clubs page.
AL-ANON
Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) is an organisation which
offers support, hope and a safe meeting point for families and friends
of alcoholics. This worldwide organisation has been running for
50 years with the aim of helping families and friends of alcoholics,
who are often severely affected by the difficulties and emotional
stress, which is related to abusive drinking. It is helpful to know
that there are English speaking Al-Anon groups in Andalucia and
especially in the Costa del Sol area. Although Al-Anon is a separate
entity from Alcoholics Anonymous, there is cooperation between the
two organisations. As with AA, the meetings and support is offered
in the strictest of confidence. For further information on English
speaking meetings in your area, call: 662180326.
Learning to live without alcohol
- intensive programmes
The problems of alcoholism and the difficulties
it can cause are certainly not new. There are different methods
of confronting the issue in Andalucia. Some of these are in the
form of intensive residential programmes, which facilitate a calm
and therapeutic atmosphere where confidentiality and discretion
are given the highest priority. These methods will usually include
the professional input of Clinical Psychologists, Counsellors and
qualified medical practitioners who specialize in this field. The
programmes are designed to help patients identify and understand
the problems of their addiction, often through group and individual
sessions. Normally treatment will include relaxation and stress
management and there should be follow-up support on offer to help
to avoid a relapse.
Alternative Approach to the
Treatment of Addictive Behaviour
A method which is certainly not new to the United
States is now available in Andalucia for those who would like to
free themselves from addiction to alcohol. For over 20 years this
more natural approach has been used in America and it includes many
different and combined techniques such as Reiki and healing crystals
in an intensive residential course. This unique course boasts an
incredible 80% success rate and is now available at a centre in
the relaxed and picturesque setting of Puerto Serrano (about 50
kilometres north of Ronda). A holistic approach, dealing with mind
and body is the hallmark of this very successful programme. It treats
the physical, mental and spiritual implications of alcoholism for
each individual. This course guides you towards the freedom you
deserve and helps you to find a new sense of direction.
Check it out before you check
in!
Over the last couple of decades many ways of treating
or dealing with problems of addiction have been developed. From
psychiatric hospitalisation, to prescribed sedatives or other drugs,
AA meetings, hypnotherapy or acupuncture, the methods are all different.
Each person is as different as the options available so before you
decide which way to go, be sure it is for you. Also find as much
background information as possible about the organisations and their
methods or treatments used.
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Serenity House Alcohol & drug recovery centre
Well established residential '12 Step programme' Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centre. Professionally counselled by recovered addicts and set in the peace and tranquility of Inland Andalucia, close to Ronda. (0034) 956 127 371 |
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