Pubdate: Sun, 12 May 2002
Source: Royal Gazette, The (Bermuda)
Copyright: 2002 The Royal Gazette Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.theroyalgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2103
Author: Rene Hill
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women)

HOME COMFORTS TO AID WOMEN RECOVERING FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Women addicts from all social backgrounds can now take advantage of a 
facility for drug and alcohol abuse that re-launched on Thursday.

Fair Haven is care in a home setting providing a programme of assistance 
for withdrawal and treatment and is based on the theory that alcohol, and 
other drugs addictions are primary, progressive chronic diseases that 
affect the individual physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Anne Vance, director of Fair Haven, said: "The redevelopment of Fair Haven 
has been designed especially for Bermudian women."

Chris Backeberg, primary counsellor said: "Bermudians drink a lot and it is 
not talked about."

He added: "Drug abuse comes in many forms, whether it is prescription 
drugs, illegal drugs, tranquillisers, sleeping pills, pain killers, alcohol 
or nicotine."

The centre reopened in January and has since had 25 clients, eight of whom 
are now on Phase Two of the healing programme.

The first phase of the programme is centred on learning about the 
consequences of addiction, understanding the symptoms and feelings 
associated with addiction. Clients reside at Fair Haven for at least six weeks.

The second phase is the continuing care programme. This either will take 
place in a half-way house or living in a supportive environment and 
attending Fair Haven as an out patient.

"All alcoholic families are not violent and it is not always easy to 
recognise the signs. If you decide not to go to a family party because of 
certain members' drinking habits, then there is a problem," said Sylvia 
Hayward-Harris, a Continuing Care coordinator.

George Botelho, a counsellor, said a woman's social circumstances could be 
misleading if it was thought that drug abuse only affected the down and out.
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