Addiction to drink and drugs is a complex problem that can have a number of contributing factors according to healthcare professionals dealing with substance misuse in Cork.
Coordinator of Drug and Alcohol Services for Cork and Kerry, David Lane, who has been working in drug and alcohol treatment for the past 18 years said it is rare to have someone seek help for a single addiction to a particular substance.
“It is usually, poly addiction, cross addiction, using more than one substance at a time, but alcohol is often the gateway. It is often the first substance a person will have used and it will be the primary addiction.”
Mr Lane said within the drug and alcohol services offered by the HSE, they often work with people at the point where their drink and drug use is out of control and they are physically or psychologically dependent on a substance.
The drug and alcohol healthcare professional said the HSE offers their service to anyone who may need it. All age groups are treated, from under 18 to people in their 50s and 60s.
Speaking about the motivation to get clean, Mr Lane said it can come from varied sources.
“People come at different times in relation to their addiction. It could be family involvement in encouraging them to get help. Falling into homelessness or ending up in hospitals and other services that exist across the region here, and it is at that point that we pick up people.”
Mr Lane said the important thing was that people had a genuine desire to improve their lives.
Source: Roisin Burke, Evening Echo, 22/08/18
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