[imprimir]
Artigo publicado na revista Goodlife, em Maio/2003
Aid for addicts
The Algarve’s first in-patient
detoxification and rehabilitation facility for
alcoholics and drug addicts has opened near Silves.
The Clínica do Falacho was geared only
for outpatients when Dr. Manuel Sommers (opposite)
took it over earlier this year. Dr. Sommers, a
psychologist of German descent, has been running
a similar in-patients clinic in Oporto for eight
years and in Lisbon for three years.
Housed in a large former farmhouse, set in six
hectares of orange and olive groves and with accommodation
for up to 18 patients, the Clínica do Falacho
now offers short detoxification courses or a 12-week
residential programme which includes therapy.
All treatment is supervised by professional, full-time
medical and nursing staff. Dermot Staveacre, who
has had 20 years experience in helping addicts,
is one of the principal councillors.
Dr. Sommers estimates that between 3% and 5% of
the population are addicted to heroin or cocaine
and about 10% to alcohol. Whereas it takes as
little as six months of hard drug abuse to produce
a junkie, the social and other problems associated
with alcoholism may only surface after 20 or 30
years.
Abstinence is the best way to recovery, according
to Dr. Sommers and his team. They reject the method
adopted by most state-run clinics, including the
CAT centres in Portimão and Olhão,
of routinely handing out methadone as a substitute
for heroin.
Coming off heroin can be a relatively short process.
Under supervision, it usually takes only five
to seven days. Alcohol detoxification may take
two or three weeks. In both cases, it is the staying
off that is much more difficult.
The main emphasis at the clinic, therefore, is
individual and group therapy. It is conducted
in a relaxed social environment. The aim for each
patient is the same: to conquer chemical dependency
and make abstinence permanent.
The all-inclusive charge for detox treatment is
€ 1,500 and for the complete 12-week programme
€ 6,900.
Inquiries to Dr. Manuel Sommer: 919 194 444 or
967 285 050
|
