SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Nov. 14 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Drago Project, a care unit for disorders related to alcohol consumption of Cáritas Diocesana de Tenerife and integrated into the Drug Addiction Network of the Government of the Canary Islands, has assisted 106 families so far this year and a total of 197 people with this addictive pathology.
This project, which celebrates 24 years since its launch, focuses on detoxification, detoxification and alcoholic rehabilitation of patients. The profile and problems presented by this disorder have been changing over the last few years, as can be seen in the report published on the occasion of the celebration, this November 15, of World Alcohol-Free Day.
Regarding the last six years, the aforementioned report continues to confirm the increase in women who approach the project requesting help, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the number of women served has gone from 21% five years ago to 32% today.
61% of the people attended began to drink between the ages of 14 and 17, according to the document published by Cáritas Diocesana de Tenerife, which states that 45% (17% women and 28% men) of the patients who come to the program do not have family support, even if they live in a family nucleus.
The majority profile, however, is in patients aged between 46 and 55 years (37%). In addition, almost 50% have a first-rank alcoholic relative, so there is a greater vulnerability to developing the disease.
Currently, the number of patients who are in social exclusion is 20% (4.8% women and 15.2% men); 25% live alone and 15% in shelters, compared to 60% who live with their family units.
In the diagnosis of patients who have received alcohol detoxification, detoxification and rehabilitation treatment, 95% have alcohol dependence (29% women and 66% men) and 5% abuse (2% women and 3% men).
As explained by those responsible for Drago, the increase in people who come to the Program with Dual Pathology stands out, 60.4% (23.8% women and 36.6 men); that is, they have an addictive disorder that coincides with a psychiatric disorder.
Regarding the employment situation, the highest percentage of those affected is unemployed, having worked before, or is a pensioner, with 53.66% (26.83% each sector).
ABOUT THE DRAGO PROJECT.
Subsidized by the General Directorate of Public Health of the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Drago project works from a biopsychosocial approach, through an interdisciplinary team made up of a doctor, a psychologist and a social worker. Since 2009, the number of people served by the resource managed by Cáritas Diocesana de Tenerife has grown by nearly 40%.
Drago Project is the only specific unit in the care of alcohol consumption disorders of the Drug Addiction Network that exists in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It offers guidance, information, assessment and referral to other resources if necessary, as well as medical, psychological and social treatment in individual and group therapies, as well as advice on drug addiction prevention. It also participates in awareness campaigns and carries out training actions.
So far this year, two out of every ten patients treated have already received therapeutic discharge, while 47.7% are undergoing treatment to receive it. One of these cases of recovery is that of María (fictitious name given to preserve her privacy). As she explains, she started thinking that a little glass wouldn’t hurt her, “but after time that little glass became the most common thing in my life.”
“I was in circumstances that mistakenly led me to take refuge in alcohol. But it wasn’t really me; I didn’t take care of myself, I forgot things, * I didn’t want to admit what was happening to me until I woke up thanks to the help of my family and the Drago project”, emphasizes María, who acknowledges that she is now “liberated”, because “alcohol is no longer part of my life”.
“Now I am the person I want to be. I am myself; I take care of myself, fix myself and solve small and big problems and decide how I want my life to be without a toxic substance giving me the strength to act,” she says.
Along the same lines, Pablo expresses himself, admitting that “I drank like crazy to forget my problems; as soon as I got out of bed I looked for something to drink.” The beginning of the treatment was very difficult, but thanks to the help of my family and the professionals at Drago, and after a very slow process and with a lot of sacrifice, I got ahead. I have now been more than 4 years without drinking and my life has completely changed. I am the person I want to be and I am happy,” he concludes.
