A confidential drug support and counselling service called ‘DrugAware’ has been launched.
‘Motiv8’, formerly the Isle of Man Alcohol Advisory Service, was established in 1978 and provides confidential help to those affected by problem drinking, including support for family members.
The young persons’ service, ‘AAS 12-21’, was launched with a grant from Comic Relief in 2006 and the gambling support service, ‘GamCare Isle of Man’ was established in November 2011.
DrugAware is designed to offer support for adult drug users and their family members/significant others.
Motiv8 says that 70 per cent of its clients on average over the last 10 years have shown a reduction or abstention in alcohol consumption. The charity says that GamCare Isle of Man is also demonstrating similar success rates with more than 100 referrals since inception.
The charity has entered into a new contractual agreement with the Department of Health’s mental health service to provide support for several groups under one roof.
The service works with the department’s drug and alcohol team as part of the range of services provided by the government.
Chris Mitchell, the chairman of Motiv8, said: ‘The importance of offering low-key anonymous support in a small community is crucial if you want those affected to feel that they can come forward for help, hence confidentiality and discretion are guaranteed.
‘The charity is welcoming the challenge of adding drugs misuse counselling to its growing portfolio of interventions.’
Thea Ozenturk, director of Motiv8. added: ‘Addictive behaviours are very comparable and the issues that people face in life that spark an over-reliance on substances and addictive behaviours are similar.
‘The philosophy of Motiv8 is to offer prompt help and support to all those affected including family members with a range of counselling interventions.
‘A new team member has been appointed to head up this branch of the service and the team of 10 full time and part time staff are expected to work across all client groups to promote consistency and a prompt response to all those in need of support.’
DrugAware will offer a range of services including:
A confidential appointment within two working days of first contact
One to one counselling, support and advice on any legal or illegal drug use
Early and brief interventions for those in the early stages of a drug use
Harm reduction or abstinence based approach, based on client choice
Non-judgemental stance and person-centred counselling
Family/significant others support
Telephone helpline
Range of leaflets, resources on all drugs
Support for those detained in the prison
Relapse prevention and aftercare
Twilight sessions
Satellite clinics
This new service is now accepting referrals from anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s use of legal or illegal substances. For confidential help, advice and support from all of Motiv8 services contact:
DrugAware: Tel. 627650, Mob 496048 Email drugaware@iom.com
Alcohol Advisory Service: Tel. 627656, Mob 426400 email aas@iom.com
AAS12-21; Tel. 627656, 414240 email aas12-21@iom.com
GamCare: Tel. 622011, Mob 498985 email gamcareiom@iom.com
The website is www.moitv8.im