Interview with Debbie Smith
When and why was CostaRehab set up?
CostaRehab was set up at the beginning of this year. My youngest daughter is now settled in school and I realised that I had to give my career a kick start and start to utilise the skills I have. Since being here on the Costa Blanca for over two years, I have heard from others about the problems affecting the community with regards to problematic alcohol or drug use. I also noticed that there does not seem to be an English speaking advice and contact service for those who are having problems controlling an alcohol or drug problem and also those that could be affected by their actions, family, friends etc
What services does it offer?
CostaRehab can offer a range of interventions, offering firstly a FREE assessment and consultation. From the information gathered a client lead support plan is drawn up. Which could include any of the below
• Advice about alcohol & drug use
• Telephone therapy
• One to one support sessions
• Harm reduction advice
• Drink & drug diaries
• Brief solution therapy
• Alcohol & Drug testing
• Liver function tests
• Relapse prevention advice
• Dual diagnosis
• Referrals to other services
We also offer
• Advice and support for family and friends
• Tailor made alcohol and drug awareness training packages for professionals, schools etc
• Clinical supervision for other professionals
What is your background?
With over 15 years of experience working with those who suffer with alcohol and drug addictions. In the past I have worked in the prison service, Addaction a leading drug and alcohol agency in the UK. And finally has a senior drug and alcohol worker, managing a team of staff working with offenders with drug and alcohol issues in the community. So as you can imagine I have been trained to a very high standard.
For many people, is CostaRehab the first contact with a drug or alcohol rehabilitation centre?
It can be, some people just need advice and information i.e. parents, but with an empathic approach it might be found that further intervention is needed. Some are receiving medical intervention and benefit from hourly one to one support sessions working on triggers etc. CostaRehab services also offer after care when a client has finished their detoxification at a rehab clinic.
What kind of support plan do you offer to drug and alcohol abusers and how do you ensure it is right for their individual needs?
The support plan is always client lead and is reviewed at appropriate intervals. Taking information from the FREE assessment much information can be gathered about the client; what they are using, when, how and why? Dependent upon the clients needs a variety of issues could be looked at for example re-integrating back into the community through hobbies and interests, many times a new set of friends benefits reducing the impact of peer pressure.
Do you find that people visit you on their own accord or have been sent by (or come with) another member of the family?
The action an individual takes concerning their use of alcohol and or drugs will depend on their own view of the impact that it has on them or those close to them. Normally if a person is not admitting to themselves that they have a problem they probably wont accept any help or support. Once they start and recognized their use is becoming problematic it’s the first step to their recovery.
Some people feel ashamed they might have been hiding their problems and don’t feel ready to acknowledge them to someone close, so make contact on their own accord. Some people do come with someone for moral support but I do prefer to perform the free assessment on a one to one basis where clients tend to be more truthful.
Do you think that people can fully overcome drug and alcohol abuse, and if so how long does it normally take?
I found this question quite hard to answer has every individual is different, its dependent on how long they have been using , if they are still enjoying it and how dependent they are on using their favorite substance has an emotional crutch. But yes I do think people can overcome it especially with the right support. It can be an emotional rollercoaster with some falling off and when their ready getting back on again.
What kind of effect can drug and alcohol abuse have on an individual on a physical and emotional level?
Physical warning signs of drug abuse
• Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual.
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
• Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits.
• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.
• Feeling run down, hopeless, depressed or even suicidal
Behavioural signs of drug abuse
• Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
• Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviours.
• Sudden change in friends, favourite hangouts, and hobbies.
• Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).
• Getting drunk or high on a regular basis , lying about their intake
• Taking risks, including sexual risks and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
Psychological warning signs of drug abuse
• Unexplained change in personality or attitude.
• Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.
• Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.
• Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.”
• Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.
From what you have seen on the Costa Blanca, what are the main reasons that people turn to drugs and alcohol?
Many people come to live their dream, sun, sea and sangria and their alcohol intake becomes problematic. Worries about the economic future, wages, pensions etc. Loneliness can have an impact if a spouse is bereaved or if friends move away. Peer pressure can have a massive impact with the younger generation i.e. getting involved with the clubbing scene where drugs are ready available.
Normally what age and sex are they?
Younger people seem to be more affected by drug misuse possibly submitting to peer pressure, having a wider group of friends, also being in the environment of clubbing can lead to more exposure to the drug culture. And I’m sure there are a few out there that would agree with me that at a younger age we are more prone to experiment and feel indestructible. Older people seem to develop drink problems which tends to happen over a longer period of time.
Do you come across many mothers who are abusers or are they more often victims of abuse?
Due to the infancy of the service I can only answer this question on past experience. The answer is both, many women become problematic users after being introduced to a substance by their partners, which leads to a higher risk of offending for the woman; she maybe sent out to work to sustain both habits. Domestic violence can be a big issue leading to the breakdown of the family unit and possibly separation/divorce.
What effect does having a parent who is abusing drugs or alcohol have on children?
As you can imagine this question brings up a copious amount of response. It can lead to a lack of parental supervision with little or no structure of boundaries in social or moral rules. Living with someone whose behaviors can change from being loving to withdrawn and unstable can lead a child to become confused and insecure, suffering from sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression which affect psychological and emotional development.
Do you come across many parents who are concerned their children may be taking drugs/drinking too much alcohol and if so what are the tell-tale signs?
Yes many worried parents do approach me for advice, wanting to know the tell tale signs some which are listed above. Alcohol and drug awareness should be covered for the senior school children at school, it is apart of the curriculum for those schools following the English curriculum. Here at CostaRehab will also put together tailored made training packages for schools, workplaces etc.
What areas of the Costa Blanca do you operate in?
We operate in Javea, Benitachell, Moiriara, Benissa and Gata De Gorgos and hope to expand further afield once a client base in other areas has been established
For those living further afield what is the best way to get in touch?
We also offer online support which can take place over the phone or by email. You can access online support via our secure password enabled online chat, by secure email via MSN messenger, Yahoo messenger or Skype chat. More details are available on the website at www.costarehab.com
April 2011
