The article below was sent to the Catholic Standard for possible use, probably in their
18 January paper.
Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Andoh Opens Meeting on Recovery from Alcoholism
Prepared for the Standard Newspaper by Hopeful Way Foundation 12 Jan, 2009
On December 16, 2008, a meeting on addiction and recovery was held at The Hopeful Way House located in Oyarifa, Accra . Among the 25 participants was Most Reverend Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Andoh. In his opening address, the Archbishop stated that an increasing number of Ghanaian families are suffering from the consequences of alcohol and addiction. He emphasized that religious bodies are not exempt from the epidemic of addiction. He shared the example of alcoholic priests who went to European and other countries in order to seek treatment. On their return to such countries as Nigeria and Kenya , they set up recovery facilities similar to Hopeful Way House.
The participants in the meeting examined the fact that the consumption of alcohol and drugs in Ghana has increased over the last few decades. Although hospitals and clinics have done their utmost to cater to the growing number of patients, their resources have become overwhelmed. Upon receiving treatment patients return to their communities where they most often relapse due to the lack of an adequate support system. It is against this backdrop that the Hopeful Way Foundation in partnership with other professionals, nongovernmental and religious organisations and interested individuals in the field of addiction and recovery held the meeting. The purpose of the event was in part to encourage more collaboration among the participants and to encourage them to complement each other’s work. Hopeful Way House is a home (half-way house) for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts who seek a protective environment in order to remain sober. The House runs on three main principles: a) democracy, b) financial self-sufficiency and c) expulsion for use of alcohol or drugs. The House will soon begin taking in residents, up to a maximum of twelve.
During the meeting each organisation presented an overview of their efforts in the field of alcohol and recovery and proposed initiatives for 2009. During his address The Archbishop gave participants and Hopeful Way House encouragement in their efforts. He noted that in order to live a healthy life, there needs to be a balance among the body, mind and spirit. However, among addicts all three aspects are unbalanced. The Archbishop emphasized the need to unify and coordinate efforts. He mentioned that it could prove beneficial if the Catholic Bishop’s Conference worked closely with other religious bodies to deal with addiction and recovery efforts in Ghana . He believed that Hopeful Way House could be successful in encouraging the establishment of additional half-way houses in Ghana . Regarding Alcoholics Anonymous the Archbishop not only expressed his pleasure in seeing the number AA groups increase, but also emphasized the importance of supporting this growing fellowship. He was also pleased to see that the Hopeful Way Foundation is planning to conduct a five-day training course on addiction, recovery and counseling from 20-25 April. For more information on the training in April, on Hopeful Way House and on Alcoholics Anonymous call 0243 558 412 or visit Hopeful Way House’s blog at: http://hopefulwayghana.blogspot.com/.
For more information on AA visit AA Ghana’s website at: http://www.geocities.com/aa.ghana/AAGhana.html.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Training in Addiction & Recovery - Counseling
Hopeful Way Foundation is planning to conduct a training course from 20-24 April for persons who want to upgrade their skills on counseling alcoholics and drug addicts. The letter below is being sent to a number of organisations in Accra. If there is a demand for one, a shorter course may be offered to those in a particular sector such as religious organisations, schools or the private sector.
Please share the information with anyone who may be interested. Your comments on the proposed training are also welcome. The letter is as follows:
Hopeful Way Foundation
c/o Social Advance Institute
P.O. Box AN 5547
Adabraka-Accra
Tel: 024-355-8412
16 January, 2009
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Training Course in Addiction and Recovery – Counseling
In conjunction with the Addictive Diseases Unit of Korlebu Hospital, the Hopeful Way Foundation proposes to conduct the above course from 20-24 April, 2009 on substance dependence management and counseling. If you or your organisation is interested in sending one or more participants to the training, please inform Mr. Christopher Darkinson (Tel: 024-653-3866) E-mail bosheato@yahoo.com.
The overall purpose of the course is to improve the knowledge and skills of persons who are called upon to provide counseling in the area of alcoholism or drug addiction. The detailed content of the course will depend upon the needs of the participants but is expected to include:
1) The scientific basis of addiction;
2) Perceptions and attitudes towards addiction;
3) The situation in Ghana;
4) Identification and management of addicts;
5) Dealing with addiction – Family, school, workplace & religious organisations.
The course will take place at the National Museum in Adabraka-Accra, and will be limited to 25-30 participants. The main resource persons will be Mr. Logosu Amegashie, Head of the Addictive Diseases Unit and Dr. Eugene Dordoye, plus other prominent persons, including Dr. Joseph Asare. The training will begin with theoretical training on addiction, to be followed by a practical exercises to improve counseling skills.
A participant fee of GHC200.00 will be charged to cover expenses of the course and to help disseminate recovery skills. Please contact Mr. Darkinson with your suggestions about the course content and the interest your organisation may have in participating in the training.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eugene Dordoye
For Hopeful Way Foundation
Please share the information with anyone who may be interested. Your comments on the proposed training are also welcome. The letter is as follows:
Hopeful Way Foundation
c/o Social Advance Institute
P.O. Box AN 5547
Adabraka-Accra
Tel: 024-355-8412
16 January, 2009
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Training Course in Addiction and Recovery – Counseling
In conjunction with the Addictive Diseases Unit of Korlebu Hospital, the Hopeful Way Foundation proposes to conduct the above course from 20-24 April, 2009 on substance dependence management and counseling. If you or your organisation is interested in sending one or more participants to the training, please inform Mr. Christopher Darkinson (Tel: 024-653-3866) E-mail bosheato@yahoo.com.
The overall purpose of the course is to improve the knowledge and skills of persons who are called upon to provide counseling in the area of alcoholism or drug addiction. The detailed content of the course will depend upon the needs of the participants but is expected to include:
1) The scientific basis of addiction;
2) Perceptions and attitudes towards addiction;
3) The situation in Ghana;
4) Identification and management of addicts;
5) Dealing with addiction – Family, school, workplace & religious organisations.
The course will take place at the National Museum in Adabraka-Accra, and will be limited to 25-30 participants. The main resource persons will be Mr. Logosu Amegashie, Head of the Addictive Diseases Unit and Dr. Eugene Dordoye, plus other prominent persons, including Dr. Joseph Asare. The training will begin with theoretical training on addiction, to be followed by a practical exercises to improve counseling skills.
A participant fee of GHC200.00 will be charged to cover expenses of the course and to help disseminate recovery skills. Please contact Mr. Darkinson with your suggestions about the course content and the interest your organisation may have in participating in the training.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eugene Dordoye
For Hopeful Way Foundation
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Hopeful Way House - Construction Nearing Completion
We have been saying for some weeks now that construction on the House is nearing completion. It seems that the walls and the roof were somewhat quick to go up but the finishing touches, including plumbing, wiring and floors took a longer time. In any case, King David is residing at the House and we expect to begin accepting a few other residents by the end of January. We want to go slow so we can keep on top of developments and set up the House on a sound basis. We are sending out the word to hospitals, clinics and NGOs that we will be looking for additional residents in the coming weeks. We don't have beds and other furniture yet, nor is electricity in place but King David doesn't seem to mind. Progress is being made on getting both beds and electricity. Oxford House International is also trying to find an experienced person to come to Ghana for a few monts to help us get the House going on a sound basis. We will keep you informed on developments.
Regards
Dan O'Laughlin
Regards
Dan O'Laughlin
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Report on trip to Addictive Diseases Unit, Wa Regional Hospital, Upper West Region on behalf of Hopeful Way Foundation, December, 2008
The Upper West Region is believed to have the highest incidence of alcohol and drug abuse in Ghana. It is against this backdrop that Mrs. Mary Bapuuroh, a Nurse, established an Addictive Diseases Unit at the Wa Regional Hospital after undertaking a course on addiction and recovery at the Korle-Bu Hospital in Accra. On December 1st, Chris Darkinson and Theresa O’Laughlin traveled to Wa for three days on behalf of The Hopeful Way Foundation. Despite the bus trip taking 23 hours and having to spend the night on the main road because the fan belt broke, both of us were enthusiastic upon reaching our destination. The purpose of our trip was to provide Mrs. Bapuuroh support in her efforts to deal with the scourge of addiction and to aid in the promotion of recovery and sobriety through attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.
While in Wa, we participated in open AA meetings, spoke at a local District Assembly meeting and met with the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Services in the Upper West Region and the Director of the Hospital. Members of the local District Assembly recognised that alcoholism is a problem in their area and welcomed the idea of establishing AA meetings as a tool of recovery. The Regional Director pledged his support for Mrs. Bapuuroh’s efforts. Although Mrs. Bapuuroh is doing her utmost to set up AA meetings, she needs support. Currently, the one-year-old Unit has 22 patients and the AA meetings take place under a tree. Additionally, addicts need to be informed that the meetings are taking place. When they do come and see the meeting location they often do not return. She and members of the AA group confirmed that our visit was a great encouragement to them. They hoped for future visits and continued collaboration and emotional support from Hopeful Way Foundation and others.
While in Wa, we participated in open AA meetings, spoke at a local District Assembly meeting and met with the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Services in the Upper West Region and the Director of the Hospital. Members of the local District Assembly recognised that alcoholism is a problem in their area and welcomed the idea of establishing AA meetings as a tool of recovery. The Regional Director pledged his support for Mrs. Bapuuroh’s efforts. Although Mrs. Bapuuroh is doing her utmost to set up AA meetings, she needs support. Currently, the one-year-old Unit has 22 patients and the AA meetings take place under a tree. Additionally, addicts need to be informed that the meetings are taking place. When they do come and see the meeting location they often do not return. She and members of the AA group confirmed that our visit was a great encouragement to them. They hoped for future visits and continued collaboration and emotional support from Hopeful Way Foundation and others.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Pantang admits more people with substance and alcohol abuse
The Pantang Hospital recorded an increase of 88 percent in the number of patients admitted for substance abuse between 2007 and 2008.
According to Mrs. Anna Dzadey, acting Medical Officer at the Hospital, the number of patients admitted for alcohol abuse increased by 43 percent during the period. She said total Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance this year was 28,101 made up of 11, 995 physical and 16,106 psychiatric cases. She indicated that given the increasing number of alcohol and illicit substance users, the Hospital might expect more clients with addiction problems seeking help in psychiatric hospitals.
“We are prepared to help patients, but it should be the primary concern of policy makers to address this need as soon as possible. The World Health Organisation report in 2002 indicated that four percent of the global burden of diseases and 3.2 percent of all deaths were attributed to alcohol. Yet we see alcohol being prepared and sold almost everywhere and even young children can buy it without a problem,” she said.
According to Mrs. Dzadey, patients referred to the Hospital by court for observation, evaluation and treatment were often forgotten by the authorities and they became a burden on the Hospital. She noted that the Hospital had 121 patients who had been on admission for more than two years, 70 percent of them without any traceable families.
Mrs. Dzadey said the Hospital would establish a special ward for the rehabilitation of patients with substance addiction problems, as well as intensify the activities at the Department of the Rehabilitation of Chronic Patients
In a speech read on his behalf, the acting Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Daniel Yayemain said even though brain drain in the health sector was still a problem, mental health workers continued to show a high level of commitment. Mr. Sory, the Director General of the GHS noted “mental health workers throughout the country have demonstrated that it is possible for all health workers to put in an extra effort when the right kind of leadership is demonstrated.”
Adapted and sourced from Leticia Ohene-Asiedu Daily Graphic, Friday, December 19, 2008
According to Mrs. Anna Dzadey, acting Medical Officer at the Hospital, the number of patients admitted for alcohol abuse increased by 43 percent during the period. She said total Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance this year was 28,101 made up of 11, 995 physical and 16,106 psychiatric cases. She indicated that given the increasing number of alcohol and illicit substance users, the Hospital might expect more clients with addiction problems seeking help in psychiatric hospitals.
“We are prepared to help patients, but it should be the primary concern of policy makers to address this need as soon as possible. The World Health Organisation report in 2002 indicated that four percent of the global burden of diseases and 3.2 percent of all deaths were attributed to alcohol. Yet we see alcohol being prepared and sold almost everywhere and even young children can buy it without a problem,” she said.
According to Mrs. Dzadey, patients referred to the Hospital by court for observation, evaluation and treatment were often forgotten by the authorities and they became a burden on the Hospital. She noted that the Hospital had 121 patients who had been on admission for more than two years, 70 percent of them without any traceable families.
Mrs. Dzadey said the Hospital would establish a special ward for the rehabilitation of patients with substance addiction problems, as well as intensify the activities at the Department of the Rehabilitation of Chronic Patients
In a speech read on his behalf, the acting Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Daniel Yayemain said even though brain drain in the health sector was still a problem, mental health workers continued to show a high level of commitment. Mr. Sory, the Director General of the GHS noted “mental health workers throughout the country have demonstrated that it is possible for all health workers to put in an extra effort when the right kind of leadership is demonstrated.”
Adapted and sourced from Leticia Ohene-Asiedu Daily Graphic, Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Study compares Twelve Steps with various treatments
Researchers comparing types of treatment for various categories of alcohol-dependent patients found that encouraging participation in Alcoholics Anonymous was more effective than other therapies for those whose social networks supported drinking.
Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF) in which the goal is to help bring about patients' active participation in AA, was compared to Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Cognitive Behavioral Coping Skills Therapy (CBT), in a study of 952 patients during the year following outpatient alcoholism treatment. Researchers said that in prior studies, a network support for drinking predicted negative drinking outcomes for treatment-seeking clients.
For those clients, "receiving a treatment with the goal of decreasing support for drinking or increasing support for abstinence will be effective in improving subsequent alcohol treatment outcome," researchers wrote. The study, sponsored by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, appeared in the January 2008 Journal Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
"Individuals assigned to TSF have greater subsequent AA involvement compared with those assigned to CBT or MET, and it is the AA involvement that leads to better drinking outcomes by buffering the negative effects of social networks supportive of drinking. Involvement in AA Fellowship exposes a person to a network of people who have a goal of sobriety and who support one another in achieving this goal," they wrote.
Source: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,
AA Grapevine July, 2008
Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF) in which the goal is to help bring about patients' active participation in AA, was compared to Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Cognitive Behavioral Coping Skills Therapy (CBT), in a study of 952 patients during the year following outpatient alcoholism treatment. Researchers said that in prior studies, a network support for drinking predicted negative drinking outcomes for treatment-seeking clients.
For those clients, "receiving a treatment with the goal of decreasing support for drinking or increasing support for abstinence will be effective in improving subsequent alcohol treatment outcome," researchers wrote. The study, sponsored by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, appeared in the January 2008 Journal Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
"Individuals assigned to TSF have greater subsequent AA involvement compared with those assigned to CBT or MET, and it is the AA involvement that leads to better drinking outcomes by buffering the negative effects of social networks supportive of drinking. Involvement in AA Fellowship exposes a person to a network of people who have a goal of sobriety and who support one another in achieving this goal," they wrote.
Source: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,
AA Grapevine July, 2008
AA Grapevine
Founded in 1944, the AA Grapevine is the international journal of Alcoholics Anonymous. Written, edited, illustrated and read by AA members and others interested in the AA program of recovery from alcoholism, the Grapevine is a lifeline linking one alcoholic to another. Widely known as a "meeting in print," the AA Grapevine communicates the experience, strength and hope of its contributors and reflects a broad geographic spectrum of current AA experience with recovery, unity and service.
www.aagrapevine.org
www.aagrapevine.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
