President praises work of addiction centre

ADDICTION IS the “blight of all blights” in many Irish lives, homes and communities, but it is an enemy that can be overcome, President Mary McAleese has said.

Mrs McAleese was speaking at the weekend at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Rutland Centre, which treats people with drug an alcohol addictions.

She praised the work of the centre in breaking the “stranglehold of addiction” and helping people to reshape their lives. “The work is tough, frustrating, sometimes bitterly disappointing and sometimes heartening,” she said.

Addiction visits cruelties on children and brings untold misery to relationships. There were, she said, “many predators” and pressures which made people vulnerable to addiction.

But, she said, “there is no doubt that the earlier our children become conscious of their responsibility for their own behaviour, their own mental and physical health, their potential as problem solvers rather than problems in our world, then the better will be their chances for a good and happy, fulfilled life”.

Clinical director of the centre Dr Fiona Weldon said almost 30 per cent of its clients were addicted to more than one drug, including alcohol, and that this Christmas would be a difficult time for people struggling with addiction.

“This year has been difficult financially for many, and in a recession it can increase the risk of turning to substances in order to cope with stress, anxiety or low mood.”

Christmas can be a time when those in recovery return to drink, she said. “The Rutland Centre is ready to help in the new year, when people may be picking up the pieces in the aftermath of relapse.”

Also, others would in the new year decide to make a change in their lives by dealing with their addiction for the first time.