More information
Description
Identifying and managing people addicted to toxic substances is a global challenge. Toxic consumers are often reluctant to seek medical attention due to low levels of respect and stigma. This stigma stems from the lack of sufficient and specific training of medical staff for such situations. In Romania there is an acute need for integrated services of psychological counseling and treatment of dependent people to ensure the increase of addressability and stop consumption. The AddictHelp project provides a solution to these problems by facilitating access to integrated information, counseling and treatment services in a safe environment for people with toxic addictions. Increasing the degree of mobilization and social inclusion of toxic consumers by implementing the AddictHelp program is based on 3 main pillars 1) increasing access to medical and psychological services tailored to this target group 2) informal education of health workers and social workers in order to increase their compliance in care of patients with addictions 3) raising awareness among the general population on the importance of reducing stigma and increasing the degree of social inclusion of toxic consumers. This will be achieved by setting up an outpatient testing center and a psychological counseling center within the Cluj-Napoca Regional Institute of Gastrology and Hepatology, as well as by operating online informal education platforms. At the same time, the project proposes the elaboration of practices and useful resources in the management of people with addictions. Through this project we aim to corroborate medical and psychological data with the needs identified by the target group itself (toxic consumers) to lay the foundations of a state-of-the-art program adapted to Romania, for people with addictions.
Summary of project results
The project AddictHelp was developed in response to the growing public health issue of substance dependency in Romania. Stigma, both from healthcare professionals and the general public, prevents many individuals from seeking treatment, exacerbating their medical and social problems. The project aimed to address these systemic gaps by creating a supportive environment for information dissemination, psychological counseling, and medical treatment for individuals struggling with dependencies.
The project implemented several key activities to address alcohol dependence and improve healthcare services. Despite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, project management and communication efforts continued throughout. A multidisciplinary team developed the AddictHelp Protocol and Guide. The AddictHelp Ambulatory Center was established, where over 100 individuals at risk of alcohol-related health issues completed assessments, underwent medical consultations and received ultrasound and fibroscan evaluations. Fifty individuals were tested using breathalyzers. The AddictHelp Psychological Counseling Center provided psychological evaluation and counseling to more than 100 people. The project also developed the AddictHelp Informal Education Platform, which assessed stigma among 202 hospital employees and medical students, followed by online training for hospital staff. The AddictWhy Online Platform was created to inform the public about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, a series of TV interviews aired on NCN Cluj to raise awareness.
Over 100 individuals at risk of alcohol-related health issues benefited from medical and psychological support, while alcohol consumption risks were identified through breathalyzer testing. Among healthcare professionals and medical students, 202 participants were assessed for stigma toward alcohol dependence, and medical staff received training to improve patient interactions. The general public gained access to educational resources through the AddictWhy platform and TV broadcasts.