Description
Alcohol dependence is one of the most common drug problems worldwide. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most important public health problems both in Europe and in Romania, Europe being the region with the highest alcohol consumption per capita in the world. Main objective: Improving the capacity of social services supplied to the excessive alcohol consuming people in rural environment in Buzau with the main goal of reducing the social exclusion risk and improvement of life quality. - Improvement of knowledge and skills for 8 community social assistants - Increasing information level and public awareness on psycho-social and medical problems caused by alcohol abuse - Counseling and assistance services provided to 160 alcoholics and their family members Direct beneficiaries: - 8 communes in Buzau; - 160 alcoholics; - 180 family members of the alcoholics; - 8 employees of local public institutions; - 400 participants in the information and awareness sessions.
Summary of project results
Excessive alcohol consumption represents a health problem, both worldwide and in Romania, with Romania being 5th in the world ranking (WHO). Alcohol abuse is higher in rural areas and there is an increase in alcohol consumption of adolescents. Considering this, the project aimed and succeeded to increase the capacity of local authorities to provide information and counselling to people excessively consuming alcohol and their family members in Buzau County, in order to reduce the risk of social exclusion and improve the quality of life. A methodology for the selection of communes was developed and 8 communes (out of 82) were selected based on the alcohol abuse situation at local level, the presence of a community assistant and commitment to continue activities after the project end. A training program was developed and 8 community assistants were trained on how to provide information and counselling to excessive alcohol consumers and members of their families. By the end of the project, they have provided information and counselling to 160 alcohol abusers and 187 family members, improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of social exclusion. Within the "ALCOHOL FREE" caravan, 16 information and awareness raising sessions on negative consequences of alcohol abuse were organised for 413 adults and children. Promotional materials (400 T-shirts, 100 posters, 300 hats, 400 pens, 8 banners, 5000 flyers) were produced and used during the caravan in the villages.
Summary of bilateral results