The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is marked on the 26th of June, across various countries around the world. Through the commemoration of this day, these countries take the opportunity to express their commitments in promoting a drug-free society.

On the 7th December 1987, the General Assembly of the United Nations decided to observe the 26th June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

As the national agency against alcohol and drug abuse, Agenzija Sedqa said it would like to reaffirm its commitment towards offering health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services to persons of all ages having a drug, alcohol, and/or compulsive gambling problem, and to their families. Moreover, this year Agenzija Sedqa marks its 17th anniversary on the same day.

Between January and June 2010, the Agency’s Drugs Community Services has worked with 609 individual clients who have benefited from the service at least once, out of which 124 where new. The preferred drug of use amongst these clients was reported to be heroin, with cocaine following next.

Agenzija Sedqa said it encourages those persons who have a substance abuse problem, and their relatives, to seek help by calling on Supportline 179 or else on 2388 5110 during office hours.

Agenzija Sedqa aims to increase awareness among the general public of the dangers of substance misuse, through the delivery of various prevention programmes in primary, secondary and post-secondary schools; programmes at the workplace; parental skills courses; and projects within the community; amongst others. Moreover, care services are offered to those people who are already experimenting or abusing substances. Treatment services include counselling, detoxification, community programmes and residential services. These are supported by psychological and family therapy services. Sedqa also offers support to the client’s family members and significant others, thus ensuring the re-integration of service users within their family and social context.

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