Director’s Review
There is now international evidence to prove that alcohol is a gateway drug to the experimentation with and use of illicit drugs for teenagers in countries like Ireland with a serious binge drinking problem.
In Ireland young people under the age of 18 years are now spending more money on alcohol than on illicit drugs. Even though it’s illegal for them to purchase alcohol. In 2008 Aislinn saw an increase, to 120, in the amount of adolescents presenting with alcohol and drug abuse problems.
Cocaine and heroin have now become ubiquitous and are part of the poly-use that has become the norm for teenage abusers. This trend has meant Aislinn has had to adapt to the changing needs of our adolescents. The Centre recruited the support of a consultant psychologist and two new family therapists. We have also introduced new therapies such as life coaching and eating disorder treatment, as well as increasing the availability of other therapies. National findings by the NACD proved that participation in an abstinence based treatment programme is followed by positive outcomes in drug use, involvement in crime and physical and mental health.
Aislinn celebrated its 10th Anniversary in October 2008, with a large number of former residents, their families as well as supporters and former staff in attendance. The day was a wonderful celebration of the achievements of Aislinn and the Mercy Order in supporting the adolescents and their families who have been through our programmes. In the last ten years Aislinn has treated almost 1,100 15 to 21 year olds for drug and alcohol dependency.
Croí Nua, our designated family respite centre, catered for 120 parents and siblings of young people who use and abuse drugs and alcohol. Croí Nua not only offers a place to rest but the programme assists participants to gain vital skills and knowledge in dealing with their children.
In 2009 Aislinn will increase the number of annual bed nights available to young people from 3,500 to 4,200.
DECLAN JONES - Aislinn Director