Number of Lincolnshire drink and drug addicts expected to increase
The stress of modern life and the faltering economy will lead to a rise in the number of people hooked on drink or drugs, according to an addiction service manager.
Addaction, with a site on Newland in Lincoln, is one of the country's leading drug and alcohol treatment services and currently has 650 people on its books.
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Nicky Dewhirst-Vickers, service manager at Addaction, believes their referral rate is only set to increase.
"I can see referrals going up and up," she said.
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"Everybody has more stressful lives these days with the economy and other pressures.
"For the younger generation, social media and opportunities for bullying could lead to them developing an addiction.
"As life struggles keep getting bigger, referrals will go up. There will always be a demand for this type of service."
Addaction is one of eight services in the country that is working on a trial payment by results method. This means part of its funding depends on the number of people it helps.
"We work with a vast array of people," added Ms Dewhirst- Vickers. "We will initially talk with people to assess the help they need. Some patients may need a detox and so we would pay for a bed in a detox clinic for them.
"For others, it is more about support and getting them to understand their triggers so that they can manage them.
"People who come to us are all assigned a one-to-one worker so they speak to the same person all through their treatment which they say helps them."
The facilities at Addaction include a gymnasium which clients can use.
"We work with anyone who has any sort of issue," added Ms Dewhirst-Vickers.
"I would urge anybody who thinks they may have a problem, no matter how serious, to come and speak to us.
"Or, if they don't want to come and see us, call us and we can arrange to go and see them."
Mark, who has been through the system and now works with Addaction, runs the gym.
"I was dragged here by my family because my drinking had got out of control," he said. "Addaction got me into rehab as I had started drinking again quite heavily.
"Their support is crucial and something that helps no end.
"I could not have done it without their help, they are fantastic. I have gone full circle thanks to Addaction and it is something I am very proud of."
To get in touch with Addaction, call 01522 301307.
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