A RISE in societal ‘pressures’ – such as the cost of living – has contributed to the growing demand for addiction support services, according to the departing chief executive of the Silkworth Charity Group.
Jason Wyse made the comments as he reflected on his 13-year tenure with the organisation.
Silkworth Lodge was opened in 2002 and provides residential rehabilitation for Islanders who have been affected by addiction through bespoke treatment.
‘I think that we have seen an increase in demand for our services and I am not just talking about Silkworth; I’m talking about services in general around drug and alcohol addiction.
‘There has been a huge increase and I think that’s down to two things – number one, I think it’s down to a raised awareness around the issues that come with drugs and alcohol. People are more aware of the impact that it has and there are more signs for them to be aware,’ Mr Wyse said.
‘The second reason is – lets face it – over the last few years we as a society in general have been facing more pressures. The cost of living, we’ve had Covid, people having to adjust their lives working from home – they are all having an impact. That is why it’s happening but I think the reason services are becoming busier is [also] because people know they can reach out for help,’ he added.
He also said there had been an increase in the number of families and ‘significant others’ of addicts seeking help.
‘What I mean by that is not all of the people who suffer with drink or drug problems accept that there is a problem or are ready to reach out for help. But that doesn’t mean the people around them, who could be their families or friends, can’t see it,’ he said.
‘They can see the impact it is having on them and what happens is we get a lot of calls from families, or wives, husbands etcetera looking for some support or information on what they should do.’
