Rehab - is it any use?

Volunteering Drug Addicts Belarus

This or something similar could have been the reaction when Sandra and Rebekka completed their volunteer year at the Drug Rehabilitation Center of TOS Ministries International in Belarus and got to know the stories of people in therapy there. Here, Sandra and Rebekka talk about common reservations about drug addicts:

Drug addicts only have themselves to blame for their addiction, don't they?

Rebekka:

"Of course, starting drugs was their own decision. But nobody woke up one morning and thought: 'I'm going to start taking drugs today'. There is always a trigger, for example a stroke of fate, hardship or the wrong friends. Many people start taking drugs at a very young age. They often come from broken homes. They have no social safety net or anyone to turn to or who could have protected them. And the nasty thing about addiction is that you can't get out of it on your own."

Is drug rehab any use at all?

Sandra:

"Drugs are of course physically addictive. This destroys the ability to lead a normal life and build relationships. For people in rehabilitation, it is therefore initially a huge challenge to become physically free of the addiction. If they succeed, they can learn to lead a regular life and get on well with others."

Rebekka:

"In the Rehab Center in Svetlagorsk, addicts get a second chance - who wouldn't want that?!"

Sandra:

"Rehabilitants are set free from physical dependency there - also through prayer. The approach of the ensuing therapy: training a daily lifestyle of regular routines and taking responsibility for one's own life.

The rehabilitants receive loving support from the team at the Rehab Center both during inpatient therapy and afterwards."

What is the success rate?

Sandra:

"In Germany, unfortunately only around 20% manage to get rid of their addiction. The rate at the Rehab Center of TOS Ministries International is really good. It is 70%. I was thrilled to see how addicts have completely changed their lives and become free from addiction."

Rebekka:

"It was exciting to see how people's lives were transformed in such a short period of time and how they were given new hope, friends and prospects for the future."

Would you recommend volunteering in a drug rehab?

Sandra:"For sure! Behind every drug addict is a person who is totally kind and lovable. The rehabilitants were really nice to us and I was able to learn a lot from them.
I was changed myself and made some great friends."

 

Interested in Volunteering?
Volunteering at the Rehab Center in Svetlagorsk involves working with drug addicts from nearby towns. A rehab center with a first contact point and aftercare facilities was opened there in 1997. The initial point of contact is located in Svetlagorsk and offers addicts the opportunity to make a decision for or against inpatient rehab while still in outpatient therapy. The Rehab Center offers inpatient, 12-month therapy in the countryside in Ostrovcizi, which is supplemented by follow-up care in shared aparments in Svetlagorsk. The Rehab Center has a capacity for 15 rehabilitants. The volunteers support the existing branches of work as additional personnel. This could include activities such as accompanying members of the team on visits, supporting the rehabilitants in practicing everyday tasks or working in occupational therapy such as repair or renovation work in and around the house, agriculture or housekeeping.

If you stay for at least six months, live in Germany and are between the ages of 18 and 26, your assignment will be funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. This provides you with board and lodging, health, accident and liability insurance for abroad, a small amount of pocket money, continuation of child benefit payments, recognition of the assignment as career guidance and educational support before, during and after the assignment.