Ten places for free therapy are being funded by the Na Ratunek Dzieciom Foundation of Lower Silesia, which wants to help children harmed by their parents’ addiction in this way.

“We are waiting for applications from adults who have children. During the therapy, we not only treat addiction but also repair family relationships. This is the foundation of a life free from substances. The therapy program at the Nadzieja Clinic lasts one month. It includes individual and group sessions, as well as support for the family of the addicted person,” says Sylwia Dereń. “We always look for the addicted person’s strengths. Our experience shows that this makes it easier to develop constructive ways of coping with emotions. And every addiction is a disease of emotions,” Dereń explains.

The therapy program provides for rebuilding relationships with loved ones, including through special consultations with therapists and weekend meetings organized by the clinic, as well as learning skills that are also useful after treatment ends.

“If I see that someone has a problem, for example, with assertiveness, I organize appropriate workshops. The stronger a person’s support network, the greater the chance that they will not return to addiction,” the therapist adds.

Around 60,000 people in Lower Silesia are addicted, and the forecasts are alarming. According to data presented in the Lower Silesian Program for the Prevention and Resolution of Addiction Problems for 2013–2016, this number will increase.

“For an addicted person, deciding to seek treatment is a turning point. Motivation is the foundation of therapy, so treatment should begin as soon as possible,” says Sylwia Dereń, a therapist at the Nadzieja Clinic. “In public centers, this is often impossible because people may have to wait as long as two or three months for therapy,” she adds.

Where can you apply for free therapy?