Over the last two years, Blue Cross Czech Republic has developed an extensive network of counselling and aftercare services in the Moravian-Silesian region. In this region, care and support for dependent people and their families is not fully developed as a social service yet. The services the Blue Cross Czech Republic provides, therefore constitute a valuable complement to the existing detoxification programmes offered by local hospitals and clinics. They enable clients to benefit from a professional, integrated approach towards dependence treatment that effectively addresses detoxification, therapy, rehabilitation, and aftercare.
The Wider Context in Which Blue Cross Czech Republic Works
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The Czech Republic has the second highest alcohol consumption per capita in the world.
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Over 30% of Czech men who drink alcohol are classified by the WHO (2011) as ‘heavy episodic drinkers’ (i.e. ‘had at least 60 grams or more of pure alcohol on at least one occasion weekly’).
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In the Czech Republic beer is cheaper than any soft drink.
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Like in other high consumption countries, alcohol regulatory policy development and enforcement is considered in need of strengthening.
Blue Cross Counselling Centres – A High Rate of Client Satisfaction!
Since 2009, Blue Cross Czech Republic has established three highly professional counselling centres in different locations in the Moravian-Silesian region and one in the neighbouring Zlin region. These centres offer an integrated therapy programme covering:
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individual counselling;
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counselling and advice for family members;
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referral services – including collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, prisons, and social and legal child protection;
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spiritual support if desired; and
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self-help, through a network of self-help groups linked to each of the centres which aims to ensure the sustainability of the proposed support.
Within two years of operation, the local Blue Cross counselling centres have already delivered more than 500 therapy sessions to an average of 80 clients per year in each centre! Nearly as many women as men visit the centres, and about a quarter of the persons seeking help are relatives of dependent persons. Thanks to the holistic approach that combines professional therapy and aftercare with a spiritual dimension, the counselling centres achieve a high rate of successful outcomes as well as client satisfaction.
Donations Welcome!
Blue Cross Czech Republic relies, amongst others, on donations to fund its services. Please help this organisation to ensure the sustainability of its services for people affected by the harmful use of alcohol.