Becoming a client of Frontline’s can happen a number of different ways – a client may call us directly seeking help or a family member may do it on their behalf. Another way is that they are referred to us from another service, such as a homeless service or a prison.
Joe* first engaged with Frontline’s services while in prison and post-release with the goal of overcoming an addiction to benzodiazepines and methadone.
A LONG HISTORY OF ADDICTION
Joe had a long history of drug use that began in his late teens when he first used heroin. By his early twenties he was being prescribed methadone and later began using benzos, deepening his dependence on substances.
BEGINNING THE RECOVERY PROCESS
The journey to recovery is different for each person. After initially engaging with our service, Joe then went through a period of not engaging, before getting in touch with Frontline again with the aim of completing a detox and becoming substance free. He had already begun the process of detoxing from prescription benzos with his GP and was attending a Benzodiazepine Support Group but was still using street tablets.
Joe started by attending for individual keyworking sessions. During these sessions a care plan was created, and goals were established – these included accessing residential treatment for detox and rehabilitation for methadone and benzodiazepines.
A referral was then sent by Frontline to Merchants Quay Ireland for their programme in St Francis Farm, and Joe completed the assessment a few weeks later. Part of the process in being admitted for treatment is meeting the requirements for admission and Joe diligently kept in touch with MQI to provide them with updates on his progress, working towards meeting the requirements.
FUTURE PLANS
Joe has now completed the detox and rehabilitation programme and is substance-free. He is attending a drug-free day programme and a SMART group – this provides him with additional support during his recovery process.
He is also looking forward to getting back into full-time employment.
If you or a family member need support with drug or alcohol issues, you can contact us here or phone 01 4736502 to make an appointment. We have locations in Bluebell, Inchicore and the North Inner City of Dublin and we are open Monday – Friday.
*The client’s name has been changed to protect their anonymity.
