support groups

Caritas Malta provides a framework and support to Self -Help Groups. This includes the provision of group rooms, reception for referrals, training and supervision when required. The support groups can also make use of other internal services.

A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) and Al Anon

Moderate alcohol use is normal but alcohol abuse and eventual dependence is a serious problem. Too much alcohol affects the central nervous system and eventually the brain. It affects perception, thinking, coordination and mood; it impairs judgement, reduces inhibition an increases aggression. Those who abuse alcohol are more likely than others to engage in high risk, thoughtless or violent behaviours.

Alcohol abusers are not necessarily addicted to alcohol but develop problems as a result of their alcohol intake. They are normally referred to as "problem drinkers" or "normal alcoholics". Many people who abuse alcohol eventually become alcohol dependent.

Warning signs would include:-
social, financial, legal, work or health problems
trying unsuccessfully to cut down one's drinking

drinking alone
morning drinking
drinking prior to social events
drinking to cope with problems

Alcohol dependence, on the other hand, is an illness that affects the individual in four
distinct aspects:

Physically
Mentally
Emotionally
Spiritually

The main features of alcohol dependence are:

Withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, hand tremors etc.
Inability to abstain from having the first drink
Loss of control, i.e. inability to stop once started
Tolerance , more and more alcohol is needed to produce the desired effect.

Once alcohol dependence has been diagnosed, the only known remedy for recovery is total abstinence.
Recognising and accepting that an alcohol problem exists is the first crucial step towards solving the problem. If one has an alcohol problem, it is important to keep the following in mind:

alcoholism is an illness and NOT a normal weakness,
blaming yourself or others and feeling ashamed are all stumbling blocks to recovery ,
you are not alone - many, many persons suffer from the illness of alcoholism and are in recovery,

don't push away the messengers! The earlier the treatment, the more successful it is likely to be.

Where to find support.

Caritas offers professional guidance and support to its clients and their families who may have alcohol abusers/dependents apart from their drug problem.

Help can be sought at: -

Caritas Malta
Family Services
82 Capuchins Street
Floriana.
Tel. 21237935 , 21238090

Caritas also offers its premises to the self-help group of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) who hold a weekly Support Group every Tuesday at 6.00 p.m. at:
Caritas Head Office
5, Lion Street
Floriana.

AA Helpline is: 2123 9264
Al-Anon (for Families of Alcoholics) can be reached on 2733 5786 or 2137 0888.

Ro-Se (Widows and Separated persons)

Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association
www.caritasmalta.org/epilepsy

Meetings : Every Two Months (on the second Friday of the particular month)

Venue: 5, Lion Street Floriana

The Association is for persons with Epilepsy and their families. It is estimated that there are more than 3,000 persons with epilepsy in the Maltese Islands . The Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association (CMEA) was set up by voluntary workers in 1996 and now lists almost 300 members. It aims to promote education and local awareness about epilepsy, especially because of the stigma suffered by people with this condition in society particularly in employment. Our campaign is aimed at improving health care services, treatment and social acceptance of epilepsy, as a serious yet treatable brain disorder. Raising public and professional awareness and dispelling myths about epilepsy is one of our key objectives. Over the past years our promotional and educational campaign of the various aspects of epilepsy, includes talks on T.V. and radio, lectures at schools and parishes, articles in the local papers, a production of a video/DVD on epilepsy in Maltese and distribution of flyers translated into Maltese. CMEA works closely in Malta with the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Malta and the Maltese Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy, The Epilepsy Society of Malta which is the professional organization.

Thursday Club (mental health aftercare)
The aim of this group is to help the persons seeking help to reintegrate into society. The activities consist mainly of teaching social skills and social activities.
Meetings: every Thursday
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: 5, Lion Street Floriana

21+ (for young adults who would like to improve their social skills)

The aim of this group is to enhance social skills and offer an opportunity to build friendships.
Meetings: every Friday
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: 82, Capuchins Street, Floriana

Huntington's Chorea Support Group

A Self-support Group set up to help the families and friends of HD sufferers.
Venue: 5, Lion Street Floriana

For more information about Caritas Malta support groups you may contact the

Counselling and Social Work Unit on tel no. 2590 6600