Serenity rehabilitates drug addicts
THERE has been an increase in drug trafficking in East Africa in the past three years. “That is why today we see more of drug related problems in our society than ever before,†says David Kalema, the director of Serenity Rehabilitation Centre.
By Elvis Basudde
THERE has been an increase in drug trafficking in East Africa in the past three years. “That is why today we see more of drug related problems in our society than ever before,†says David Kalema, the director of Serenity Rehabilitation Centre.
A research conducted by Serenity Rehabilitation Centre in 2005 on alcohol and substance abuse in five secondary schools (four in Kampala and one from upcountry) revealed alarming results. 2,670 students, aged between 14 and 24, were studied. Of which 1,260 (61%) confessed to have engaged in the consumption of either alcohol or drugs.
Boys were more than girls taking the drugs, with 73% compared to 27%.
Serenity was founded in 2000 by the Jesuit in collaboration with the Catholic Church in Uganda after realising that rehabilitation services for drug addicts was lacking in Uganda. They go out in schools and other institutions to sensitise the public about the dangers of drug abuse. Kalema said alcohol is also a drug that is often abused by people, but many people ignore it.
Serenity also has the residential programme where clients are admitted for 90 days until they get de-toxicated . In the process they are offered therapy and counselling following an international programme called Alcoholism Anonymous (AA). They also offer life skills and spiritual empowerment.
They also follow up the patient after the 90 days in residential. About 60% of the patients they have handled have been rehabilitated.
Serenity is found at Plot 184, Wavamuno Road, Munyonyo.
THERE has been an increase in drug trafficking in East Africa in the past three years. “That is why today we see more of drug related problems in our society than ever before,†says David Kalema, the director of Serenity Rehabilitation Centre.
A research conducted by Serenity Rehabilitation Centre in 2005 on alcohol and substance abuse in five secondary schools (four in Kampala and one from upcountry) revealed alarming results. 2,670 students, aged between 14 and 24, were studied. Of which 1,260 (61%) confessed to have engaged in the consumption of either alcohol or drugs.
Boys were more than girls taking the drugs, with 73% compared to 27%.
Serenity was founded in 2000 by the Jesuit in collaboration with the Catholic Church in Uganda after realising that rehabilitation services for drug addicts was lacking in Uganda. They go out in schools and other institutions to sensitise the public about the dangers of drug abuse. Kalema said alcohol is also a drug that is often abused by people, but many people ignore it.
Serenity also has the residential programme where clients are admitted for 90 days until they get de-toxicated . In the process they are offered therapy and counselling following an international programme called Alcoholism Anonymous (AA). They also offer life skills and spiritual empowerment.
They also follow up the patient after the 90 days in residential. About 60% of the patients they have handled have been rehabilitated.
Serenity is found at Plot 184, Wavamuno Road, Munyonyo.