2018-2019: Addiction treatment for female drug users in Tanzania
The aim of this project is to strengthen and expand treatment options for female drug users in Tanzania
Project:
Treatment options for female drug users in Tanzania are virtually non-existent. Both due to lack of funding, but also due to stigmatization of women with drug addiction. In addition, there is a need for knowledge development to improve treatment options.
Rising Hope, in partnership with The Light of Miracle, will therefore establish a rehabilitation center that can accommodate up to 12 women at a time. The first year will be a trial period, and thus only 6 women will be in treatment during this period. Different treatment methods will be tested and the methods will be continuously evaluated and adjusted. Based on the experience gained during the trial period, a strategy will be developed. Based on the knowledge gained about drug abuse treatment, The Light of Miracle will be able to determine how to strengthen treatment options in Tanzania, and thus what the next project could be.
In the first year, different treatment methods and approaches to addiction treatment will be tested. These include individual counseling, group therapy and the 12-step program. In addition, there will be training on various topics such as health, relapse, family relationships, HIV prevention, etc. Exercise and body therapy will also be tried as part of the treatment to gradually regain respect for the body and oneself.
Tanzania does not have the same safety net as Denmark. At the end of treatment, the women are therefore often left without housing and work, which is why Rising Hope and The Light of Miracle have developed a discharge strategy that will be tested during the last six months. Throughout the treatment, the approach is based on empowerment. In everything that happens, women are supported to feel a sense of success. They are supported to believe that women can make their own decisions, that they have rights, and that they are whole people who deserve a good life - so that they can leave as empowered individuals in the best possible way.
As part of the discharge strategy, women will be helped to find housing and a job or training before they leave the rehabilitation center. Family work will also be done so that the women can reconnect or be reunited with their families if they and their families wish. Most of the women are mothers, but have had to leave their children while using drugs. Neglecting their children is perceived as a major stress factor for the women. Therefore, contact or reunification with their children will also be part of the discharge strategy where relevant. It is a long and hard process, but one that affects the future of the women and their children in different ways.
The women will be followed up with every month after discharge and various gatherings will be organized to strengthen the community. This will also help to prevent relapse. As part of the treatment, the women will also give regular talks in local communities, schools, etc., thus the project will also contribute to the prevention of drug abuse.
Status:
Rising Hope was granted DKK 200,000 from CISU for this project, which was implemented throughout the years 2018 and 2019. The center now runs independently, and the women in Tanzania run it independently of Rising Hope. It is the only treatment center for women in Tanzania and it works very well. There are up to 12 women in treatment at a time and many women have achieved sobriety/drug-free status since 2018. There are even more women who would like to check in at the center, but they have difficulty finding financial support due to discrimination. Therefore, a joint effort is now being made to make the offer free of charge by financing the center's operating costs through social economy enterprises. See more about this under Project 2021-2025.