The local chapter of the Rotary Club has made available free access to a world acclaimed treatment centre on nearby Antigua for a local residents dealing with addictions.
Community Health Officer in the Ministry of Health Maguerite Joseph said it is not a competitive process to apply for access to the treatment centre but they must be resident on island and 18 and over.
In May 2018 a delegation from the Crossroads Center in Antigua visited Montserrat through the local arm of the Rotary Club and made an offer of scholarships to residents. The world acclaimed treatment centre, started by music legend Eric Clapton, offers rehabilitation services for adults suffering from alcohol, cannabis, cocaine and opiod dependency.
Joseph explained that she will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine if the client is motivated, medically and mentally stable.
“There is no need for detailed lab work unless there is a health concern,” Joseph shared. “If the preliminary assessment indicates the person to be a good fit, then we set up a date and time for Crossroads staff to do a pre-admissions assessment with them over the phone. Then a decision is made regarding admission.”
The scholarships are for free access to Crossroads’ 30-day residential treatment program which includes the following:
- Medical detox
- Assessment—physical, nutritional, social, psychiatric, psychological and spiritual evaluation.
- Education on the disease of addiction
- Insight-oriented therapy—Group and individual therapy
- Five days integrative Family Programme
Other complementary therapies are also offered such as yoga, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, fitness training, massage therapy, art therapy and continuing care up to 2 years after discharge.
All clients receiving scholarships are asked to make a financial contribution to Crossroads, but they choose the amount they or family can contribute. The scholarship does not cover personal expenses only treatment related services. As such if clients need to see a dentist, purchase cigarettes or get medication for pre-existing conditions unrelated to addiction such as insulin, they would have to pay for these on their own.
Joseph added it is recommended that all clients bring some personal spending money no more than USD400.00.
If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction you are advised to contact Ms. Marguerite Joseph at 491-3896 or josephm@gov.ms. For more on Crossroads visit www.crossroadsantigua.org .
Crossroads Centre Antigua offers a therapeutic, supportive and safe environment—away from the confusion of life in addiction—on beautiful Antigua.
