| How can you tell if someone is taking drugs? | You can tell because a person changes his/her habits: – sudden mood swings – problems at school and/or work – frequent and repeated absences – isolation – different friends and acquaintances – changes in daily timetable – pleas for money – disappearance of items from home – impatience or intolerance – no plans |
| Is the information on drugs and their effects available on the Internet reliable? | Not all the information available on the net is reliable. Much of this information is diffused by lobbies that promote the legalization of drugs or drug “consumer” associations. Their main objective, in the best possible scenario, is to play down the harmful effects of drugs. Some sites even promote drug use. It is therefore, necessary to be careful and shrewd enough to only check out respected and carefully monitored websites. |
| Which drugs can be considered hard drugs and which soft drugs? | The most recent and eminent scientific research has shown that there is no great difference between so-called “soft” and “hard” drugs. In fact, all of them alter the relationship of individuals with themselves and with the world around them. Furthermore, it has been shown that even hashish and marijuana can cause psychological and physical dependency. From our point of view, it is however wrong to focus on the effects of different drugs. In fact, the problem with drugs begins before a person starts using due to an unsolved problem. |
| Should we worry about the use of soft drugs too? | The use of hashish and marijuana does not necessarily imply a transition to the use of other drugs, but without doubt, most drug addicts began by smoking joints. The use of cannabis may therefore, be just an interlude in the difficult phase of adolescence, but can also lead to drug dependency. It is therefore, essential to give this type of behaviour its due importance, as a young person’s desire to alienate him/herself from reality is always the result of a sense of feeling inadequate and should be carefully addressed. |
| My son/daughter is violent and aggressive. I’m scared, what should I do? | – Ask for the support of an association (list available). – Take him/her to a psychiatrist for assessment. – Contact the police force to ensure your safety. |
| How does admission to San Patrignano work? | –Click here to find all the necessary information. – Contact one of our associations. – Contact the Drug Dependency Service (or SERT) in your area and request admission to San Patrignano. |
| Is it possible to try rehabilitation at home to avoid admission to the rehabilitation centre? | Based on our experience, it is very difficult for families to deal with all the problems that living with a drug addict may cause. In any case, we recommend seeking support from individuals, bodies or associations that understand the problem and that can guarantee a mid-long term rehabilitation programme. |
| Do you need to write to San Patrignano to request admission? | Yes, anyone seeking admission should write to our Admissions Office and must continue to write before being admitted, in order to keep the relationship alive and become better acquainted. |
| How long is the wait for an interview? | The interview takes place about two months after initial contact. However, while waiting, our associations dotted around the territory can be contacted for support and advice. |
| How long will I stay at San Patrignano? | The duration varies from person to person, based on how the rehabilitation progresses. In any case, a stay in San Patrignano never lasts less than three years. |
| Who takes the admissions interview? | The interview is with our Admissions Office staff. They will explain in detail the rehabilitation programme, life at the centre and what is required of young residents. After the interview, those who show they are serious about starting the programme are asked to make a written request, which is seen as a confirmation of the commitment undertaken. |
| Are there any selection criteria? | – The express desire of the person involved to undertake the rehabilitation programme at San Patrignano. – Absence of any problems that make admission to the centre impossible (psychiatric problems, alcoholism or eating disorders that require other types of therapy). |
| Do I need to pay to stay at the centre? | Absolutely not. Being admitted to and staying at San Patrignano does not require any contribution from the young residents or their family. |
| Why is assistance free? | -To avoid any type of discrimination. – So that each young resident realizes he/she is the architect of and key player in his/her rehabilitation programme. – Because what we offer young residents and their families are sentiments and a commitment that cannot be measured in financial terms |
| How does the centre fund itself? | – With production activities carried out in the rehabilitation centre’s vocational training sectors. – Thanks to donations from companies and private individuals and public contributions for projects. It does not request public funds to maintain young residents. |
| Do all residents work at the rehabilitation centre? | All residents take part in a vocational activity that will allow them to fully integrated into society once they have completed their rehabilitation programme. |
| Why do all young residents learn a trade at the rehabilitation centre? | Because work is part of the life of every responsible and independent person. Through work, our young residents gain self-esteem, a sense of responsibility, awareness of their own potential and limits and the ability to relate to their peers. We have over 50 vocational training centres, ranging from crafts to agricultural, IT, clothing, graphics and the service sector. For more information click here. |
| How is the rehabilitation centre organized with regard to studying? Does the rehabilitation centre help the families of its young residents? |
It is possible to continue and complete several different types of school curricula. Those who wish to continue can also be admitted to university courses. The help the centre gives families is psychological help, which is given with the assistance of the volunteer associations we collaborate with. This begins prior to admission of the young residents to the centre and continues during their stay and after they are reintegrated into society. |
| Do guests receive medical treatment? | The rehabilitation centre has a multifunctional medical centre that guarantees basic and specialist healthcare for all residents. All residents are given a clinical record card upon admission. Any therapy being undertaken is assessed and continued if deemed appropriate. Where necessary, personalized treatments and diets are prescribed and check-ups are carried out, every 1-2 months in the event of particular pathologies (HIV and hepatitis) and every year for normal situations |
| Does treatment have to be paid for? | Medical treatment is free for all residents. |
| What happens if someone who asks to be admitted has a son or daughter? | Depending on the particular situation, the rehabilitation centre will assess the possibility of also admitting the children and the most appropriate time for this to take place. |
