Each day, Agenzija Sedqa encounters several new cases of both alcohol and drug abuse problems. Being the National Agency against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse, Sedqa has a great responsibility to inform the public through its various prevention programmes and raise awareness through campaigns.

Sedqa has once again launched a Christmas campaign, with the aim to raise awareness about sensible drinking – If you drive do not drink…if you drink do not drive. This is a continuation of this summer’s campaign, this time focusing on 18-25 year olds. Agenzija Sedqa emphasises that accidents and problems originating from excessive alcohol consumption and binge-drinking can be avoided and prevented.

This Christmas message will be delivered over various media, such as TV and radio adverts, printed and online adverts, several media interventions, dissemination of e-posters, distribution of an informative booklet, articles and other activities organised by the Primary Prevention Team of Sedqa.

Sedqa also has the responsibility of providing excellent service to its service users. This can only be done through professional personnel, who are always kept informed of new challenges as well as opportunities. As part of Sedqa’s ongoing training programme, Sedqa professionals attended a three hour seminar, with the theme of Moderation Training for Problem Drinkers delivered by Frederick Rotgers.

During this training programme numerous points were highlighted, such as how to define moderate alcohol consumption, the different techniques that can be used under the umbrella of this approach and the client groups for whom this approach is indicated, as well as those for whom this approach would not work.

Dr Rotgers is qualified in clinical psychology, having a particular interest in moderation approaches to substance abuse treatment, bioethics of addiction treatment and the integration of harm reduction approaches into traditional substance abuse treatment. Dr Rotgers currently lectures at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.