WILLEMSTAD - Waiting lists in addiction care are increasing, as revealed in the 2022 annual report by Fundashon Maneho di Adikshon (FMA). Waiting lists can lead to a greater likelihood of clients dropping out.
Henk Kamsteeg, the Director of the Board of Directors of FMA, stated that a budget needs to be submitted to achieve growth in healthcare provision. "The waiting lists, which can be weeks or even months long, can result in clients dropping out, and that is a missed opportunity," Kamsteeg added.
In the field of addiction care, there were 416 registrations in 2022, with 301 intake interviews conducted. The annual report indicates that 154 adults and 66 young people were screened. Among the group of adults, 123 clients proceeded with treatment, and 329 clients underwent individual, group, or combination therapies. Based on a survey on the use of addictive substances among 418 individuals, FMA concludes that 5 percent of the respondents face problems due to alcohol consumption. "If we may boldly interpret this piece for the population of Curaçao, it would mean that approximately 7,533 people have issues due to their alcohol use," according to FMA.
The annual report also mentions points such as the integration of FMA into Mental Health Care (GGZ) and collaboration with the Capriles Clinic.