'Getting the Word Out' About Substance Abuse

by Basil Spyropoulos

In late June/early July 2009, I had the great privilege of being involved with the efforts of the St. Dimitrie Project in Cluj, Romania. The St. Dimitrie Project is a treatment and outreach ministry which focuses on community education in and treatment of substance abuse. I spent two weeks in Romania during which, together with the St. Dimitrie Project Staff and its Director, OCMC Missionary Floyd Frantz, I presented educational lectures on alcoholism and substance abuse to various audiences. The lectures were well-attended by lay people, priests, social workers, psychotherapists, and physicians.

I am greatly impressed by the success the St. Dimitrie Project has had in "getting the word out" about the realities of substance abuse and the fact that it is very treatable. As a direct result of this team's efforts, including publications and direct outreach, thousands of concerned persons have learned that alcoholism and substance abuse are treatable and that effective treatment can be found locally. Furthermore, treatment groups have been formed in many parts of the country. The project has helped hundreds of people reclaim their lives and, with God's help, it will continue to expand and touch the lives of many more.