Addiction remains one of the more troubling consequences of Luxembourg’s rapid growth. For many drug addicts, the lack of a fixed address, stable job, or access to welfare significantly reduces their chances of turning their lives around. Andreas Krzykowski, director of the Manternach Therapeutic Centre (CTM), highlighted in an interview with our colleagues from RTL Télé that addicts often struggle with a lack of structure in their daily lives and poor nutrition, which can make the initial stages of therapy particularly challenging.
Like the Useldange Therapeutic Centre (CTU), the CTM offers support to anyone with a card from the National Health Fund (CNS). However, after withdrawal management, patients face a waiting period of two to four months before beginning treatment. Krzykowski pointed out that external pressures, such as employers’ expectations for flawless performance and the constant demand for availability, contribute to patients’ fears, including the fear of relapse.
He also emphasised that the pervasive use of mobile phones and the ease of contact with the drug scene further exacerbate the pressure on individuals struggling with addiction. To address these challenges, the CTM has begun implementing new therapeutic approaches.
When an addict first contacts the CTM’s “alternative counselling centre,” staff create a personalised profile to tailor their treatment. Krzykowski noted that while on-the-ground staff presence is crucial, the centre’s operations remain fragile due to the lack of a formal agreement with the state for financial support.
Unlike some facilities, the CTM does not follow a standardised treatment model. Instead, it adopts a customised approach, focusing on each patient’s unique strengths.
Krzykowski also expressed a need for expanded services, particularly in “mother/child” care. He urged Luxembourg to prioritise the creation of a therapeutic centre for minors, as young patients currently have no option but to seek treatment abroad.
