Women addicts from all social backgrounds can now take advantage of a facility for drug and alcohol abuse that re-launched on Thursday.

Fair Haven is care in a home setting providing a programme of assistance for withdrawal and treatment and is based on the theory that alcohol, and other drugs addictions are primary, progressive chronic diseases that affect the individual physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Anne Vance, director of Fair Haven, said: “The redevelopment of Fair Haven has been designed especially for Bermudian women.”

Chris Backeberg, primary counsellor said: “Bermudians drink a lot and it is not talked about."

He added: “Drug abuse comes in many forms, whether it is prescription drugs, illegal drugs, tranquillisers, sleeping pills, pain killers, alcohol or nicotine.”

The centre reopened in January and has since had 25 clients, eight of whom are now on Phase Two of the healing programme.

The first phase of the programme is centred on learning about the consequences of addiction, understanding the symptoms and feelings associated with addiction. Clients reside at Fair Haven for at least six weeks.

The second phase is the continuing care programme. This either will take place in a half-way house or living in a supportive environment and attending Fair Haven as an out patient.

“All alcoholic families are not violent and it is not always easy to recognise the signs. If you decide not to go to a family party because of certain members' drinking habits, then there is a problem,” said Sylvia Hayward-Harris, a Continuing Care coordinator.

George Botelho, a counsellor, said a woman's social circumstances could be misleading if it was thought that drug abuse only affected the down and out.