The Island's first post-drug treatment programme has been officially launched.

The National Drug Commission and the Salvation Army opened their Aftercare Programme at the Salvation Army's new Hamilton Citadel on North Street on Thursday.

NDC Acting Chief Executive Officer Derrick Binns said the programme is open to all residents who have completed substance abuse treatment in Bermuda or abroad.

Participants will receive group and individual counselling and will be given assistance to find and maintain employment.

NDC Chairman Mansfield (Jimmy) Brock said the programme realised of one of the NDC's most important goals.

"We recognise the need to not only provide treatment for a number of Bermuda's residents who need it but also to provide additional programmes to help reinforce skills learned during the initial addiction treatment,'' he said.

And he expressed his pleasure over the opportunity to work with the Salvation Army to deliver the programme.

"They (Salvation Army) have established themselves as quality providers of social services and in particular, substance abuse treatment services.'' Major Wilson Noble, the divisional secretary for business administration for the local Salvation Army said: "The Salvation Army is pleased to be able to work with the NDC in filling this critical gap in the continuum of care.'' OFFICIALLY OPENED -- Premier Pamela Gordon, with the aid of Deputy Premier Jerome Dill (left) and Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Alfred Richardson opens the post-drug treatment Aftercare Programme.