If you are thinking of seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. The number of people suffering from addiction in Slovenia is astounding.
Our team is here to help you make the right choice.
ŽELJKO ČEROVIĆ, president of Društvo IZHOD TC
Hi, my name is Željko. I have been part of Društvo Izhod for more than thirteen years. I am a member of the Society and its Management Board, and I am responsible for various administrative tasks. Alongside this, I take part in counselling and the daily guidance of the men in our programme. Because I completed the programme myself, I know how great the challenges can be. I also know that there is a way out (“izhod” in Slovenian) and that it is worth trying to help. I approach each person according to his needs and help him develop the character qualities that will serve him once he finishes the programme and returns to society. What I value most is seeing someone who is open to making the necessary changes, because that attitude is a key condition for lasting victory over addiction. Društvo Izhod TC runs an 18-month, 24-hour day/night rehabilitation programme for men struggling with addiction, located on a farm in the Slovenian part of Istria. We also carry out prevention work in schools (“Bodi car, reci ne!”) and offer a reintegration programme.
ERVIN ŠTEFANČIČ, therapist / counselor
Greetings, my name is Ervin. Before I started working in Društvo IZHOD, I was helping the organization as a volunteer for several years. This way I acquired the necessary experience in the relevant field. My work consists of counselling, arranging the centre and surroundings as well as fieldwork. There is much to be done as we simultaneously operate in several areas. Our daily challenges are wide-ranging just as people are not the same. Their problems are determined by their background or family background as well as the duration of their substance dependence. According to my opinion, the greatest problem of people who come to our centre is their responsibility towards themselves and their environment, respectively the lack thereof. We advise them on how to follow instructions and advice which they learned during the programme, this includes their attitudes, actions and reactions. An extremely important matter is their approach and expectations towards their own future including the place where the start living, job where they start working after the programme as well as people who they spend their time with. My greatest joy is when somebody starts living in freedom from addiction and maintains this freedom to continue a life in its fullness doing what they were born for.
DRAGAN MLADENOV, therapist / counselor
My name is Dragan. I was addicted to drugs when my friend from Skopje advised me and helped me to come here for rehabilitation. The thing that helped me the most was the personal counselling by the responsible people here. During the programme, I had to learn so many things. I needed personal counselling on how to break free from the problems which were hindering me during my time in the programme. I try to help with useful advice, encourage people so that they do not give up with their rehabilitation. My life goal is to become an excellent example. At the moment I still face many challenges, where I develop my creativity, patience and gain new experience with my daily task. My greatest joy is to see progress and change in the life of other students. This is my motivation and a reminder why I am still here in Društvo IZHOD.
GAŠPER KAŠNAR, Field worker
My name is Gašper. Three years ago, I struggled with addiction to alcohol. I decided to come to Društvo IZHOD as my psychological and physical addiction became so strong, that my life was totally out of control. It took quite some time before I was ready to see this, accept the fact and search for help. At the moment. I run a company which was founded with the purpose of co-financing the association. Working in the company is also a component of the rehab centre programme. The very fact that people who are former addicts now live differently can potentially give hope and show an example. We try to show that this is possible and help people understand, what needs to be done for such change. I am glad to be a part of the transformation process going on in my life as well as in the lives of others around me. This is a story of transformation from a person barely alive who was more of a burden to others, to someone who is a real blessing for everyone around them!