Steve Letoi is a local expert when it comes to addictions. He recently told us, “You make it a very easy journey for our patients to start their recovery.”
Working at Health E1, a nearby GP Practice on Brick Lane, he went onto describe Acorn House, our residential accommodation for people recovering from drink and drug addictions as a “fantastic local resource”.
…he went onto describe Acorn House, our residential accommodation for people recovering from drink and drug addictions as a “fantastic local resource”.
And he knows what he’s talking about. As a clinical specialist in mental health issues and addictions, every day he witnesses the fallout from drink and drugs behind his surgery doors.
Working from Tower Hamlets, a recent borough survey cited that 61% of residents said that drug misuse or dealing was a very or fairly big problem in the borough, compared to 37% across London.
“Most of my patients drink and I regularly give out needle exchange kits” he told us.
We asked him if things were improving. “There’s always a need for drug and alcohol support in this area.”
The latest estimates highlight that around 3795 people in the borough have problematic drug use. Of more concern is that around 47% have not yet engaged with any kind of treatment.
The latest estimates highlight that around 3795 people in the borough have problematic drug use. Of more concern is that around 47% have not yet engaged with any kind of treatment
But some of his patients are lucky enough to get into Acorn House. “Acorn House offers us a free and easy way to help our patients. Once they move in, we still get to see them and can continue to help them.”
“Acorn House offers us a free and easy way to help our patients. Once they move in, we still get to see them and can continue to help them.”
With a scarcity of residential recovery services such as Acorn House in the borough, and London more generally, we’re glad to be making Dr Letoi’s job that little bit easier.
Read more about how people recover from addictions at Acorn House
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