An award-winning Cumbrian charity has changed its name to better reflect the work it does to help people with addiction.
Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service, known as CADAS, will now be called Cumbria Addictions: Advice and Solutions.
It said the new name change reflected the charity’s developing support for a range of addictions, including gambling, compulsive spending and gaming.
Leigh Williams, chief executive, said: “For a number of years, we have supported people with multiple addictions. People have come to us with a drug or alcohol dependency but would often have another type of addiction as well – compulsive spending or gambling for example – and we would help them with it.
“We felt it made real sense to expand our ability to support people who have an addictive behaviour that they cannot currently find help for. Especially now as more people than ever are being harmed by other addictions, as well as drugs and alcohol.
“The impact of the pandemic, the start of the Ukraine war and the current cost of living crisis has only escalated the issue. Many people struggling with their drug and alcohol use are using it to a point where they become dependent, or it becomes problematic or leads to other addictions – so more support is needed.
“We have also been approached by professional organisations, including the police and local schools, and potential clients to see if we can help with gaming and social media addictions, so it’s definitely the right time to do this.”
The service will also widen so people of all ages across the county will continue to be supported individually and via peer group support. Schools, employers and health and social care staff will still be able to access workshops and training.
