One of the most difficult experiences I had when I first arrived in Italy -- while I was still using alcohol and substances -- was trying to find help with someone I could trust. 

Over the course of almost 30 years of living and working in Italy, and travelling all over the world, I have learned that being in a foreign country without knowing the ins and outs of how to find help can cause intense feelings of isolation, leading to fear, leading to more use of alcohol or substances. 

​