Project Description Meqreth Addiction Rehabilitation Centre is a dedicated treatment facility offering inpatient and out-patient care for men and women struggling with substance use disorders. Our mission is to provide evidence-based, holistic rehabilitation that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. By combining medical treatment, behavioral therapy, and long-term support, we help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety in a structured, substance-free environment. Our clinical services include Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and 12-Step Facilitation Therapy, all delivered through individual and group sessions. These scientifically validated approaches help patients build coping strategies, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse. Beyond medical and psychological care, we offer spiritual support (voluntary Bible study and prayer), family therapy to rebuild relationships, and life skills training to prepare individuals for reintegration into society. Additionally, occupational therapy, physical exercise programs, and recreational activities promote overall well-being and reduce the risk of relapse.
Recognizing that recovery is a lifelong process, we provide structured aftercare for all discharged patients through scheduled outpatient follow-ups. Our centre is designed as a safe, supportive space that minimizes triggers and fosters long-term abstinence. By addressing addiction from multiple angles medical, emotional, social, and spiritual we empower individuals to reclaim their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
Project History Menorah Trustee is a specialized Ethiopian non-profit organization committed to saving lives and combating substance use disorders. Established on January 10, 2023, through a historic board meeting, and officially registered with the FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organizations (Certificate No. 6876) in May 2023, Menorah has quickly emerged as a leader in addiction prevention and treatment. Our dedicated team of experts in addiction medicine and behavioral health works tirelessly toward our vision of an Ethiopia free from the harms of substance abuse. Since our legal registration, we have prioritized strategic partnerships at both national and international levels. Globally, we are honored to be recognized by renowned organizations such as the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program (DAP), Movendi International, and the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs. These collaborations enhance our technical expertise and connect us with global best practices. Nationally, we work closely with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Ministry of Women and Youth, and the Ethiopian Pharmacy Association,
ensuring our efforts align with national health priorities. Our flagship initiative, the Meqreth Addiction Rehabilitation Center—launched in May 2024 as our income-generating arm—marks our first major project implementation. The center provides inpatient (20-bed facility) and outpatient services, delivering evidence-based treatments such as Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and 12-Step Facilitation. To date, we have supported 59 inpatient clients (including 7 women) aged 16-60 and over 250 outpatient beneficiaries. These achievements reflect our meaningful impact on communities across Ethiopia. A distinctive feature of our program is the involvement of recovered clients as volunteers in community awareness campaigns, amplified through mainstream and social media platforms. Currently, our operations are powered by 16 permanent staff, 4 part-time employees, and 7+ active volunteers. This growing team allows us to deliver high-quality services while advancing community engagement and public education on substance use disorders. Looking ahead, Menorah Trustee remains unwavering in its mission to expand access to quality addiction treatment, advocate for evidence-based policies, and innovate solutions in Ethiopia’s fight against substance abuse.
Project Mission Our mission is to provide evidence-based, holistic rehabilitation that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. By combining medical treatment, behavioral therapy, and long-term support, we help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety in a structured, substance-free environment.
We plan to significantly enhance the medical capabilities of Meqreth Addiction Rehabilitation Center by establishing a fully functional on-site laboratory. This critical upgrade will allow us to provide comprehensive diagnostic services that are essential for effective addiction treatment and monitoring.
The procurement of three key medical devices - a binocular microscope, CBC machine, and centrifuge - will enable us to conduct vital health assessments for our patients. The binocular microscope will be used to analyze blood samples and monitor organ function, particularly important for patients undergoing medication-assisted therapy. The CBC (Complete Blood Count) machine will help us detect infections, anemia, and other drug-related complications promptly. The centrifuge will allow us to process blood tests efficiently for metabolic panels and therapeutic drug monitoring.
These laboratory capabilities will directly improve our treatment outcomes in several ways. First, they will provide our medical team with real-time health data to personalize rehabilitation plans for each patient. Second, they will eliminate delays caused by referring tests to external labs, ensuring faster interventions when needed. Most importantly, they will support our medication-assisted treatment program by enabling
precise monitoring of patients' physiological responses to treatment.
In the long term, this laboratory integration will allow us to increase our inpatient treatment capacity by maintaining the highest standards of care. It will position Meqreth combines comprehensive addiction treatment with complete diagnostic services. This strategic investment in medical equipment will create lasting impact by improving the quality of care we can provide, ultimately helping more individuals achieve and maintain recovery from substance use disorders.
A Story of Hope:
Abebe’s Journey from Despair to Redemption At our organization, we are deeply moved to share an inspiring true story—one that has touched our team and patients alike. This is the journey of Maranata (name changed for privacy), a man who overcame the depths of addiction to reclaim his life and purpose. A Promising Beginning, A Painful Fall Abebe grew up in a devout Christian home filled with faith and music. A gifted musician, he played guitar and piano for his church, uplifting his community with his talent. But in high school, his life took a devastating turn. Peer pressure led him to experiment with marijuana, then alcohol, khat, and harder substances. His younger brother followed, and soon, addiction consumed them both. For 16 agonizing years, Abebe’s world unraveled. He dropped out of school, abandoned music, and lost his place in the church. His family watched in despair as he and his brother sold their inherited home to feed their addiction. When the money ran out, they became homeless. Tragedy struck when Abebe’s brother, overwhelmed by despair, took his own life. By the time Abebe arrived at Meqreth Rehabilitation Center, he was 39 years old—emaciated, broken, and wearing tattered clothes, with nowhere left to turn. The Turning Point: Healing and Hope
During his three-month treatment, something extraordinary happened. Through medical care, counseling, and spiritual support, Abebe began to heal—physically, mentally, and emotionally. For the first time in years, he spoke of music again, strumming a guitar during therapy sessions. But a critical question remained: Where would he go after rehab? With no home or family, the risk of relapse was high. A New Purpose: From Survivor to Savior Recognizing his resilience, we offered Abebe a lifeline—training him as a Peer Recovery Coach at Meqreth. Today, he stands as a beacon of hope, using his own story to guide others through addiction’s darkness. And in a beautiful full-circle moment, he now plays guitar during therapy sessions, rekindling the joy of music he once thought lost forever. Abebe’s journey proves that even in the deepest despair, transformation is possible. His life today—a testament to courage, faith, and second chances—continues to inspire everyone at our center.