MONAR KRAKOW – THE PART OF MONAR ASSOCIATION

The MONAR Association (www.monar.org) is one of the largest and oldest non-governmental organizations in Poland, working in the field of support for people addicted to psychoactive substances, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those in difficult life situations.

Profile and Mission

MONAR is a non-political association operating throughout Poland, whose mission is to care for every person in need, regardless of the cause of their problems. The organization provides assistance in a spirit of tolerance, respect for human dignity, and human rights, focusing on people with addictions, the homeless, the ill, the lonely, the poor, and those at risk of social exclusion.

History and Founder

The origins of the MONAR Association date back to 1978, when the first rehabilitation center for people with addictions was established in Głosków (central of Poland). This initiative was led by psychologist and therapist Marek Kotański. It marked the beginning of a comprehensive support system encompassing prevention, treatment, and reintegration. Marek Kotański (1942–2002) was the founder and leader of the MONAR Association, shaping its humanistic and community-based model of operation.

Areas of Activity

MONAR Association operates as a comprehensive support system covering four main areas:

• Prevention (education, campaigns, early intervention),
• Treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation (residential rehabilitation centers, outpatient addiction clinics, detoxification units),
• Social and professional reintegration (hostels, vocational activation, support in finding employment),
• Harm reduction (needle exchange, low-threshold services, social support, local initiatives).

The organization runs facilities across Poland, offering free (and sometimes low-threshold) services funded by the National Health Fund, as well as grants from the Ministry of Health and local authorities. MONAR also supports other marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, refugees, children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and families in crisis, while engaging volunteers and cooperating with local communities and public institutions.

MONAR Center in Krakow is part of the nationwide MONAR Association. We provide a comprehensive range of services in the areas of prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, treatment, and social reintegration, tailored to the needs of a large European city.

Outpatient addiction therapy clinic

www.monar.krakow.pl

We offer individual and group psychotherapy, family and couples therapy, psychiatric care, and pharmacological support for people with substance use disorders. The program also includes detoxification, inpatient rehabilitation, opioid substitution treatment, and support for close family members. Participation is free of charge under contracts with the National Health Fund and the Municipality of Kraków; no health insurance or referral is required.

Harm reduction: DROP-IN KRAKOWSKA 19

www.drop-in.krakow.pl

DROP-IN KRAKOWSKA 19 serves people addicted to drugs or using them problematically, especially those who are homeless, in poor health, or socially excluded. The program includes low-threshold social and material support, anonymous HIV/HCV/syphilis testing, nursing care for injection-related problems, legal consultations, overdose prevention (naloxone distribution), and syringe-exchange services.

Harm reduction & indicated prevention: CZYSTE BITY

www.facebook.com/czystebity

The CZYSTE BITY program works at concerts, clubs, and festivals to support the health and safety of partygoers. Young “partyworkers” provide information about drug risks, overdose prevention, and blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections, distribute harm-reduction materials (free water, condoms, earplugs, filters), and support event security and medical staff

Social reintegration: DROP-UP HOSTEL

www.drop-up.krakow.pl

Drop-Up Hostel supports homeless men recovering from addiction who are undergoing outpatient or substitution treatment. It offers a safe, drug-free environment, help with stabilizing life in abstinence, and support in finding employment or other forms of vocational activity. The maximum stay is 12 months, with progress reviewed every quarter.

Early intervention: FRED GOES NET

www.fredgoesnetkrakow.pl

The FRED GOES NET program is aimed at young people aged 14–21 who have used drugs or alcohol and are experiencing difficulties in school, family, social, or legal life. The program offers short-term, two-stage support: an initial assessment interview and an eight-hour group workshop. It focuses on psychoeducation, motivation, and building skills for reduced use or abstinence.

Volunteering & cooperation

Students of psychology, pedagogy, social work, or related fields are welcome to join our team as volunteers. The MONAR CENTER in Krakow also participates in the Civic Dialogue Commission for Counteracting Addictions, the Interinstitutional Cooperation Platform for Counteracting Drug Addiction, and the European Harm Reduction Network (CORRELATION), and collaborates with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).