The DrugBeat of South Australia Program is a specialised non-residential recovery based treatment program that approaches the physical, emotional and mental aspects of recovery. We have observed that no level is more or less important that another and without a "whole of person" approach the quality of recovery can leave people in a state of despair for a long time.

The program is both professionally and ethically sound and is endorsed by The Southern Cross Bioethics Institute and has been evaluated by the University of South Australia.

At Shay Louise House we believe that drug taking is a “symptom” of a wider range of problems. Therefore we deal with the issues that were present prior to the drug use and those that have evolved as a result of the drug taking. By doing so we ensure that our clients have the best possible recovery.

The DrugBeat of SA Program focuses on the physical by using biochemical recovery based on research overseas. It is naive to believe that physiological damage has not occurred and this is evident by was has been described as "Post Drug Impairment Syndrome" (PDIS) first recognised by Dr. Forest Tennent in 1980. the emotional and psychological recovery is achieved by knowing what counselling approaches will be the most effective for the individual.

Our counsellors have been trained in a number of therapies that have originated from the United States that have not been applied to drug and alcohol recovery in this country.

Program Objectives:

1.     To stabilise physically, emotionally & mentally.

2.     To identify the origins of maladaptive behaviours.

3.     To identify problematic family dynamics.

4.     To deliver effective therapies to change maladaptive behaviours for the drug user and family members.

The DrugBeat of SA Program is a structured recovery process consisting of:

·        An initial assessment period - A six week period to identify external environmental problems, assess for Detoxification and measure the level of commitment of the individual.

·         Client Support Groups and Life Skills Workshops covering a number of topics including:

•          The Physiology of Addiction

•          Identifying and Managing Post Narcotic/Alcohol Dependency Syndrome

•          Developing Self Awareness

•          Identifying and Managing Emotional States

•          Assertive Training

•          Self Esteem and Healing

•          The Recovery Process

•          Change - What it requires

•          Effective Communication

•          Responsibility

•          Early childhood development issues

·         Client Focused 1:1 counselling in the early stages of recovery targets environmental and social issues.

·         In-depth 1:1 counselling in the later stages of recovery identifies the underlying emotional issues of each individual.

·         24/7 Crisis phone support with our on-call counsellors for those on our programs.

Drug Dependency is a Central Nervous System Disorder that requires specialised treatment

The treatment of drug dependency is not just about detoxification. Learning to identify and manage the after effects of drug dependency provides the addict with the tools necessary to live drug free.

Post Drug Impairment Syndrome

We have referred to this syndrome as dry drug/dry drunk which is recognised to a certain degree by some rehabs in Australia. Most rehabs deal with this syndrome as a behavioural issue however, given our belief that every aspect of addiction including post detoxification behaviours are an emotional response we undertook our own observations of patterns that existed in "all" clients and the emotions underlying those patterns.

Our observations also showed that this syndrome recurs on a regular basis and the signs and symptoms exist on the physical, emotional and mental (PEM) levels. When a counsellor is not trained to recognise PDIS before it occurs clients can quite easily relapse, even though that is the last thing on their minds. It is also important for a counsellor to be aware of when a change in counselling skills and approaches are necessary. Missing important "verbal cues" does mean the difference between a client being able to sustain abstinence or relapse.

PDIS we believe is the major contributing factor to substance abuse being referred to a a "high relapse disorder". The behaviours that present at the onset of PDIS can be challenging for a counsellor to manage if they are not aware of the "pattern". This syndrome also makes it difficult for parents, family members and friends to support a person in recovery that is why we include family members in the recovery process.