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The DrugBeat of
South Australia Program is a specialised 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:
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The Physiology of Addiction
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Identifying and Managing
Post Narcotic/Alcohol Dependency Syndrome
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Developing Self Awareness
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Identifying and Managing Emotional
States
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Assertive Training
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Self Esteem and Healing
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The Recovery Process
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Change - What it requires
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Effective Communication
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Responsibility
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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.
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