Treatment Strategies

1.1 Review of chemical abuse history anecdotal and by completing personal file. Helping the individual to identify the psychophysiological risk of picking up a mood altering chemical.

1.2 Group and individual discussion about substitution of drugs - nature of denial - review of the progression of chemical abuse, previous interventions, geographical etc.

1.3 HIV/AIDS education in safe sex/safe using practices, reality of relapse and the need to minimise harm.

1.4 Voluntary attendance at 12 step group meetings, education on the self help mode of recovery.

Discussion on the nature of the addictive process and how it impacts on the individual in treatment.

2.1 Education on the nature of addiction as an underlying addictive process affecting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a persons life.

2.2 Education on the physical effects of chemical dependence, emotional suppression/detoxification. Fostering of awareness through community interaction of attitudes, shortcomings in living skills,self awareness, mental/emotional isolation, reality testing. Review of financial , legal status.

2.3 Family file - review of nature of relationship with family members, spouse, children. Living in "extended household" allows peers to identify attitudes conducive to a stagnation of personal development. Interaction and conflict precedes intervention, resolution and behavioural change.

3.1 Examination of attitudes, perceptions and core beliefs in group counselling, individual counselling, interaction in morning meetings, community meetings, household meetings, and attendance at self help group meetings. Also participation in the art therapy program. As a consequence of self disclosure or having these thought processes and behaviours identified by staff and community members, residents have an opportunity to identify and challenge or have challenged old ideas, and attitudes and inner feelings as well as exposure to healthier alternatives and the opportunity to choose and develop these alternatives.

3.2 Participation in community activities such as AIDS Education Projects, Decision making activities such as the "Survival Games", planning for community social outings and events, such as camping, bushdances etc.Individual planning by participation in the application process - moving from Program 1 to 2, planning to go out of the community socially, overnight or to have people visit.Involvement in the work program and choosing to develop a project and follow in through to completion.

4.1 Exposure to the idea of dependent relationships and co-dependent relationships and the underlying issues in their development. The negative consequences of co- dependency in an environment where the main issue being addressed is dependence, (albeit ostensibly chemical dependence) and the value of independence. Emphasis on the value of a therapeutic community as a treatment modality, the value of fellowship and a sense of "connectedness" with others in treatment, empathy and understanding of the nature of the problem.

4.2 Education on the nature of assertive communication, the opportunity to practice being assertive through one to one interaction in the community, being Weekly Co-ordinator, arranging personal outings outside the community, undertaking community responsibilities such as ordering groceries, fruit and vegetables etc.

4.3 Exploration of family dynamics/issues through completion of family file, genogram, co-dependency groups and resumption of communication with family. Opportunity for 'early' and ongoing contact with young children. Visits from family of origin, partner and/or children if desired.

5.1 Participation in a range of activities including squash, surfing, camping, dances, bar-b-queues, horseriding, rollerskating cinema etc.

5.2 Living in "extended family units" of 6 - 8 per household, working in a community of up to 24 people, participating in conflict resolution processes.

5.3 As stated.

6.1 Group and individual counselling on relapse dynamics, use of relapse inventories, identifying core issues that exacerbate the potential for relapse to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Guided exploration of these core issues to provide permission to talk about them, some "relief" and some insight into their influence on the individual and where relevant, their potential for relapse.

6.2 Yoga , meditation tapes, guided meditation, massage, drama, tai chi.

6.3 Self assessment through application process i.e. transition from Program 1 to 2, going out of the community, telephone contact, self disclosure etc. Going out of the community to practise acquired skills on community shopping day, personal outings, staying out of the community overnight. (i.e. progressive transition process). Practice as Weekly Co-ordinator for the Community