South Coast Recovery Centre Programme

...exceptional ability of the counsellors/social workers... indicative of SCRC's commitment to excellent service provision...
Dr. Allister Butler - (BASW Hons, MSW, PhD) Result of Audit Jan. 2010.

Introduction

South Coast Recovery Centre holds a firm belief that addiction treatment, including treatment of all associated disorders, requires holistic therapy provided in a professional manner by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists. The primary objective of treatment is to achieve a paradigm shift from a "culture of addiction" to a "culture of recovery".

It is proven that conventional and short term treatment approaches do not yield satisfactory results. (93 % of those in traditional treatment relapse -UNODC – 2008).

SCRC's approach is aimed at facilitating change from the 'culture of addiction' to the 'culture of recovery'. This process will yield limited success when approached outside of a residential treatment facility, particularly when detoxification is required. Often the environment in which the substance dependent person is currently living will have a negative impact on any outpatient treatment interventions, limiting effectiveness.

It is imperative that individuals entering treatment are given as much training and education as possible, in order to equip them to meet the challenges of society and for them to effectively sustain management of themselves.

Successful addiction treatment is facilitated by a multi-disciplinary team. This team structure allows for maximum possible support to the client in all possible spheres from traditional psychotherapy to trauma counselling to didactic training. Any one counselling professional is assisted in attaining success by having a team to confer with. Assistance is provided in the counselling process itself, as well as case management, crisis intervention, and client education.

Holistic therapy

A holistic treatment approach is achieved by incorporating all the elements of treatment available at SCRC, and formulating a treatment programme unique to each individual receiving treatment. As each drug has different idiosyncrasies, craving cycles and effect, the drug of choice is factored into the individualised programme.

The holistic approach focuses on all maladaptive behaviours, not only limited to addiction, and aims at improving life skills, family relationships, social abilities, employability and skills development, and maximising human potential.

An Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) is developed for each resident. This framework would include aspects such as individual counseling, family intervention, group therapy, life skills training, didactic lectures, medical intervention, behavior management and extra-mural activities. This plan, which is reviewed on a weekly basis provides a framework for each resident's personal development and is adjusted in accordance with their progress and/or co-morbid existing disorder.

Programme Content

The foundation of the SCRC programme is founded on the acclaimed international AA and NA 12 Step programs. These are worked in great depth and detail, with each resident completing a minimum of Step 7 before graduating from the programme. All work is marked and processed with the resident.

SCRC utilises a spiritual restoration programme "The Spiritual 12 Steps", which is worked in conjunction with the NA/AA written steps and is highly effective in re-establishing integrity, values, ethics, honesty, and family values.
SCRC utilises a specific programme from the USA focussed on crack and cocaine addiction, to educate and treat residents' dependant on either of these drugs. It greatly assists the resident to come to terms with the allure of these drugs, the undercurrent of addiction and the associated culture.
The Heroin Fighters programme was specifically designed by the SCRC for the rehabilitation of Heroin addicts and has proven itself to be very effective and is now internationally acclaimed. The aim of the workbook is to, firstly, give the addict hope that they can overcome this perceived undefeatable drug of choice, whilst providing education and imparting the necessary skills required to do this.
The Alcohol Annihilators programme, developed by the SCRC, together with grateful recovering addicts whose drug of choice is alcohol (alcoholics) is utilised when dealing with this drug of choice. This programme deals with all aspects of alcohol addiction including craving cycles, effects, spiritual perspectives, the culture and the cycle of addiction.
Again, these facets of training are run in conjunction with the balance of the programme.
A specific programme focussed on eating disorders has also been developed with the assistance of specialist professionals in the field. The programme includes meal supervision, menu and food preparation, group therapy, education of the effects on the body, and individual therapy.
Three programs focussed on sexual dysfunction are also utilised, if necessary, concurrent to the 12 steps. These programs focus on sexual addiction, sexual abuse, and sexual offense, as well as breaking the cycle of sexual abuse.

It is of paramount importance that the minimum requirements of successfully completing the programme are the completion of step 7, relapse prevention plan, warning signs and life plan documentation, within a therapeutic environment. Without this, a productive and sustainable recovery is unlikely.

The advantage and principle of "addict to addict" help is without parallel, has proven its effectiveness over many years.

Christian Organisation

The spiritual component of addiction is one that is often not taken into consideration. Spirituality and the concept there of should not be confused with religion and dogma.

The concept of spirituality is that it involves an intimate and personal relationship with God or High Power of your understanding. It can also be understood as a form of positive psychology, or simply as the intangible morals and values that guide us as people.

In keeping with the principles of recovery and AA/NA, emphasis is put on the development and maintenance of a positive and healthy spiritual life.

As we are a Christian organisation, all our programs are word based.

Spiritual guidance and counselling are available throughout the duration of the programme.

The Alpha Course is presented and facilitated twice annually for those who wish to attend.

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19

SCRC is a Christian Centre. This does not mean that we "Bible Bash", enforce our opinion on others, judge others beliefs or dictate that recovery is only possible through acceptance of Christianity. We strongly encourage our clients to explore their spirituality and the Higher Power of their understanding.

Cross Addicted our band is enthusiastically supported by our residents. We encourage you to bring your musical instruments.

Group Therapy

"It is felt that other rehabilitation/recovery centres nationwide, could learn a great deal by role modelling group intervention of this standard." - Dr. Allister Butler

Group therapy is an inseparable facet of the overall programme. The following group therapy formats are held on a regular basis:

Welcome Group
Didactic groups
Educational groups
Powerlessness and damage
Gender-specific groups
Sexual abuse groups
Eating Disorders
AA meetings
NA meetings
Culture groups
Topic Groups
Spirituality
Spiritual Grounding
Resident House Meeting
Peer and self evaluation groups (CHAPTERS)
Key Performance Areas (KPA)
Drug of Choice
Goal Setting
Farewell Groups

SCRC is registered with the international branches of Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous, and is also the venue for local NA and AA meetings. Weekly meetings are held.

Educational & Life Skills Lectures

Our lecture training module is extensive and includes over 50 lectures, including:

7 P's (Principles of Planning)
Abandonment
Abuse
Addiction and Recovery
Addiction Disease Concept
Addiction Neuroscience
Anger Management
Art of War – Unique to SCRC. The battlefield of addiction
Boundaries
CHAPTERS - Outstanding Tool unique to SCRC, utilised for evaluation and planning
Cravings & Craving Cycles
Cross addiction
Co-dependency
Conflict management
Decision making
Denial
Depression
Ego states
Financial Controls and Management
Frozen Feelings
Gratitude
Grief syndrome
HIV
Key Performance Areas (KPA)
Life Planning
Negative self-talk
Problem Solving
Rejection
Relapse Prevention
Resentments
Self-confrontation
Self-esteem
Shame-based Identity
SWOT - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
Time management
Toxic love

Individual Counselling

In addition to formal individual counselling, informal counselling is a critical component. The informal counselling assists in maintaining a non-clinical atmosphere. Counselling takes place throughout the day, concurrent to other daily activities.

The individual counselling takes the form of:

Problem Solving
Goal Setting
Directional therapy
Motivational Counselling
Task Allocation
Strengths/Weaknesses
Processing of Step Work
Journaling
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Mediation

Psychiatric Assessment

A number of evaluation processes and techniques are employed by SCRC. As standard procedure, a psychological assessment is conducted once the resident is detoxified from their drugs of choice, has been stabilised, and is engaging in the programme. This tool will provide information on psychopathology, and this information is incorporated into the Individual Treatment Plan.

Should the resident request it, further psychological testing is available, including:

Cognitive Assessment
Personality Assessment
Aptitude Assessment
Career counselling and guidance

Whilst SCRC does not have a resident psychiatrist, we refer to carefully chosen, experienced psychiatrists in Durban.

Physical Development

Physical development is imperative to a sustainable recovery as it assists in the development of health and self esteem. Most residents entering the programme are unfit and are undernourished. Time is allocated within the daily programme to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to make use of the gym with the assistance and guidance of our Qualified Personal Trainer.

There are also various other activities such as, a climbing wall, obstacle course, paint ball field and soccer pitch where the residents can participate in physical activities.

(The facilities available for physical development can be found on the facilities page.)

Nutrition and Dietary Requirements

In active addiction a balanced nutritional intake is neglected. Upon arrival the majority of residents are in poor health and under nourished with a below average BMI. Research has established that concentration and recovery are compromised by a low BMI. As such, nutrition and a balanced eating plan are imperative to a successful outcome.

Our menu plan has been structured in consultation with a dietician, focusing on a low GI eating regime and foods that promote the development of Serotonin and Dopamine.

Our experienced food and beverage manager ensures quality control and the correct portion size.

Our eating disorder programme "ED" is facilitated through this process.

Family Support and Conjoint Meetings

Family involvement, commitment, and support are strongly encouraged.

Family therapy is a critical component in the successful outcome of treatment.

The holistic treatment approach includes individual and family therapy and intervention. This facilitates resolution of outstanding issues including anger, the truth, fear, denial and encourages the implementation of healthy recovery principles.

Family members and spouses can avail themselves of the expertise available through the multi-disciplinary team. SCRC will facilitate such meetings and provide whatever training is necessary in order to ensure the effective recovery of the individual. When appropriate, family members may also be advised to seek therapy to come to terms with the impact of addiction.

Families are encouraged to make use of the opportunity to take part in the programme format, lectures, groups, and farewells during a scheduled visit.

We strongly recommend that families attend, join and commit to support groups.
Please see the Aftercare page for links to the various support groups.

Social Worker Services

South Coast Recovery Centre has outstanding, addiction specific experienced Social Workers who, aside from their roles in the direct therapeutic process and treatment, assist with any previous or current criminal cases/charges, family and child interventions, postponement and committal orders, and court proceedings related to addiction and addiction treatment.

Relapse Prevention Planning

Relapse prevention planning is a vital component in sustainable recovery. Adopting a preventative mindset in recovery, particularly regarding relapse provides for increased success. A strong emphasis is put on skills implementation and accountability.

Personalised relapse prevention plan, relapse warning signs and a life plan are pre-requisites for programme completion, and are compiled by the resident with assistance and input from counselling staff.

These agreements aim at achieving realistic goal setting and direction, safe and effective re-integration post treatment, maintaining effective accountability at all times and the involvement in aftercare and support structures.

Extra-mural Activities

South Coast Recovery Centre provides a number of extra-mural activities, available to halfway house residents and residents who have achieved certain milestones during their treatment.

(These activities are available in the area and are not managed by South Coast Recovery Centre.)

surfing
action cricket
deep-sea fishing
shark diving
bungee jumping
paintball
horse riding
paragliding