Quick facts

At least 8% of males and 4% of females drink what is considered to be hazardous or harmful levels of alcohol regularly. The prevalence of regular drug taking is lower, with marijuana use remaining the most widely used illicit drug in Australia.

Alcohol use is also a major cause of drug or alcohol-related deaths. It has been estimated that approximately 5% of the total burden of disease in Australia is attributable to drug and alcohol misuse.

dependency Symptoms

Am I dependent on Alcohol or drugs?
Dependence means that alcohol or drugs are central to your life. It is very difficult to cut down or stop using.

Frequently this leads to isolation from family and community activities or life begins to revolve around drinking activities. There may be an increase in accidents, violence or crime and subsequent legal problems. The consequence of dependence may include frequent absence from work or school, poor job performance, loss of friends, withdrawal from normal activities and even loss of jobs.

Typically, a person with an alcohol or drug problem denies their dependency and can be quite defensive about their alcohol or drug use. Behaviour may become unpredictable and impulsive, losing the trust of those around them. Over time depression may develop and guilt or shame about the problem.

Family and friends may be affected. A partner may try to hide the problem or even ignore it. They may find themselves taking on extra responsibilities, but be resentful and angry. They may withdraw socially and may themselves become depressed. Often partners eventually seek separation or divorce.

Research by the National Drug Strategy shows that there is increasing acknowledgment that many people with substance problems are also experiencing various other psychiatric and psychological problems. These are often undetected, but can impact on the success of treatment services.

options for treatment

Am I ready for treatment?
The road into dependency and addiction is often a long and slow one. Recovery therefore involves transitioning back through a number of stages of readiness for change. Because each person is different, the rate at which each person proceeds through the stages away from substance use will differ. Some will take weeks to proceed through a stage while others may take months to travel through the same stage.

Treatment assists the person to identify their readiness and motivation for change, whilst introducing the techniques necessary for behaviour change. Treatment also assists the person in moving through these stages. Preparatory work usually occurs at each stage and the person moves forward as they are ready.

Sometimes it will be necessary for the person to go through an initial 'detoxification' phase which may best occur during a brief hospital admission to deal with withdrawal symptoms.

Drug + Alcohol programs

The Alcohol & Drug Treatment program of Perth Clinic is an innovative therapy program that offers a supportive and educational structure in which clients can assess their alcohol/drug intake, increase their understanding of it and develop strategies to deal with it.

The aim of the therapy is to assess and provide understanding of the individual's problems, identify triggers and provide more effective coping skills in a respectful and caring environment.

If necessary an initial 'detoxification' phase may be included with a brief in-patient admission to the Perth Clinic to deal with withdrawal symptoms.

A wide range of material is covered in the program...

• Defining a drug/alcohol problem
• Dependency process
• Effects of drugs/alcohol on the body
• Depression management
• Self monitoring
• Self awareness
• Communication Skills
• Identifying high risk situations
• Cravings
• Relapse prevention

The Alcohol & Drug ACUTE Therapy Program
The therapy program is run Monday to Friday starting at 9:00 am to 3:00 pm each day. During the 'therapeutic day' there are 3 sessions of 1.5 hours each, a total of 22.5 hours minimum weekly contact therapy time.

The Alcohol & Drug CLOSED GROUP Therapy Program
An intensive therapy program is offered at Perth Clinic. This program begins on a weekend with groups from 9.00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Thereafter, sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for 3 weeks, and then every Tuesday for 3 weeks. Follow-up groups are held one and two months post group. It is a closed group format with a maximum of 8 participants.

It is designed to be an outpatient service which allows people to continue with their normal activities whilst attending the program.

Follow-up support
Follow-up and family support is an integral part of the program and is carried out in conjunction with Holyoake. Perth Clinic and Holyoake have jointly been awarded a Research Grant to provide a support and education program for the families of problem drinkers and drug users. This program is called REMAP (RElapse Management And Prevention program).

The relapse management and prevention program is available to all patients who have previously participated in drug and alcohol treatment at Perth Clinic. It supports patients and their families for up to twelve moths after initial treatment and provides group sessions in the following areas

• Relapse prevention/ management
• Stress management/ coping skills
• Continuing education
• Support for families/carers (four sessions)

This program runs in the evenings and there is no cost to the patient or their families. Should the patient or the family require ongoing support at the finish of this program, they can be referred to Holyoake for ongoing treatment.