The recommended treatment for alcohol addiction is a residential treatment program that approaches recovery holistically, utilising evidence-based methods, comprising the five areas of physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual treatment.
The residential rehabilitation program includes a stay of 4, 8 or 12 weeks in treatment which involves a comprehensive assessment, detox (if required) and participation in Hader Clinic Queensland’s psychoeducation program which delves into:
- Addictive behaviours
- Mental health mastery
- Relapse prevention
- Trauma
- Strength & Resilience
Our alcohol addiction program is designed to support recovery at every stage in a safe and structured environment. Below is a breakdown of the program’s stages and supports:
Detox
The very first phase of treatment is detox, the process of clearing alcohol or drugs from your body.
Upon admission, clients will meet with members of our clinical team for assessment and to address any immediate needs. The GP and nursing team will assess your physical health status and prescribe any medication that is required during your stay. The counsellor will assess your mental state as well as explore your treatment goals.
Depending on your situation (including your personal history of alcohol and other drug use), the detox process usually takes between one and two weeks. It is common during detox that you will experience various side effects. This is your body adjusting to the lack of alcohol in your system and is perfectly normal. Our team is on hand to support you each step of the way.
Find out more about detox.
Psychological treatment
During residential rehabilitation, we have several clinicians (psychologist, social worker, clinical counsellor) on hand to support you to achieve your treatment goals. Clinicians provide individual counselling to ensure each resident has the space to delve below the surface and examine the underlying facets of their addiction.
Our clinicians also facilitate a range of group psychoeducation sessions to assist individuals develop coping strategies and strengthen both their addiction recovery and mental health.
The value of psychological support lies not only in the immediate benefits you’ll experience during treatment, but also in the skills and techniques you’ll develop to maintain your long-term health and wellbeing
Find out more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
1 in 4 adults with a mental health disorder also experience addiction issues. As mentioned above, people experiencing alcohol addiction commonly also have a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.
Dual diagnosis is the treatment of both the addiction and mental health condition.
It is imperative that in such situations, both the mental health condition and addiction are treated at the same time, as neither issue can be treated effectively without treating the other.
Find out more about dual diagnosis treatment.
Physical Therapy
The value of exercise as part of your life in recovery and staying drug and alcohol free cannot be underestimated. Physical exercise helps you to boost mood, reduce stress and builds self-esteem and confidence, whilst providing opportunities to interact with the therapeutic community, enhancing social connection.
We provide regular exercise programs that include walks, yoga, and boot camps. An exercise physiologist attends the clinic each week to facilitate structured sessions, as well as assess individuals’ capacity to exercise in the onsite gym. A structured exercise program promotes regular sleep patterns. Healthy meals are freshly made three times a day. Healthy sleeping and eating are an essential part of physical recovery.
Find out more about Physical Therapy.
Counselling
It is usual to express heavy feelings of guilt, shame, trauma and remorse while undergoing recovery. Counselling can assist individuals to come to a place of acceptance, and prompt positive change.
Individual counselling allows you to talk about your life and your addiction in a safe and supportive environment. All our counsellors are specially trained and can help you understand the way alcohol and drugs affect you and the people around you.
By talking with your personal counsellor, you can challenge negative and unhelpful thinking. Your counsellor will help you identify ways to break down overwhelming and damaging thoughts into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Find out more about counselling.
Group Therapy & Education
Group therapy helps you understand your alcohol use and your path to recovery by hearing other people’s stories. Group therapy recognises that while everyone’s life and experience are different, there are common feelings and thoughts that come with the disease of addiction.
In the group and education sessions, residents are encouraged to become vulnerable, and share their experiences within a safe and supportive environment. By allowing residents the opportunity to openly share, they learn new ways to communicate assertively, identify their emotions and regulate in a healthy way.
Find out more about group therapy.
Family Support & Education
As part of the treatment program, a designated Family Coordinator will be assigned to work with your family to support you whilst your loved one is in treatment. Families are offered monthly support sessions, as well as twice monthly group education sessions to assist the whole family through the recovery process.
Find out more about family therapy.
Social Therapy
Once rehab is finished, returning to a “normal” life can be challenging, so we ensure that while in treatment, you are in a community that is safe, therapeutic, and encourages social interaction.
The therapeutic community approach is a major component of our residential rehabilitation program. It is designed to expand our clients’ support network and give them a sense of belonging in a secure, non-judgemental peer group.
The basic philosophy is simple: Aiding long-term recovery through peer support, social learning and mutual self-help.
Find out more about a therapeutic community.
12 Step Program
High-quality evidence-based research has demonstrated that 12 Step facilitation increases abstinence rates both during and following treatment. During residential rehabilitation, residents will participate in daily Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings to support recovery and develop sober support networks that extend beyond their time in treatment.
During treatment, you’ll participate in daily meetings to support your recovery and develop long-term resilience.
12 Step programs like AA and NA provide a supportive and understanding group of people who are also committed to living a drug and alcohol free life. They offer a similar environment to group therapy and recognise that recovery is an ongoing process.
Find out more about 12 Step.
Meditation
Meditation is a valuable and effective way of reflecting on your thoughts and controlling anxiety and cravings. Many people think of meditation as a religious or spiritual habit, but it can also be simply about creating a safe environment that allows you to channel your thoughts in a positive way.
Meditation sessions will teach you how to train your mind to become peaceful and calm when you need it, whether you’re at home or out in public.
Find out more about meditation.
Education
Our addiction education program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to support your ongoing recovery. Our program commences with a 4 week introduction to AOD recovery program, followed by an 8-week intensive program covering Addictive Behaviours, Mental Health Mastery, Relapse Prevention, Trauma, and Strength & Resilience. This bespoke program has been designed to support the individual across each phase of their recovery.
Find out more about addiction education.
Art Therapy
Art therapy can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, and building confidence and a sense of achievement. It also relaxes you and allows your mind to focus on positive thoughts.
Whether you are a gifted artist or a willing amateur, art can help you deal with your emotions in a safe and non-threatening environment.
Find out more about art therapy.
