Residential treatment is often recommended for individuals seeking to step away from GHB use, particularly where dependence has developed or withdrawal requires medical oversight. A structured residential setting provides stability, routine and comprehensive care away from the environments that may reinforce substance use.
The residential rehabilitation program involves a 4, 8 or 12-week stay and includes a comprehensive assessment, medically supported detox where required and participation in Hader Clinic Queensland’s structured psychoeducation program that delves into:
- Addictive Behaviours
- Mental Health Mastery
- Relapse Prevention
- Trauma, and
- Strength & Resilience.
At Hader Clinic Queensland, we recognise that substance use and mental health are often closely intertwined. Our multidisciplinary approach provides structured medical care alongside therapeutic support, ensuring individuals receive holistic treatment that addresses the underlying drivers of GHB use, not just the substance itself.
With the right support, recovery is not only possible but sustainable. Below is an overview of the program’s stages:
Detox
The first stage of treatment for GHB dependence is detox. This phase involves allowing the body to stabilise without GHB in a medically supported environment. Because withdrawal from GHB can escalate quickly in some cases, clinical supervision is strongly recommended.
On arrival, you will meet with members of our clinical team for a comprehensive assessment and to address any immediate health concerns. Our GP and nursing staff will review your physical health, monitor your symptoms and prescribe medication if required to manage withdrawal safely. A counsellor will also meet with you to assess your mental wellbeing and begin discussing your treatment goals.
Detox timeframes vary depending on the level and frequency of GHB use. Many people spend approximately one to two weeks in this phase, although individual needs differ. It is common to experience physical and psychological symptoms as the body adjusts to functioning without the substance. These responses are part of the withdrawal process.
Throughout detox, our team provides ongoing monitoring, care and reassurance to support you through this stage in a safe and structured setting.
Find out more about detox.
Psychological treatment
During residential rehabilitation, you will work with a multidisciplinary clinical team, including a psychologist, social worker and clinical counsellor. Individual sessions provide time to explore the underlying factors connected to your substance use and to work toward clear recovery goals.
Structured group education sessions focus on practical strategies for managing urges, recognising triggers and strengthening emotional regulation.
The skills and insight developed during this phase are designed to support long-term stability and help you maintain progress beyond residential care.
Find out more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
1 in 4 adults suffering from a mental health disorder also battle addiction issues. As mentioned above, people suffering from GHB addiction commonly also suffer from a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety and psychotic disorders.
Dual diagnosis is the treatment of both the addiction and mental health illness.
It is imperative that in such situations that both the mental health illness 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 free cannot be underestimated. Physical exercise helps you stay sober by helping you feel great, building a sense of achievement and self-respect, and providing a new way to interact with your community.
We offer regular exercise programs including walks, yoga, and boot camps, with an exercise physiologist attending the clinic each week to facilitate structured sessions, as well as assess individuals’ capacity to exercise in the onsite gym. A structured fitness routine supports better sleep patterns, while freshly prepared, nutritious meals are served three times a day. Balanced eating and restful sleep play an important role in 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. We provide intensive counselling sessions to help them come to peace with these feelings.
Individual counselling allows you to talk about your life and your addiction in a safe and supportive environment. All our therapists are specially trained and can help you understand the way 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
Group therapy helps you understand your GHB addiction 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 group therapy you are free to share in a safe and supportive environment. By teaching recovering addicts to be able to communicate their feelings they are less likely to suppress the feelings that ultimately lead to them re-using.
Find out more about group therapy.
Family Therapy
As part of the treatment program, a family therapist may work with your family to identify and address underlying issues that may be caused by or contributing to your GHB dependence. Counselling sessions can help the family overcome these problems and support the whole family through your 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 and therapeutic and encourages people to be social.
The therapeutic community approach is a major component of our residential treatment 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
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.
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 and calm mental 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 an 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.
