St. James Camino Network
Stages.
Referral to Relevant Community Detox Agencies.
Unfortunately, St. James Camino Network (SJCN) are not and never were in a position to operate a detoxification programme and has never run this type of programme for a number of reasons but mainly because of a lack of financial backing. At present, we rely on community based organisations to help in the detox process and preparation of potential clients for admittance into the residential setting.
The client in conjunction with his Doctor or Clinic will then plan a suitable detox programme with the ultimate aim of getting the person drug free prior to entering the SJCN residential programme and the clients cannot be admitted without being signed off by his Doctor or G.P as physically and mentally capable of participating in the 8 to 10-week long residential programme.
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Pre-entry groups to prepare the participant for residential treatment
Once a potential client has been assessed and deemed suitable for the programme he will be placed in the pre entry programme which runs for 2 or 3 weeks. The aim of the pre-entry programme is to continuously monitor clients and to inform them of what the therapeutic programme entails. During this time they develop an individual care plan in conjunction with their GP/local community drug services to begin a monitored community based detox. Once we are satisfied that the detoxification has commenced we continue to give each individuals certain tasks that need to be completed before they are given a place on the residential programme. These tasks range from getting medical clearance from their doctor which states they are physically and mentally able to engage in the programme, and getting all dental and medical appointments deferred so they don't interfere with the therapeutic process.
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Commencement of Residential Treatment Programme.
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During their 10 week stay the clients undertake a development programme, which serves to educate the clients about the bio-psychological nature of addition. We implement a cognitive-behavioral model of treatment through which the client learns new coping skills to help him overcome the difficulties inherent in addiction. The programme is drawn from those currently been undertaken by the Good Shepard Brothers in Miami, the Patrician Programme in San Antonio, Texas, the Hombre Programme in Spain, as well as the experience of centres in Ireland.
As many of our clients are in poor health and may have recently completed a detoxification programme, a letter from their GP signing them off is necessary before they can commence the programme. We also liaise with local medical practitioners if needed.
Throughout their stay, each resident client is allocated a daily household task which rotates on a weekly basis. The clients are responsible for the day-to-day running of the household, which includes cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing, gardening and general maintenance of the centre. This serves the purpose of teaching the clients how to be responsible for their ultimate goal of drug-free independent living.
The daily programme begins with the basics of personal hygiene and thereafter provides a programme of group and one-to-one counseling, discussion groups, learning and activities (both fun and educational) and work therapy. In the early stages of the person’s stay in the Residential Centre most of the counseling is on a group level with the Programme facilitators. The method used is an inductive process of examining reality by the addict from the perspective of work/employment, family, home life and education. Counseling on a one-to-one basis starts after the addict has been on the programme for a couple of weeks and they have had time to come to terms with their situation.
As the programme seeks to address all of the issues affecting the client as a consequence of his addiction, the staff and client spend time discussing problems such as dealing with outstanding warrants, financial debts, familial and relationship breakdown and any other issues of concern.
Family members are encouraged to visit every Sunday once the client has successfully completed the first month of treatment. Twice a month, during the Sunday visits, a support meeting takes place with parents/partners facilitated by a member of staff, at which time families may address any present and future issues and concerns.
Upon successful completion of the residential treatment programme a further assessment is undertaken by staff members to devise a care plan specific to the needs of the individual. Should the client require secondary treatment for ongoing issues that may have come to light during their treatment, we may seek to refer them to a further programme (such as Keltoi in the Phoenix Park) for psychological treatment. Otherwise our clients are offered the facility of supervised transitional housing subject to the conditions that they attend aftercare and a day programme with Soilse, remain drug and alcohol free while regularly attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings.
Supervised Transitional Housing and aftercare.
The 10-week programme in Enfield enables the individual time to address the effects of their addiction on both themselves and significant others in their lives. This is the first stage in regaining control of their life. However, after the 10-week programme there is still a need to provide the person with support to enable them to re-integrate into their community and wider society. In order to attain this the network has acquired a 5 bedroom house which we use as a short term transitional service. This phase of the treatment plan may be required for a period of up to one year in length depending on the individual. This is a crucial stage whereby the client can continue to receive the support of the programme while re-entering society, family life, the workforce and possible further education.
At present we have 1 recovery based house in Chapelizod which is managed by a member of the S.J.C.N. staff. All residents of the house must continue working on their recovery, through education and training in particular by attending the daily recovery programme. The residents also attend regular N.A. meetings, meet once a week with the house manager and attend weekly “aftercare” groups. The purpose of the after care group is principally to support our clients in their continuing journey of recovery. Should the need arise, clients will be offered one-to-one counselling to deal with issues arising from their addiction. Clients are also encouraged to socialize together through events such as bowling, theatre, cinema and other organized trips/activities.