The Overcoming Addiction Program is an evidence-based outpatient group therapy program designed for individuals who are seeking to abstain or considering abstinence from an addiction.
Who is the Overcoming Addiction Program for?
Addiction can have a devastating effect on your life and the lives of those around you. In recent years, great steps have been made in the treatment of addictions that can help people take back the control of their lives. This Program is designed for anyone who struggles with an addiction, whether it be a substance dependency (alcohol, prescription drugs, illicit substances) or a behavioural addiction (problem gambling, spending, video gaming, internet use).
The interventions, knowledge and lifestyle changes required to recover from an addiction are very similar, regardless of the specific substance or behaviour that is causing the harm. It is important to note that this is not a detox program. It won’t meet the needs of people seeking a medical withdrawal from harmful substances, such as drugs or alcohol.
About the program
The program uses a framework that is self-empowering and offers a self-reliant approach to recovery while using the following approaches and strategies:
- Psycho-education (addiction, impact on the brain, treatment)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Challenging unhelpful behaviours and beliefs
- Motivational interviewing
- Formulating a relapse prevention plan
The aim of the program is to support individuals in recovery by:
- Increasing capacity to maintain motivation
- Identify and cope with cravings
- Identify and modify irrational thinking and beliefs
- Living with greater balance and attention to short-term and long-term goals
With input from Psychiatrists we discuss:
- The impact of dependency on the brain and the use of psycho-pharmacology
- The relationship between addiction and a mental health disorder (such as depression or anxiety)
Program format
The program involves meeting with a small group of people (maximum of 12) who are experiencing an addiction. This occurs once per week (9am – 12.30pm) for 10 weeks. The program is facilitated by mental health clinicians who specialise in this area.
What is included?
- All materials relevant to participating in the program
- Links to relevant agencies
- Morning tea and tea/coffee and lunches
Costs
- Private Health Funds: Most funds will cover cost of program
- Self-funding: Upon approval
- Department of Veterans' Affairs cardholders
Suitability and referral
Your GP or your treating Psychiatrist (if you have one) will need to make a referral to a Consultant Psychiatrist credentialed at Buderim Private Hospital. A list of Admitting Psychiatrists and their contact numbers can be found here.
Your GP/doctor can forward the referral directly to their chosen credentialed Psychiatrist, email it to Cooinda Mental Health Service at scph.cooinda@uchealth.com.au or call 1300 78 04 13 for more information.
Your credentialed Psychiatrist will provide an assessment to ensure eligibility and that the program will meet your needs.
For further information please contact our clinical team on 1300 780 413.