Are you, or someone you care about, struggling with addiction? The Ashburn Clinic Addictions Programme may be an option. It is designed for people with alcohol, other drugs. and gambling addictions. Other behavioural or process addictions can also be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Our programme runs for 10 weeks (11 weeks if managed withdrawal is required) with each week covering a different, but inter-related, theme. It is embedded within the general programme, and the Democratic Therapeutic Community provides plenty of experiences to put new learning into practice. The Democratic Therapeutic Community also acts to support your recovery and members will ask you to be honest and accountable. As a rolling programme, new entrants join the established group at the week that the group have reached.
We can help you to address all addictive behaviors, to understand what drives them, and to practice new coping strategies and ways of relating to self and others.
Our Addictions Programme is an abstinence-based, intensive 10-week programme that follows an initial one-week detoxification (if required) and a two-week assessment phase. However, if you require a longer-term treatment, this is also a focus of the wider therapeutic programme.
The programme includes specific educational and experiential sessions with a focus on recovery issues. Because it is inter-linked with the main Democratic Therapeutic Community programme it allows both a depth of exploration and understanding about oneself, as well as opportunities to practice newly-learnt skills including assertive communication and expression of feelings.
What the Programme Offers
Our programme supports participants to:
- Understand the underlying drivers of addictive behaviour
- Develop new coping strategies
- Learn healthier ways of relating to themselves and others
The programme combines:
- Cognitive and behavioural therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Democratic Therapeutic Community living
- Whānau support and involvement
This mix provides a reflective and supportive environment for recovery and personal growth.
Part of a Democratic Therapeutic Community
Ashburn Clinic has up to 60 inpatient places, including Alexander House (an independent living facility). All patients take part in the Democratic Therapeutic Community programme, which is the foundation of life at Ashburn.
Addictions Programme participants are fully involved in this wider community, joining groups, engaging in recreational activities, and participating in daily living activities alongside others.
Experienced Team
The Addictions Programme has been running for more than 15 years. A multidisciplinary team facilitates it: DAPAANZ registered practitioners, nurses and allied health staff, psychiatrists and GPs (as needed). Team members bring many years of experience in the mental health and addictions field, each contributing unique skills to support recovery.
Programme Structure
The programme runs for 10 weeks (or 11 weeks if detox is required). It includes:
- Two-week assessment phase – for both the patient and clinical team to decide if Ashburn is the right environment for treatment.
- Eight-week specialised programme – fully integrated into the Democratic Therapeutic Community.
Please note: direct entry to the Addictions Programme is usually privately funded. Prospective patients must be referred by a registered health care provider.
Commitment to Abstinence
The programme is abstinence-based. While in treatment:
- Restrictions apply to some medications (psychiatric, sleep and pain medication), assessed on a case-by-case basis. Medications that provide immediate emotional relief or soothing are generally not permitted.
- Patients must maintain abstinence.
- Leaving the grounds unaccompanied is not permitted for the first eight weeks.
- Patients will undergo substance testing upon entry to the programme, and at any subsequent time as needed.