Recovery Journey - Melbourne Rehab
Replicating A Normal Living Environment for Addiction Recovery
Our Drug and Alcohol Addiction Rehabilitation Recovery Treatment Programs strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment for patients during their stay.
Stage One: Being Admitted, Detox and the First Week
Detoxification is different for every client and the detoxification process can last for several days. We do not allow drug substitutions such as methadone. Instead, clients will be weaned off substances of addiction as quickly as medical assessment allows. We make every effort to ensure that you are as comfortable and as pain free as possible.
What is involved in the detoxification part of the program?
After the orientation and medical checks are completed detox program begins. We will make sure that you are as comfortable as possible during the initial stage of detoxing. Some people report feeling very tired and needing to sleep most of the time, others report feeling comfortable and able to start the program proper sooner. Your family members are more than welcome to call the hospital to check on your progress. You will attend the New Client Induction Session to introduce you to the program.
Challenges around this time
- It is during this stage that people question why they have entered the program and contemplate leaving. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of staying and working through this period.
- People who complete the program have a greater chance of achieving recovery than those that don’t.
- It is important to remember that treatment is a commitment and that patients need to keep the commitment. Our staff are trained to deal with this common issue.
- We understand this is a difficult time for family as well, staff are happy to support as needed.
Stage Two: Entering the Program Post Detox
This component involves an introduction to a range of therapeutic approaches to recovery, delivered by trained, experienced and dedicated staff. These include;
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT).
- Mindfulness techniques.
- Skills building and education sessions
- Role-plays scenarios.
- Individual and group counselling sessions,
- Therapeutic listening and problem solving programs focusing on specific life situations with tailored strategies for individual clients.
- Art therapy.
- Exercise such as walks, yoga or relaxation sessions.
- Intensive group therapy, sharing experiences and stories with others in recovery, and promotion of healthy ways to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
Challenges around this time
- Sometimes, these processes can also provide triggers for a person to behave impulsively and decide to leave the program before completion.
- It is important both patients and family liaise with the Counselling team to deal with any issues that arise at this time.
- Again, it is important to remember that treatment is a commitment and that patients need to keep the commitment. Our staff are trained to deal with this common issue.
- Families are encouraged to be supportive, but maintain boundaries – seek help for staff if you are or your loved one are experiencing challenges.
- Remember the commitment to recovery – staying clean and sober.
Daily Life During Your Stay
As much as possible, the Drug and Alcohol Addiction Rehabilitation Recovery Treatment Programs attempts to replicate a normal living environment within the confines of a hospital. With the exception of the detoxification component of the program, all client meals are provided in a communal dining room where clients are also free to make tea and coffee throughout the day until 8:30pm. The dining room is locked to encourage sleep hygiene to commence and night rituals to be developed.
Please note,
- No food and/or drinks are to be brought into the facility at any time.
- A varied menu is provided, and we are able to accommodate any special dietary requirements – please advise the staff on admission.
- Televisions are provided in the lounge areas of the hospital only.
- Clients are expected to make their own beds each day (with the exception of detoxification clients), and linen is available as the patient’s requires.
- Clients are expected to do their personal laundry. There is a laundry for clients use in the hospital.
Visitors and Family Contact
Malvern Private understands that connection with loved ones is an important part of the healing process. However, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of clients, Malvern Private maintains a closed-unit policy during active therapy.
This means regular visits are not permitted during a client’s stay.
- Why a closed-unit policy?
The closed-unit policy is designed to create a supportive and focused environment, allowing clients to fully engage in therapy without distractions.
- Family meetings
Towards the end of a client’s stay, a discharge family meeting may be arranged. This meeting provides an opportunity for family members to connect with their loved one, discuss treatment progress and prepare for the transition back into the community.
- Emergency contact
In an emergency, family members can contact Malvern Private on 03 9885 9621 and request to speak with nursing staff.
Phone Calls During Admission
For the first five days, clients are not allowed to use the phone. During the detoxification phase of the program, it is important to rest both physically and psychologically. It is also part of the immersion in the program to be as free as possible from outside distractions and dramas.
From day five onwards, one phone call can be made between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. Calls are limited to five minutes only. Local calls are free, and a phone card is required to call mobile phones.
Day Program and Aftercare
A 2-4 week Day Program is run at the hospital once clients have completed the residential stay. During this time, clients return from 8:30am to midday each day for ongoing sessions and counselling.
The Aftercare Program is scheduled weekly at the hospital. This program assists clients with their ongoing individual recovery, helps maintain abstinence and provides an opportunity for clients to talk about their recovery after their stay at Malvern Private.
Stage Three: Discharge and Beyond
Moving on from Malvern Private can be full of mixed emotions. People are often scared of what is to come, excited to be getting on with life and nervous about the potential for relapse.
Clients and families may feel fear and anxiety about relapse, returning to life’s commitments, leaving the program, being around potential triggers and how to act in social settings.
The treating team will collaborate with client during their stay to prepare a plan for discharge and beyond.
This plan may include:
- Attendance at the Day Program and After Care Program
- Education for family and family meetings if needed
- Attendance at AA, NA or GA meetings on a regular, ongoing basis
- Developing a relationship with support people such as a sponsor, counsellor or therapist
- Developing a discharge and crisis management plan
- Addressing urgent practical problems before discharge
Strategies to making it work after discharge
- Talk feelings through as a couple / family.
- Have time to rest / relax.
- Remember progress not perfection
- Stay connected with support programs.
- Ensure a daily routine.
- Plan ahead to avoid triggers.
- Encourage attendance at the Day Programs.
- 90 in 90!
- Ensure attendance at Aftercare on Monday nights.
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