Treatment Programme

For patients who are alcohol or drug dependent abstinence is essential. Treatment leads to a new direction in achieving a fulfilling and meaningful life. It is the beginning of a life-long journey in recovery with sober friends and strong support networks.

The model of treatment is described as the Minnesota Model and more recently as Twelve Step Treatment.

Treatment includes the following components:

Assessment

All patients undergo a thorough and comprehensive assessment which begins before admission and continues during the subsequent few days following admission. Patients are assessed by the consultant in charge and by members of the multidisciplinary team.

Treatment Plan

Each patient has an individualised care plan which establishes objectives to assist him/her to understand the illness of addiction and to address relapse triggers. The weekly ward round and daily team meetings, supervised by the Consultant, monitor the patient’s progress.

Detoxification

Following admission the patient’s detoxification requirements will be assessed by the Consultant. Our staff are sensitive to the needs of patients during this difficult period, providing support, encouragement and easing discomfort.

Therapy

The treatment programme is intensively structured and there is an overall consistency and clarity of focus. Each patient is assigned a focal therapist (cursor) who will conduct individual psychotherapy. Group therapy sessions are held twice daily. Specialised group therapy includes:

• Relaxation therapy.
• Eating disorders group therapy
• Relapse prevention group
• Body image group therapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Relationship therapy
• Grief group therapy
• Cross-addiction therapy
• Coping skills therapy
• Equine assisted therapy
• Horticultural therapy
• Women’s group therapy
• EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

Educational Therapy

The psycho-educational lecture component reinforces the group process and patients receive approximately 60 lectures during the six-week treatment period. The daily lectures by the clinical team cover a broad range of topics including:

• The illness of addiction
• Relapse prevention
• Assertiveness training
• The medical complications of addiction
• The Twelve Steps

Therapeutic Community

New admissions will receive a warm and caring welcome, not only from staff but also from their peers. Positive peer influences help in the identification of feelings, problem solving and the process of change. A renewed sense of hope and self esteem results from the shared experience and openness of other group members.

Discharge Planning

The importance of after care and discharge planning is emphasised throughout the treatment period. For some patients a period of time in our Extended Care hospital programme will prove invaluable. Ultimately the patient will be referred back to the general practitioner or any other medical practitioners involved in the patient’s care. When community addiction teams are involved, Castle Craig works in partnership with these referral bodies. Essential support networks include the 12 step fellowships and contacts within these fellowships can be are arranged by the patient’s therapist. Castle Craig also provides an after care programme, assisting graduates to apply the new knowledge they have gained.

The Patient’s Therapist

Upon admission each patient is assigned a focal therapist who will meet at once with the patient providing the medical condition is stable. The therapist will coordinate the assessments and treatment planning in conjunction with the medical and nursing staff. It is the therapist’s role to guide the patient through the first five steps of the AA programme and to prepare the patient for discharge. Individualised psychotherapy provides the opportunity to address the threats to recovery for the patient and for the family.