MEDIA RELEASE

19th April, 1999

New Funding Increases Drug Treatment Programs

Increases in funding from both the State and Commonwealth Governments
has enabled the Alcohol and Drug Foundation - Queensland to reverse
cutbacks, upgrade and extend  its drug treatment programs.

In the last seven years the Foundation has been forced to cut back its
treatment programs due to cuts to government funding. This has had a
significant impact on its Logan House Drug Rehabilitation Centre where
staffing was cut by 30 per cent, and the aftercare program closed down.

The recent announcements of an extra $24,000pa in state funding and
$87,000pa in Commonwealth funding for Logan House, plus new initiative
funding for a pre-release treatment assessment program for prisoners,
and an alliance with the Holyoake Queensland Institute on Alcohol and
Addictions, will result in a comprehensive program for drug dependent
persons and their families.

Logan House, a 30 bed residential program for severely drug dependent
people at Chambers Flat, will be integrated with the pre-release prison
program and the Holyoake family program to provide group therapy and
individual counselling designed to reduce drug related crime, reunite
families, and reduce the incidence of relapse following treatment.

The treatment program is designed for those with a history of severe
dependency on opiates, amphetamines and other illicit drugs. Many have a
history of abuse or other psychological and emotional trauma. Prior to
admission, the person must be detoxified and assessed as suitable for
the program.

The Foundation is currently advertising for counsellor/trainer positions
at Logan House. The staff will be trained to implement a new structured
of cognitive behaviour therapy which will complement the psychodynamic
approach traditionally associated with therapeutic communities. The
emphasis on developing life skills will be maintained.

Concurrently with the Logan House program, families of those under
treatment will be encouraged to participate in the Holyoake Family
Members program to help them understand the dynamics of drug dependency,
and to develop strategies and relationships to provide the support for
those undergoing rehabilitation.

Following completion of the Logan House program, the recovering person
will be encouraged to attend Holyoake programs with their families for
aftercare and support.

The new Logan House cognitive behaviour therapy program will consist of
an eight week core program, electives chosen to meet individual special
needs, counselling and case management.. The cognitive behaviour
therapy  program for Logan House has been adapted from a comprehensive
substance abuse treatment  program developed by Dr Ken Wanberg and Prof
Harvey Milkman with feedback from leaders in drug addiction treatment
and research around the world

The length of treatment will depend on the needs of the individual
resident who will receive a personalised assessment and case managed
treatment plan.

It is anticipated that the changes in the Logan House program, and the
integration of the pre-release, Holyoake and Logan House programs will
increase the treatment effectiveness and significantly reduce withdrawal
from the program and the incidence of relapse.

Since its establishment in 1987, many of those who have completed the
Logan House program have successfully overcome their addiction,
completed tertiary study, returned to the work force, or are running
their own businesses.

The new funding and integrated programs will open the way for more
people to take the opportunity to be rehabilitated with a greater chance
of success through the involvement of their families and ongoing
aftercare and support.

For further information and comment, contact

Alan Soares
President, Alcohol and Drug Foundation - Queensland
Phone: 3263 8734








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