Recovery is possible
2006-12-07
FOR four long years Tracy Woodley suffered the effects of a son addicted to heroine.
Today she believes: “There is recovery.”
“Addicts are manipulators, planners, deniers. And parents go through the emotions of being angry and disappointed.”
Tracy trusts that in her newly opened recovery centre in Paarl South, she will be able to offer the support necessary to recovering addicts and their loved ones.
Seeds of Change is not only a drug recovery centre, but also a centre for recovery from alcohol, gambling and eating disorders.
Woodley aims to rehabilitate addicts by understanding their problems and needs and providing corrective counselling and activities to shape their recovery.
Heading the team is Dr Shelley-Ann Meihuizen, clinical phychologist from Hout Bay, operations manager Shane Woodley (22), and head recovery assistant, clinical pastoral counsellor Jonathan Sauls from Paarl.
The co-operation of Paarl Hospital and the police will also be significant in the recovery process, Tracy said.
She offers a 12-week programme for active addiction - after detoxification at a hospital or clinic.
Also on offer is a four week programme for those who have completed treatment at another facility.
“I know how addiction affects the patient, family, friends and colleagues. Going through the experience leaves people physically and emotionally drained.”
Woodley realises 24-hour security and supervision are necessary, but she is adamant:” “Seeds of Change will not be a jail.”
With her son now seven months in positive recovery, Tracy has created a centre that she felt was “realistic in its treatment and goals as well as affordable”.
She plans to house up to 24 patients at any one time in the double storey house at 4 Nuwe Vlei Street (tel 863-3259).
Alet Ackermann, welfare official at Sanca in Paarl, visited another new recovery centre, Think Wellness, in Tulbagh recently.
“It was such a satisfying experience. I found they fulfilled all requirements for in-house rehabilitation of addicts.
“We would like to visit Seeds of Change as soon as possible.”
Officials at Sanca can be reached on 872-5050 for assistance or information.
More
News
|
