Programmes offered
Substance abuse has reached epidemic proportions, especially in the Western Cape where the abuse of alcohol, dagga, Methamphetamine (Tik) and Heroin by teenagers and young adults is drastically on the increase. Substance abuse and dependency has a progressive cycle that can be fatal if untreated. For this reason it is very important to identify and refer anyone with a suspected dependency problem for assessment and treatment. Research indicates that the majority of people in the early stages of substance abuse can be treated successfully in an out-patient treatment programme. At SANCA Western Cape we firmly believe that most individuals struggling with addiction have the capacity for recovery, if given the proper foundation and critical support to begin their life-changing journey.
What services form part of the programme?
Following a comprehensive assessment, an individualised treatment plan is developed for each client, which may comprise any combination of the following multi-level interventions:
Motivational interviewing
The motivational interview is a type of interview that centres on the client and seeks to help in exploring and resolving his/her reluctance to make a commitment to receiving treatment. Family members are also able to attend these sessions so that they can be equipped to motivate the client to commence treatment.
Brief intervention groups
Structured brief intervention groups are offered to clients, especially children and youth. These youth groups involve an average of eight to ten structured group sessions that focus on early intervention and life skills development. Individual sessions are offered as and when necessary.
Comprehensive group and individual sessions
This is a structured, comprehensive programme that consists of 24 sessions during which some of the following topics are covered:
- Alcohol and substance abuse information/education
- Relapse prevention
- Dealing with cravings
- Life skills
- Goal setting
- Personal development
- Health and nutrition
- Values
- Links between substance abuse and HIV, crime and other problems
- Termination and after-care
Matrix out-patient programme
SANCA is accredited to render the Matrix Out-patient Treatment Programme at the Athlone and Tygerberg offices. This programme is an internationally acknowledge intervention based on cognitive behavioural and motivational interviewing models that has been developed for stimulant addictions. The programme runs over a period of 16 weeks and consists of two group sessions, one individual session, one family education session and a support group session each week.
Family education groups
Experience has taught us that when families support the treatment process, their loved ones are more likely to recover. SANCA offers family education groups on Saturday mornings at certain offices. Any family member is welcome to join this six session programme, which focuses on supporting and empowering family members to deal with the problem of substance abuse in a constructive manner.
In-patient programme
SANCA Western Cape is in the process to register and open an in-patient treatment centre. This centre will be registered to offer treatment to 28 adults. The programme will be market as soon as the programme is registered
After-care and support services
SANCA offers a comprehensive six-month after-care programme from the Athlone office for any client who has successfully completed the out-patient or in-patient programme. Support services include therapeutic groups lasting six weeks as well as individual counselling sessions. The emphasis is on managing challenges, dealing constructively with any issues related to the recovery process and facilitating the client’s successful reintegration into the community. Each client is placed in the care of a trained volunteer counsellor who offers additional support and is available seven days of each week. Clients are also introduced to a variety of recreational activities, and are encouraged to participate in arts and crafts activities and to join appropriate social support groups within their communities.
Voluntary HIV counselling and Testing
SANCA actively encourages clients to attend voluntary HIV pre-test counselling and to take a rapid HIV test in order to know their HIV status. Post-test counselling is also provided. Experienced, trained staff and a registered nursing sister offer this voluntary counselling and testing service. Our counselling and nursing staff are very professional and maintain excellent standards in confidentiality, counselling and testing. Confidentiality is guaranteed and clients are referred for follow-up support and treatment, should this be required.
