How can Prinsted help me?

The following questions and answers were compiled by the residents who were in treatment in the summer of 2007.

Community and Spirituality

1.    Why do I need to be in a group? By sharing our problems and feelings with the rest of the community we feel we are not alone. This is a logical approach to our problems. By sharing and open discussion we find solutions and sobriety.

2.    Do you find it difficult to work and live with others? Here you will learn how to integrate as part of a community with support from people who understand.

3.    Have you found doing it your way hasn't worked? Here you will be able to access something bigger, a power greater than yourself, a group of like-minded people trying to recover, proving that we is better than I.

4.    When you were growing up, did you feel it was safer to close down and isolate than to express emotions freely? At Prinsted we can break rules learned in our childhood and find out what it is to reveal our true selves to our fellows.

5.    Did you feel lonely and isolated while you were using/drinking? In the Twelve Step Fellowship we learn the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel.

6.    Do you struggle with letting go of old ideas of God? The Programme is designed to lead us to our own concept of a Higher Power, whatever form it takes. There is no right or wrong.

Honesty and Boundaries

1.    Are you prepared to be honest about yourself, your problems, thoughts and feelings? If you want long-term recovery you have to share honestly about all aspects of your life, especially your addiction, the impact it has on your life and your relationships.

2.    Are you prepared to be challenged on your behaviours and to challenge others on theirs- honestly and in a caring, constructive way? Recovery depends on active participation in group, giving and receiving feedback and identifying with the experiences and behaviours of those in treatment with you.

3.    Are you ready to lower your defences and learn how to relate to people in a healthy way? Relax! That may sounds scary but Prinsted is a safe, supportive environment where you will be encouraged, in a caring way, to open up about yourself, and your issues.

Group

1.    What can I expect from group? Encouraging feedback on how to modify destructive behaviour patterns. In a caring supportive environment.

2.    How often is group? Four times a week it is a focal part of treatment.

Acceptance

1.    Do you want to live in a non-judgmental environment where all your past behaviours are accepted? You will be accepted and welcomed into the community, where you will not be not be alone with your addiction.

2.    Do you want to live in an environment where your views, thoughts and feelings are identified and related to? By sharing your views, thoughts and feelings you will get identification form other members and be able to process them freely without shame or guilt any more.

Relationships

1.    Do you have difficulties forming relationships and connecting with other people? Here at Prinsted you will be encouraged to have honest and open relationships and the most important part of the process is the bond made between you and your peers in treatment.

3.    Would you like the opportunity to form life-long friendships to help support you in your recovery? Prinsted will give you the basis to form these friendships and support system with comprehensive aftercare, which will aid you in the continued journey of recovery.

Life Skills

1.    How do we care for our living environment and ourselves? Each morning the resident does a therapeutic duty. This teaches us practical skills and also helps us respect the environment we live in and contribute to the community as a whole.

2.    What about cooking? We take turns in the kitchen to provide the meals for the other members of the community. Help is always available for the novice and we always work in pairs.This enables us to enjoy the experience of cooking rather than be frightened of it.

3.    How do we take personal responsibility? We learn responsibility in various forms. Prinsted teaches us to take responsibility for money and therefore we develop a respect for our material needs. We also learn personal life skills so we can go out into the world and be independent.

4.    How do we contribute to the local community? We do charity work for two hours a week, either in a charity shop or with riding for the disabled. This helps develop a healthy outlook towards others in the community.

Social

1.    What's the social life like? Wednesday evening is a fun night off when one group member is given the opportunity to organise a night out of their choice. These have included bowling, laser quest, cinema, salsa dancing and trips to Brighton.

2.    Are you allowed out and about? Weekend outings are popular shopping, trips into London, visiting local attractions or a day out with friends. Once a month group members have the option of spending a weekend away with family and friends to adjust to everyday life. Group members are actively encouraged to socialise and integrate on a daily basis.

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