Treatment Program

The Boniwe Centre uses the Minnesota Model approach for patient treatment which is one of the most widely used and recognized treatment models for drug and alcohol addiction in the world. Our view is that addiction is a disease and abstinence from alcohol and mood altering drugs is considered necessary for long-term recovery.

The Treatment Process

A multidisciplinary team of professionals (e.g., counsellors, psychologists, doctors, nurses social workers) plan and assist in the treatment process for each patient. Each member of the team meets individually with the patient to conduct an interview, review the patient's test results, and review the questionnaire that the client completes. After the patient is seen by each team member, the team meets without the client to discuss the findings and form a treatment plan that includes individualized goals and objectives. The team will also meet with direct family members to discuss and evaluate the patient's history and behaviour prior to beginning any treatment.

The philosophy of the Minnesota Model is based on the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. The treatment provides tools and a context for the patient to learn new ways of living without alcohol and other drugs. This type of treatment can be employed on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Most of the international rehabilitation centres with sound reputations such as the Betty Ford Clinic, The Priory, Passages to name but a few are practitioners of the Minnesota Model, as do the more reputable and effective centres in South Africa.

Our Goals & Objectives

Our primary goal is to help our patients achieve a lifetime of pleasurable sobriety free from alcohol and other mood-altering chemicals and to enjoy improved quality of life. We aim to meet this goal by applying the principles of the 12-step philosophy, which include frequent meetings with other recovering people and changes in daily behaviour. The ultimate objective is assisting patients to change their basic thinking, feeling, and acting in the world helping them to create a sustainable life. Within the model, this change is referred to as a 'spiritual experience'.

An Outline Of Our Program

Approximately 80 - 90% of our treatment occurs in groups which may offer

therapy focusing on seeing a broader reality
overcoming denial and gaining greater acceptance of personal responsibility and hope for change
learning about the disease and related factors
orienting to 12-step philosophy and groups (e.g., AA, Narcotics Anonymous [NA], or Cocaine Anonymous [CA])
looking at special issue groups
focusing on topics specific to clients who have special characteristics (e.g., women, elderly persons, those with dual disorders, rape survivors)
recreation groups, meditation groups, work task groups
groups for individuals to tell their stories and receive feedback
groups where members review their behavioural homework assignments

Individual sessions are used for reviewing progress and addressing issues that may be too sensitive or unique to be dealt with routinely in a group setting.

Typically, the counsellor schedules individual meetings one to three times a week, more frequently at the beginning of treatment tapering off toward the end. The counsellor helps the patient integrate all of his / her group experience and individual work, teaching the patient how this knowledge applies to the 12-step philosophy. Individual sessions are used to review the treatment assignments with the patient and to give new assignments.

Unscheduled individual sessions are conducted to resolve difficulties the patient may have in the treatment setting or with external issues (e.g., family, legal system). For patient's whose functioning level is low because of cognitive or emotional impairment, the counsellor may meet more frequently with the individual for short sessions (e.g., 15 minutes) to help the patient stay on track with simple daily goals and to re-evaluate status.

Ideal Treatment Environment

The ideal treatment setting is residential, as this environment most easily conveys dignity and respect for the individual and provides grounds and physical space for solitude and reflection. At Boniwe we can offer not only a residential setting but an incredibly beautiful and serene rural environment to optimize the chance of recovery.

Language Of Instruction

We are in the unique position of being able to offer English and Zulu as the languages of instruction. Most of our literature is available in both languages and our councillors speak both languages fluently. We are also able to identify with Western, Asian and African culture as a diversity of ethnic groups are represented by the owners of Boniwe Centre.

Skills Development & Transfer

Based on international statistics and confirmed by personal research and experience, it is often the case that persons who are successful in retaining healthy sobriety often experience major changes in their phycology, interests and careers. At Boniwe we look to offer skills transfer opportunities which will include basic computer literacy, hydroponic and organic farming techniques and an introduction to farming of cane, timber and macadamia as well as basic welding and carpentry.
Tuition in learning to play a musical instrument and photography together with other artistic endeavours will also be offered in time.