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World first PTSD and substance abuse recovery program to begin on 20 April, following US and Australian recovery research.
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Leading Australia-based substance abuse and mental health treatment facility The Buttery has unveiled a new program to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) among Australia’s veteran community.
The program was developed using research from the COPE program, developed at the Medical University of South Carolina, in conjunction with Professor Katherine Mills at Macquarie University.
The program will be free to former Australian Defence Force personnel subject to eligibility, and will be the first of its kind in the world. The pilot program will run between 20 April and 28 May 2021.
CEO of The Buttery, Leone Crayden, outlined that many people experiencing PTSD self-medicate.
“There is a tendency among people with PTSD to self-medicate and substance use disorder can be a consequence of this. This program takes a unique approach and there is evidence showing the value of treating both concurrently,” said Crayden.
“Working closely with the therapists, participants support each other in a peaceful, healing environment. As well as counselling, everyone is encouraged to take gentle exercise and enjoy good nutrition provided by a chef. Group therapy, psycho-education, meditation, yoga, Pilates, massage, swimming in the pool and other activities are available to promote holistic recovery.”
The program is broken into two stages, with the first component – the residential stay – to be held on an acreage in northern NSW, while the aftercare program will allow participants to dial in via a video conferencing service and last for three months.
The COPE recovery program has been made available through funding from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice in conjunction with NSW Health.
[Related: Lockheed Martin Australia backs new Commando veterans’ scholarship]
