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drinkanddrugsnews
| September 2014
Treatment |
Services
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com
I
n 1974, Travis Cousins, then the director of
the Bristol Council of Alcoholism, and Dr Dan
Anderson, the principal of US treatment
facility Hazelden, got together and came up
with an idea to create a non-profit treatment
centre that would offer support and counselling to
individuals struggling with addiction.
Broadway Lodge opened its doors to eight clients in
October 1974, with the objective of providing
treatment for a number of different addictions,
including everything from alcoholism and drug
dependency to eating disorders, gambling and gaming.
Back then, treatment centres and therapeutic
communities were only just beginning to develop in
the UK, offering a new approach to support those
struggling with addiction issues. The charity’s
approach to recovery was client-centred, based on a
12-step model with abstinence as its core. It was the
first centre in the country to provide treatment based
on the Minnesota model, and the organisation now
has more experience than any other agency in the
country at working with this programme.
Throughout the years, staff have developed an
innovative approach to treatment, creating a 24-
hour medical in-house team so we could take in
service users with complex medical issues.
Responding to clients’ needs, we have developed
units to support those in recovery throughout their
journey, so the facilities include two single-sex units
for those who need space away from a mixed-
gender environment, and third-stage houses that
aid recovery in the community.
Today, we employ more than 100 people and treat
more than 500 people each year, and are proud of
our reputation. Our CEO Brian Dudley says, ‘It never
ceases to amaze me that wherever I travel for
conferences, both in this country and abroad, people
approach me and say, “I went through the ‘miracle
mansion’ 20 odd years ago”.’
Our former clients are spread across the country,
and we often receive updates on their lives and
personal memories of their time in treatment. One
such individual, who came to us in 1987, wrote that
they were ‘broken and desperate’, and willing to try
anything to combat their addiction.
‘I had no understanding of addiction and no
concept of “recovery” – I had never met anyone who
had stopped using and rejoined society,’ he told us. ‘The
people at Broadway Lodge seemed to know how to
recover, so despite my incredulity at some of what they
told me, I followed everything that was suggested.
‘I did a most thorough step one, searching my
wounded memory for examples of how I had been
controlled and driven by the drugs and how my life
had become completely unmanageable. I attribute,
in part, the longevity of my recovery to the deep
understanding this gave me about my relationship
with drugs and the consequences of my using.
‘Broadway Lodge gave me the solid foundation for
a lifetime of recovery – full freedom and
independence, and a rich and fulfilling life. The first
five steps on which I worked during the five months
in treatment gave me a platform for a life of self-
discovery and growth.
‘For me the gifts of recovery are manifold. There are
numerous external signals of recovery; a passport and
worldwide travel, an education, the ability to support
rather than distress my family, respect in society and
many more facets of a life that goes beyond any
expectation I had when I was a slave to the addiction.
But the most profound and rewarding transformation
has been effected internally – an inside job.’
In 2012, we won the Independent Specialist Care
Provider of the Year, which highlights good work and
innovative thinking in the UK specialist care sector.
Building strong partnerships with other
organisations has been a key part of our ongoing
innovative strategy. Keen to evolve effective aftercare,
we set up the Recovery Centre with support from the
Department of Health, and work alongside the
Carlton Centre, Voluntary Action North Somerset
(VANS), Weston Works and Alliance Homes to
support clients with educational, training,
employment, and housing needs. The centre provides
a peer support and mentoring scheme, training
volunteers who are in recovery and providing them
with the skills to provide structured assistance to
others. Our staff offer a number of activities, such as
weekly football sessions that allow participants to
get fit, have fun and meet others in recovery.
Diane Smith started at the Recovery Centre on the
aftercare programme, then came back to the centre a
year ago as a volunteer, helping on reception,
becoming a support worker and taking on acupuncture
sessions. ‘I loved the support I received from clients and
staff alike,’ she told us. ‘I lacked confidence and was
always encouraged to keep pushing forward. I have
gained so many valuable skills.’
Each and every one of Broadway Lodge’s
employees and clients has brought something
different to the table, enabling us to constantly learn,
evolve, and find new ways to help people.
Our ongoing aim to share knowledge and good
practice has opened new opportunities for
partnership working. We continue to run a schools
programme that challenges stigma by tackling pre-
conceived ideas about addiction. Clients and staff go
into local schools and educate both students and
teachers about the negative consequences of drug
and alcohol misuse, as well as combating the stigma
associated with those in recovery. Our staff also offer
their expertise to local police and probation services,
raising awareness and offering insight into the issues
surrounding addiction.
Now one
of the oldest
abstinence-
based treatment
centres in the
UK, Broadway
Lodge is celebrating 40 years
of offering treatment for a
variety of addictions.
Karen Kirby
shares the
steps they have taken to
adapt and thrive
STILL
STR
GOING