Rosella House
Rosella House is a heritage listed building situated in Geraldton. Services in its proximity are: doctor surgery, dentist, physiotherapist, optometrist and other services.
Drug ARM Rosella House adheres to the concept of a substance-free therapeutic community. Therefore the House is:
…a substance-free environment in which people with addictive problems live together in an organised and structured way in order to promote change and make possible a substance-free life in the outside society. The therapeutic community forms a miniature society in which residents and staff in the role of facilitators, fulfil distinctive roles, and adhere to clear rules, all designed to promote the transitional process of the residents. Self-help and mutual help are pillars of the therapeutic process in which the resident is the protagonist principally responsible for achieving personal growth, realising a more meaningful and responsible life, and of upholding the welfare of the community. The program is voluntary in that the resident will not be held in the program by force or against his/her will (Ottenberg et al. 1993).
Drug ARM WA Inc, a non-profit Christian non-denominational organisation, manages Rosella House. Drug ARM has many years of experience in the field of alcohol and drug awareness, rehabilitation and maintenance. As for every other aspect of the agency’s operations, Rosella House also offers a caring, non-judgmental environment, staffed by people committed to delivering the best possible service available. Each permanent staff member does not only adhere to the ethos of the organisation but is also committed to promoting a healthy drug free lifestyle.
Program outline
Drug ARM Rosella House offers a 13 week community-based program, which includes Group Work, Activity/Adventure Therapy, Life Skills and Psychotherapy.
The live-in program also offers:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions
• Sessions on relapse prevention
• Weekly Art Therapy sessions
• Weekly music therapy
• Self help meetings which are held at the house and within the community.
• Weekly water therapy including hydrotherapy
• Construction skills, computer skills, internet skills.
• Horticulture and Permaculture
• Weekly visits to the community library for borrowing, research and access to the internet and
• Gym work
People that identify as being alcohol and other drugs dependent are informed about a range of treatment and support available to them. Clients have access to literature and the latest clinical innovations via brochures, internet, and contact with the specialist GP, staff and media presentations. Clients are also encouraged to keep in contact with any support networks they already have in place whilst at the house. If they identify as having a specialist counseling need they are also linked up with a community based worker(s) who can address long term individual needs. The attendance while in the program of both the NA and AA meetings allows the client access to the information available to these international organizations as well as establishing long term links within the community.
Transitional House (optional)
Drug ARM Rosella House is committed to continuous care of residents that complete the program by offering a 13 week after care program. Fortunately through the support of both government and non-government agencies Drug ARM Rosella House has established two transitional houses which can provide aftercare for residents that complete the 13 week program. These houses allow residents to establish a personal program and continue to develop independent skills with the support of the Rosella House staff and program.
Referrals
Anyone can enquire and make appointments to visit the Drug ARM Rosella House and find out more about Drug ARM Rosella House. It is preferable if you, the person wishing to enter the program, make the initial contact before an assessment appointment can be given. Referrals can be obtained from Drug and Alcohol agencies, Mental Health, GPs, Welfare agencies, private counselors, etc. A phone referral is acceptable if the referring agent is known to us, otherwise a written referral may be necessary.
People wishing to access the program who are living in Perth (or the south west region of the state) should firstly make contact with our Armadale office, by phoning (08) 9497-9498 or email at drugarm@drugarmwa.org.au, for an initial appointment and referral
Accessing the service
It would be beneficial if you could come in to see the facilities for yourself and discuss the different aspects of the program before booking in for an assessment. However, this is not necessary if it can’t be arranged. The initial assessment (by appointment only), is conducted in-House. This usually takes
about one hour, and it is aimed at helping you to identify some of the most pressing issues concerning you. This is not an examination and is not designed to discriminate who can or can’t participate in the program.
Criteria for admission:
• That you have detoxified prior to the assessment
• You are ready and motivated to participate in all aspects of the program of your own free will.
• You are able to stay substance-free after the initial assessment
• You accept the conditions of the program
• Urinalysis is clear of all substances*
*As part of the assessment a urine sample is taken to ensure that your body is substance free. This can be done in-House or at Geraldton Regional Hospital. After the assessment you will be asked to spend a few days out in the community, maintaining a substance-free lifestyle. You may use this time to organise your affairs before entering the program e.g. medical certificates, Centrelink appointments, separation certificate from employers, Doctors and other health care appointments, parole officers, bank accounts, relatives, etc.
It’s important that you realise that the first two weeks of the program are non-contact and this is why it is important to complete all external business prior to coming into the program. If you are interested you can download a copy of the Resident's Participation Handbook.
ADDRESS
11 Bayly Street
Geraldton WA 6530
Ph: (08) 9921 7409
Fax: (08) 9921 6807
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 2127
Geraldton WA 6531
E-mail: drugarmrosella@drugarmwa.org.au
