Established 40 years ago, Lighthouse on the Horizon is a therapeutic community that treats drug and alcohol abuse.
The staff there specialise in detoxing, withdrawals, improving social interaction, psychology and spiritual guidance. There is also a general practioner who oversees the health and general well being of patients.
The treatment follows a hierarchical model where treatment stages vary from minimal to increased levels of personal and social responsibility. They also use mediated peer influence to help individuals develop more effective social skills. Peer pressure used for the good of the individual.
Staff try to shape patients’ behaviour by curbing negative reactions. They ensure the patients emotional development and intellectual development through the use of seminars and tutorials as well as through the study of religious values. There are also therapeutic and religious group sessions.
The centre works on a reward-based system, what they call the “deserving system”. When a patient reaches certain goals they are rewarded with certain privileges. One such privilege is that, generally, after 4 weeks, family is allowed to visit.
Treatment is usually six to eight weeks, but it is flexible, and depends on the individual needs of the patient. Some people can end up staying for as long as six months. Because of this it is difficult to give an accurate account of how many patients they have at any given time, but they estimate that roughly 100 or so pass through their doors annually.
The staff and patients call each other “family” and the cohesion of the group is very important. One of their sayings is, “you alone can do it, but you cannot do it alone”. The strength of the group adds to the strength of the individual.
The local community can participate by attending support groups on Wednesdays. For any additional information contact 011 764 2396 or 011 768 6881 or go to the website at www.lighthousejhb.co.za
