Understanding addiction
Understanding addiction and substance use disorders: the difference between living in a Culture of Addiction and moving towards a Culture of Recovery.
Our approach
Treat the person,not the label.
Evidence-based treatment, delivered with unconditional positive regard. Here's what that means, in plain words.
How treatment works here
In shortCognitive Behavioural Therapy and Systemic Recovery Coaching are the cornerstone, with international best practice and compassionate care. No labels, no preaching.
Who it's forAnyone affected by substance use, and the families who love them. LGBTQ+ affirming; open to every background.
The cornerstone of The Foundation Clinic is a combination of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Systemic Coaching. It addresses substance use and addictive disorders with a focused, international best-practice approach, and equips clients with the skills and tools to make the life changes needed for sustainable, long-term recovery, at emotional and cognitive levels. The four focus areas
Not bound to a single model
Treatment combines international best practice with compassionate care, without being bound by a single model of treatment. Clients also have access to mutual-aid support groups, for example the 12-Step Fellowship and SMART Recovery groups.
A free assessment first
The level of care you need is set by a pre-admission assessment, which is free and carries no obligation. It starts with a free, confidential conversation, by phone, WhatsApp, video or in person.
Medically safe from day one
Where it's needed, treatment begins with medically assisted detox: safely clearing alcohol or drugs from the body, with nursing and doctor oversight.
The family, if you want them there
Wednesday family sessions, family education and a place in discharge planning, with your consent.
The approach · CBT and Systemic Recovery Coaching
Four focus areas, one recovery.
Arresting physical addiction is not enough: learning how to remain abstinent is critical to recovery. Treatment takes place in group and individual sessions, following a structured daily programme that focuses on four areas.
All of this happens in a therapeutic environment in which clients support each other through encouragement, empathy and shared experience.
Relapse prevention
Learning what triggers relapse, and how to prevent triggers and urges.
Life and coping skills
Building the life and coping skills to live a recovery-orientated lifestyle.
Recovery Capital
Creating the internal and external resources needed to support long-term, sustainable recovery.
You don't have to have everything figured out to begin.Five values, practised every day
Our values
01Unconditional positive regard
Everyone is respected, whatever they've used. It's the starting point for every conversation, every session and every decision about care.
In practicePerson-first language from every member of the team. “A person with a substance use disorder”, never “an addict”.
02Evidence first
Treatments with research behind them, explained plainly. We don't make success-rate claims and we don't promise cures.
In practiceCBT and Systemic Recovery Coaching, medically assisted detox and relapse prevention, with your plan explained before each stage starts.
03Whole person
Treatment looks at the whole of a life, not only the substance: health and wellness, relationships, work and finances, and the emotional, social, physical, spiritual and mental resources that support recovery.
In practiceRecovery coaching for the practical things: routines, work, relationships and life after treatment.
04Inclusion
LGBTQ+ affirming, and open to every background. The Foundation Clinic is part of U-ACT.
In practiceAn affirming team, backed by policy, so no one has to hide who they are to get well.
05Support that lasts
Recovery doesn't end at discharge. Neither does our care.
In practiceThe Recovery Reintegration Programme, then the Recovery Wellness Programme for eleven months after inpatient treatment.
The Foundation Promise
“Whoever you are and whatever you've used, you'll be treated with respect. We'll explain your treatment, include your family if you want us to, and stay with you through a twelve-month programme.”
Care standards you can hold us to.
| Standard | Our promise |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Free, confidential and with no obligation |
| Medical aid | We check your cover and handle pre-authorisation |
| Case management | Your progress discussed at twice-weekly case management |
| Support | 24-hour nursing and therapeutic support staff at the clinic |
| Family | A weekly family session, and a place in discharge planning |
| Aftercare | The Recovery Wellness Programme, for eleven months after inpatient treatment |
| Confidentiality | Nothing shared without your written consent |
How we talk
Words matter. We choose them carefully.
Person-first language is one of the ways we show respect. You'll hear it from every member of our team.
- Instead of: An addict, a junkie, an alcoholicwe say: A person with a substance use disorder
- Instead of: Clean, as a moral judgementwe say: In recovery
- Instead of: Failurewe say: A lapse, or a return to use
- Instead of: A fix or a curewe say: Treatment and care