About the Program

The Karuna Program is a short-stay program of 8 weeks, or the first phase of a longer stay at the Karralika Therapeutic Community supporting single adults, couples, and families with rehabilitative care for alcohol and drug issues in a residential setting.

Individuals are supported and introduced to the Therapeutic Community model, its principles, practices and language. Group and individual sessions and education seminars form part of the Karuna short-stay Program.

A range of social and living skills development activities are offered over the course of the 8 weeks to help residents gather basic knowledge about their health and alcohol or other drug use and develop skills to support their growth and life change. Being part of the community entails participating in all aspects of community life including cooking, maintenance and cleaning of the living environment as well as creative therapies and other recreational activities.

Karralika Therapeutic Community is organised into the following stages:

1. Karuna – Short Stay (Including orientation to the TC),
2. Treatment Stage – comprising Treatment Stage 1 and Treatment Stage 2,
3. Commitment/Re Entry.

What the program offers:

The Karuna Program is the initial 8 weeks of the therapeutic community treatment program that offers individual and group sessions including a range of alcohol and other drug education, social and living skills and development activities. During this phase, residents will have opportunity to identify and begin to address some of the underlying reasons for their alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and enhance healthy living skills. Karuna aims to improve residents’ health and well-being, help residents gain a better understand of their alcohol or other drug use issues and provide relapse prevention strategies in preparation of program completion.

At the end of the Program, residents can elect to move into the next phase of the Therapeutic Community at Karralika Adult Program or Family Program or they may seek to continue treatment through our, Nexus Program or Transition Program. Some may elect to move back into the community and Karralika is able to continue to support them through our, Outreach Program. Staff are also able to assist individuals to access other services that may be better suited to their treatment needs.

Staff available to residents during the program:

We have a multidisciplinary staff team including:

• Alcohol and Drug Workers
• Primary Health Nurses
• Chef
• Counsellors
• Case Managers
• Social Workers

Residents can access a range of external services which include:

• Childcare and school
• Dental and Medical services
• Counselling
• Financial/Budgeting support and assistance
• Hepatitis education
• Parenting programs
• Community based self-help groups
• Recreational activities

Activities residents participate in:

Residents are able to participate in a range of activities which include:

• Attendance at art exhibitions and workshops with Tuggeranong Community Arts Centre
• Drumbeat – The purpose of the program is to allow our clients to connect and work together as a team through music and expressing themselves in ways that harmonise with others. The alternative therapy is facilitated through weekly groups and offers a range of learning opportunities for participants to develop their skills and knowledge in a range of areas.
• Women: Choice and Change – is a six week program for women who are in or have been in an abusive relationship. It provides women an opportunity to meet with others who have similar experiences, talk through issues and look at positive choices and strategies for the future.

Different types on interventions used in program:

Clinical practice within the therapeutic community is underpinned by evidence informed methods including Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) which are utilized to effectively support and facilitate a residents’ recovery journey.

Typical Daily routine (weekday)

*Weekends have a semi-structured program

*AA/NA meetings attendance after the first 2 weeks in program.

Do you need help?

Every journey begins with the first step. We have fully trained staff ready to speak to you about your dependence or about someone you may care for.