Jason Jennings’ story is one of redemption, facing up to his past and looking towards a brighter future.
And it was through The Salvation Army’s Withdrawal Management Program, a new alcohol and drugs support service to help manage and reduce substance addiction across the Townsville region, that Jason was able to turn around his life.
Jason joined the program in late 2017, after hearing about the program from members of a self-help meeting he was attending at the time, and participated for six months, including nine days in detox.
The Withdrawal Management Program, funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), has been developed in close consultation with local residents in response to the need for community-based withdrawal and rehabilitation services in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service region.
As part of the program, individuals are assessed by a doctor on admission to determine the level of care needed on a case-by-case basis, so patients can safely undertake their wellness journey.
“Withdrawing at home can be quite dangerous, especially if you try to go cold turkey,” Jason said.
“At the centre, we see a doctor on admission so if needed you can be medicated to avoid seizures and the like. Staff are always available for these reasons and if you are struggling, to council you into making the right choices.
“The program can go for three, six, or ten months dependent on what level of care an individual needs.”
The program targets the adult population who are better supported by community-based outreach withdrawal services, and involves carers and family members in treatment with client consent.
Jason said the program has been an integral part of his wellness journey, helping him to rebuild important relationships and develop skills and coping mechanisms, so that he can live a happier, healthier, and longer life.
“For myself, facing up to my past and accepting the fact I can’t change it and accepting who I am, was the best part of the program. Also, the fact that you accumulate a long period of clean time is a great way to break old habits,” said Jason.
“The best outcome for me has been to rebuild broken relationships with family and friends, as well as learning the coping skills to deal with life sober and how to stay that way.”
Jason believes the Withdrawal Management Program can assist and support others to achieve a brighter future, just like it has for him, and encourages individuals wanting to improve their wellbeing to contact the centre.
“If people are serious about turning their life around, learning about themselves, and the dangers of drugs and alcohol, I would encourage them to pick up the phone and call the centre for an assessment,” he said.
“The staff are great to talk to and will bend over backwards to help those who want it.”
The Salvation Army and NQPHN working in collaboration has resulted in the development of a program that provides an opportunity for people like Jason to access support at a critical moment when they need it most, and allows them to engage in the pathway towards ongoing health and wellness, free from addiction.