ADAWS is Mater’s Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service. It is a Queensland wide service offering an 11 day residential program for young people aged between 13 and 21 who feel they have a problem with substance use and want to withdraw.
Currently ADAWS operates from a residential house adjacent to the hospital, under the guidance of Mater’s Child and Youth Mental Health Services. In August, the service will move to new, purpose-built premises designed to extend program offerings and reach even more young people. An official launch in late July will mark the occasion with the Deputy Premier expected to attend.
The ADAWS house provides a safe environment for young people and promotes alternative activities to substance use. Young people voluntarily enter the residential program and detox under medical supervision. During the program they are introduced to many different activities which provide healthy alternatives to using alcohol and other drugs.
The difficulty for many young people is that on leaving a drug and alcohol program, they often return to an environment where substance misuse is hard to avoid. Many ADAWS participants have mental health issues, some are homeless, and a large number have dysfunctional family relationships. These young people often have trouble re-engaging in responsible, pro-social activities. Artspace is a post-detox treatment and support system for ADAWS participants. The Artspace program was developed to provide other options for young people than drug use and a chance to learn new skills or participate in vocational training. Artspace allows participants to stay connected to ADAWS and spend time with other young people who have been through the program. Artspace offers continuing support to young people once they have left the ADAWS house.
Over the past 18 months, data from the project has shown that 75 percent of young people who engaged in Artspace more than four times are now re-engaged in employment or education.
The Artspace program is unique as there are no other post-detox programs available in Queensland. Artspace reduces the likelihood of relapse—which is detrimental to the young person, their family and the community, and is costly to the health care and juvenile justice systems. The program works to change offending behaviour, and minimise the risk of becoming adult offenders.
Artspace is invaluable for creating a fun, relaxed environment for young people who are making active efforts to improve their situation. This type of environment is crucial for maintaining attendance levels and encouraging participation.
The ongoing support of our donors has been critical in the continuation and expansion of the Artspace program. Currently Mater Foundation is seeking further funding to ensure this valuable program can continue. To find out more please call Development Manager Margo Powell on 3163 8000.