News & References

Information about addiction

Addiction is a disease that affects a significant portion of the world's population. In South Africa and abroad, millions of people struggle with alcoholism, drug addiction, various other types of dependencies and eating disorders. Oasis Centre in Plettenberg Bay provides a safe place for addicts to find recovery, and has become one of the leading drug treatment faciltlies in South Africa.

The information and news below helps to enlighten individuals about the disease of addiction, and provides useful insight into addiction treatment and rehabilitation. Contact Oasis Centre in Plettenberg Bay to find out more about our drug treatment facility, or for more information about alcohol and drug addiction, dependencies, eating disorders and dysfunctional behaviours.

16 - 17 September 2009

This is the report from the course organiser:

Aim
To present a Personal Development Programme to the participants that will create an enabling environment for them to realize their true potential - adding value to the Oasis rehabilitation centre.

Main Objectives
1. Capacity Building
2. Teamwork & Team Effectiveness
3. Motivation & Support

Activities & Learning Outcomes:
Jacobs Ladder & Trapeze
Teamwork / Communication / Perseverance / Overcoming self-imposed limitation

Group Dynamics
Problem Solving / Teamwork / Communication / Determination / Creative thinking / Leading others / Trust

Abseil
Sense of self-worth / Overcoming self-imposed limitation / Trust in self / Motivation

General Overview
The group appeared nervous at the onset of the course, as the element of the unknown was daunting. They all agreed, however, that they were prepared for any new challenge. The group adapted well to the outdoor environment, enjoying the abseil site and appearing keen on doing small hikes. All participants adhered to the "leave no trace" policy thereby showing respect towards the environment. A few harsh words were spoken amongst some group members but fortunately the participants did not take this seriously. Most participants became emotional when trying to overcome their fear of heights. They were able to confront and overcome these fears with the motivation and strong presence of their fellow team members.

The challenge of overcoming their fear of heights experienced during the Abseil and High Ropes activities was related to their fear of overcoming daily challenges in their everyday lives at Oasis.

The group agreed that the Trapeze and Abseil activities were the highlights of the course.

As the course progressed, the participants became more familiar with the facilitators and gained increased trust in the instructors and their counsellors. Participants were very eager and positive when approached with problems that needed to be solved. The team members motivated each other through the various challenges.

The overall feeling after the debrief sessions was that you could achieve so much more with the help of others.

Specific Outcomes:
1. Recognize and use personal strengths
2. Ability to deal with conflict and challenging situations
3. Gain a deeper understanding of self
4. Taking risks and understanding consequences

Objective Outcomes:
The group realized that at times some of them gave up too easily, however through perseverance and motivation from their fellow peers, they were able to complete the challenge.

By successfully completing the challenges they realized that they could accomplish what they thought was the impossible.

The group could relate their experiences on the course to their everyday challenges at Oasis and implement what they had learnt on course to help them overcome these challenges.

All participants welcomed the challenge of taking risks as they all felt exposed and out of their "comfort zones" from the onset of the program.

Objective 1: Capacity Building
To give participants the opportunity to develop capacities of mind, body of and spirit. To enable them to understand one's responsibilities to self, others and community.

Specific Outcomes:
1. Working towards a common goal
2. Improved communication - learn the value of good listening skills
3. Commitment to the team
4. Completing and following up on all tasks
5. Sharing ideas
6. Increased trust between team members
7. Voice own opinion, listen to and respect the opinion of others

Objective Outcomes:
It was clear from the start that the group was familiar with each other and therefore worked well together, helping each other with various tasks, like kitchen clean up.

Most of the participants participated during team discussions, sharing their ideas and voicing their opinions.

Each member set himself or herself a goal prior to each challenge and worked towards attaining that goal with the help and motivation from their fellow peers.

Objective 2: Teamwork/Bonding/Team Effectiveness
For participants to realize that the effort of the group results in a better performance and higher success rate than any individual effort alone.

Specific Outcomes:
1. Understanding the importance and the power of attitude
2. Increase team spirit
3. Ability to motivate others and self during challenges
4. To gain more confidence by being motivated by others

Objective Outcomes:
Motivation was high amongst the team members. Some of the participants' behaviour changed when confronted with a difficult challenge as their fear took over and they lashed out at their fellow team members. This behaviour was short lived as the results of their fellow peer's motivation were realized. The encouragement from the group helped them to complete each challenge.

Objective 3: Motivation & Support
Participants to become more motivated, as individuals, as well as a team, enabling them to cope with any challenges that may come their way.

Oasis Counselling Centre is a registered rehabilitation centre in Plettenberg Bay and offers drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities including a 12 Step recovery programme.