Spiritus amend program (assisting mothers to end the need for drugs)

The amend program is a home-based relapse prevention and management service for women who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant, as well as for mothers who have children in care - or the threat of having them placed in care - due to substance use.

The aim of the program is to provide information to help women make their own decisions about the use of substances and their effects on their lives and on others.  A range of harm minimisation and informative education sessions is offered in both one-to-one counselling and small group meetings.
 
Qualified and experienced staff do not judge, but instead seek to sensitively help women who are concerned by past or present substance use, addressing factors like childhood or adult trauma or violent abuse, family breakdown or other relationship difficulties - whether these are the causes or the consequences of substance use - and helping to support women who are attempting to change their behaviour.

The program includes:

• information about the effects of substance use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting and the impact on children;
• deciding to make a change and setting goals for the future;
• knowing what to do when cravings, triggers and high risk situations make you want to use substances;
• how to manage negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself that make you want ot use substances;
• dealing with relationship difficulties;
• managing stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health symptoms;
• communication and assertion skills;
• finding substance-free fun, relaxing or creative things to do; and
• using social and community supports.

information about the effects of substance use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting and the impact on children;

Participation is entirely voluntary and free of charge, and the program is currently available in Greenslopes, Chermside and Logan Central (other locations subject to funding availability).

Our services are also available to women who are returning to the community following incarceration, or who might be receiving services from other agencies.  There are no barriers: we stand ready to assist women who have decided to seek information or help in helping themselves.

Spiritus amend is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing under the National Illicit Drug Strategy and the Commonwealth Department of Justice & Attorney-General.

For more information, contact our friendly staff in complete confidence:

Phone details or amend@spiritus.org.au