ADDICTION REHABILITATION PROGRAM:

ADDICTION REHABILITATION PROGRAM:

Addictive substance rehabilitation is a complex psychological condition that often requires long-term treatment and care for which treatment in Cuba is mainly with a highly individualised rehabilitation program based on clinical, psychological and physical factors that take into consideration the individual’s social and cultural background, specifc family situation as well as other aspects of life condition. It is designed with two main focal points: abstinence and change in lifestyle.

The program is intensive with as much focus on physical restoration as on emotional and mental treatment, with particular focus on identifying and resolving personal issues caused by the addiction as well as pre-existing ones. The program also works on building personal resources to change lifestyle so as to avoid situations that would cause relapse.

Please note that appropriate measures will be taken to minimise withdrawal efects. Withdrawal symptoms are closely monitored by a team of highly qualifed specialists, including medical professionals.

Please also note that the program is 3 months long in order to allow for the highest chance of long-term success. Most addicted individuals need at least three months in treatment to abstain from use and to initiate a plan for continued recovery.

Most patients require 3 months of rehabilitation treatment. Further rehabilitation may be recommended to consolidate the progress made in the initial program.

REHABILITATION PROGRAM:

The program is divided into two settings. The frst setting focuses on one-on-one therapy based on a deep and personal relationship between the individual and his/her therapist allowing for a better chance of recovery and an elevated sense of self-worth and self-esteem while focusing on family and social relations as well as on physical and personal development. The second is therapeutic community method whereby the individual will be in a group-based environment sharing living settings through which individuals in the group are encouraged to communicate

about their condition, emotions and situations related to their addiction under the care of a highly qualifed and highly experienced multidisciplinary team of specialists.

The program is carried out in centres or villages located in Holguin (central and eastern regions of Cuba) in a natural and organic environment

The program includes some or all of the following:

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY:

One on one counselling therapy is an essential part of recovery. This approach takes the view that addiction is more than a physical dependency and that although detoxing is a major accomplishment, the underlying psychological and social factors that lead to the addiction need to be addressed and treated.

Individual therapy is tailored to the individual’s type of addiction and individual needs by addressing specifc problems with no judgement attached and ofering support, guidance, and advice on dealing with powerful stimuli and factors that create ongoing urges for substance use.

The therapeutic approaches used in the program include:

• • Cognitive behavioural therapy: this type of therapy is based on the idea that feelings and behaviours are caused by a person’s thoughts. This approach includes:
    • Didactic therapy: the main goal of this treatment is to teach people how to live in the moment, cope healthily with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others
    • Rational emotive therapy: the aim of this therapy is to help the individual change the way he/she thinks so as to reduce negative symptoms and improve quality of life
    • Humanistic therapy: this approach focuses on the uniqueness of the individual and directs the individual to realise his/her potential and self-directed growth
  • Systemic therapy: this treatment approach emphasises the idea that the individual cannot be understood in isolation but rather within various systems, including the family and other social systems. Systemic therapy involves examining the interactions and patterns formed within these structures and how they contribute to the individual’s behaviour.
    
  • Dynamic psychotherapy (Psychodynamic therapy): the focus of this approach is on the individual’s relationship with his/her external world, on the infuence of past experiences on present behaviour and to examine unresolved conficts.
  • Narrative psychotherapy: non-blaming approach that views people as separate from their problem to allow the individual to get some distance from the issue so as to be able to assess their situation with a better understanding.

Both dynamic psychotherapy and narrative psychotherapy are used when there appears to be unconscious motivations at work.

• • Occupational Therapy: This type of therapy is designed to help the individual restore and recover the roles and identities most meaningful to him/her. Occupational therapy focuses the individual to examine and recognize the efect that the addiction has had on his/her daily activities, occupational functioning and family / social relations.

Occupational therapy focuses on self-care, leisure, productivity, rebuilding roles, balancing responsibilities, communicating efectively. Furthermore, this method supports individuals to sustain recovery by addressing stress and anger management, occupational exploration and setting short / long term goals.

GROUP THERAPY:

This type of support therapy is aimed at creating symptom reduction and recovery in a group setting whereby the therapist guides the discussion without overpowering the discussion so that the participants support one another.

Group therapy provides members with the opportunity to observe issues encountered by others in recovery and learn new methods of problem solving and coping skills in managing daily stressors without resorting to substance abuse. Another focus of group therapy is to empower group members and to develop a sense of self-worth.

Please note: For group therapy, the ability to communicate in Spanish is an asset to gain the full beneft of the group settings. However, this is not a mandatory requirement and does not afect the overall beneft of the program. Furthermore, as part of the program, a translator would be provided throughout the individual’s stay in the program.

OTHER THERAPY

Music, Dance and Art Therapy:

This type of therapy motivates individuals to express emotions that may be difcult or frightening to convey in talking therapy by encouraging them to communicate in a non-verbal, imaginative, and creative exercise. Music, dance and art therapy decrease denial, reduce the sense of shame, lessen anxiety, depression, anger, and stress while at the same time motivate change and provide an outlet for communication.

• Art therapy: includes a range of activities, such as incident drawings, drawing / painting emotions, stress painting, creating an art journal, and creating sculptures. Art therapy may include interpretation and contemplation of the artwork.
• Music and dance therapy: is designed to help facilitate physical, emotional, cognitive, and social change and growth. Through music and dance individuals are encouraged to go beyond simply listening to music and to engage through lyrics and melody. This method includes activities such as songwriting and lyric analyses, drumming and dancing allowing for a reconnection between the body and mind.

Acupuncture and Relaxation Sessions:

These sessions are geared towards helping the individual with withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, mood swings, changes in body temperature, profuse sweating, hot fashes, chills, fatigue, or anxiety.

Physical Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Sessions:

Physical neglect, inactivity, poor diet, and the overall stress of substance addiction on the body contribute to poor health and susceptibility to injuries sustained in accidents related to substance use. Because of this, physical rehabilitation and physiotherapy are an extremely efective addition to addiction treatment programs.

This type of therapy is designed to restore fexibility and mobility, reduce chronic pain, promote physical regeneration, boost energy level and improve overall health. These sessions may include yoga, physical exercise, muscle strengthening exercises, aerobic exercises, breathing exercises and hydrotherapy.

Oral Vitamin Therapy:

Substance abuse leads to vitamin and mineral defciencies that can cause many serious health problems and the breakdown of basic bodily function. Such things as weakened immunity, fatigue, digestive problems, tooth decay, as well as general aches and pains are often experienced by people who are malnourished. Through the use of high doses of vitamins, vitamin therapy addresses damage to the body’s vital systems, reduces withdrawal symptoms and improves mental health.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS:

• • Community activities outside the unit
  • Recreational activities sessions
  • Medication for the control of addiction disorders (only in cases of severe withdrawal and only for limited time)
  • Issuance of Medical Summaries and Recommendations.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• • A complete study of the individual’s’ medical history and medical records needs to be carried out by the CMA prior to determining the most suitable rehabilitation approach
  • Patients are not required to be in-person in Cuba since preliminary evaluation is carried out by way of email correspondence. However, extensive in person assessment, including physical examination, diagnostic and classifcation, laboratory testing and imaging studies, as well as neurological tests, may be necessary to be able to determine the correct treatment approach.
  • The signing of the the attached consent form is mandatory

ESTIMATED COST AND DURATION OF TREATMENT:

Please note that, at this stage, only a preliminary estimate of the fnancial requirements for treatment can be provided. Once more detailed information about the specifc medical condition is gathered, the Cuban Medical Authorities (CMA) – the governmental medical body responsible for international patients – will then be able to provide a precise and accurate estimate.

Patients will be required to remain in Cuba for a 3 months period at the approximate cost of $26, 000 USD – $30, 000 USD depending on the specifcs and

complexity of their condition and refecting the personalized care of their case. If accompanied, the cost adjusts to accommodate the companion.

For additional rehabilitation beyond the 3 months period, treatment cost is $5, 265 USD on a monthly basis.

INCLUDED IN THE COST:

• • The above-listed programs
  • 24/7 nursing staf
  • Rehabilitation specialists’ and doctors’ fees
  • Medication related to treatment
  • Accommodation
  • Three daily meal plans
  • Pick up and drop of from airport
  • Plane to / from the treatment centre
  • Translation service
  • CubaHeal staf members presence throughout your son’s stay in Cuba for any assistance that may be required
  • Two weeks of accommodation and three daily meal plans for a companion. (Please note the companion is ONLY allowed to remain for the frst two weeks)
  • Translation of fnal medical report upon completion of program