Mollyn Nakabea 
[Photo: FILE]
The Salvation Army is taking a different approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, allowing participants to return for support no matter how many times they relapse.
Recovery Services Programme member Pastor Petero Yavala says the eight-week programme recognises that relapse can be part of the recovery journey and should not result in
people being turned away.
Although some programmes impose a limit on the number of relapses, Yavala says they want to ensure participants continue receiving support.
“If they come ten times, we’ll accept them. If they come 20 times, we don’t care. All we care about is them getting better from where they are.”
The programme focuses on helping participants understand addiction while addressing underlying issues such as intergenerational trauma, anxiety and depression.
Using the fonofale model, which focuses on holistic well-being, reconnecting participants with their families is an important part of preparing them for life after
rehabilitation.
Yavala adds that their priority is to provide continued support while recognising that recovery does not always happen without setbacks.
