The HOPE METHOD How and Why it Works Gabrielle Harris Hope Rehab Thailand was founded in 2013 by Simon Mott and Alon Kumsawad. The Hope method is the result of many years working in the field of addiction, and it has been influenced by different approaches and treatment experts. Hope have brought together the most effective and accessible psychological tools available for treating addiction and related issues. The general approach is based on the current addiction science of ‘American Society of Addiction Medicine’ (ASAM) and uses the ‘National Institute on Drug Abuse’ (NIDA) treatment guidelines. Hope’s counselling and group therapy model includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, 12 Step techniques, and positive psychology. The program does not just address substance-use issues, it also addresses many of the struggles associated with the human condition. It is often the case that clients self-medicate underlying struggles such as stress, depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma, so these issues need to be addressed. The Hope method is designed to improve general mental health and enhance all areas of life. Simon Mott says he prefers not to use the term Luxury rehab to describe Hope, however he states “we are definitely a 5 star treatment program, which is a different kind of luxury” – all the experts agree that counselling and group work are the most important considerations when selecting a rehab program, so this is where Hope directs its emphasis. Hope Rehab is a modern and innovative facility with an international team offering a holistic and eclectic program. The focus is on evidence-based treatment methods from both eastern and western models, including mindfulness-meditation. An important aspect of the Hope method is encouraging clients to create a healthy structure for their lives that they can continue with once they return home. Many clients have lived a life where self-control was lacking, so it will be important for them to develop discipline and more skillful patterns of behaviour. This is why Hope has a strong emphasis on early morning fitness activities, our motto is “get up before your addiction does”. Substance abuse, depression, and anxiety create chaos and unhappiness in many people’s lives and it also impacts their loved ones. This program addresses all the key issues clients are facing, and it will give them the best chance at a sustained recovery. It is a voyage of self-discovery, healing and growth. Simon Mott has dealt with addiction from both sides of the fence. When he eventually got the right help, he was able to break free from his own addiction, and he now helps others do the same with this program. Hope Rehab Service is fully licensed by the Thai Ministry of Health, as well as an affiliate member of FDAP (Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners; UK) and NAADAC (Association of Addiction Professionals; US) and accredited by APCB (Asia Pacific Certification Board) and our therapeutic team are FDAP registered practitioners. (i) The HOPE METHOD How and Why it Works Gabrielle Harris Preface & A Word for Families of Addicts by the author Gabrielle Harris Foreword by Simon Mott, founder of Hope Rehab Thailand PART 1: About the Work and Mission of Hope Rehab Thailand 1. Brief Overview of the Hope Approach .................................................................................................... 1 2. The Site, Accommodations, Thailand, and the Hope Foundation .......................................................... 2 3. Hope’s Ethical Guidelines and Qualifications......................................................................................... 5 4. Getting Accepted at Hope Rehab Thailand ............................................................................................ 5 5. The Hope Staff and the Hope Management System ............................................................................. 8 6. The Continuous Learning Environment at Hope .................................................................................... 8 7. The Greatest Challenges for the Staff at Hope ....................................................................................12 8. Brief Notes on the Hope Staff ..............................................................................................................12 9. On Alcohol, Drugs and Rehabs – Yesterday and Today ......................................................................14 10. Story of Hope Founder, Simon Mott .....................................................................................................16 11. How Should We Understand Addiction? Part 1....................................................................................19 12. How Should We Understand Addiction? Part 2 ...................................................................................21 13. Hope’s Paired Core Therapies: CBT Using a 12 Step Approach .........................................................23 14. 12 Step: Group Meetings and the Structuring of the Program Through Essential Step Work .............30 15. What Does “Treatment” Look Like in the Hope Program? ...................................................................37 16. Hope’s Treatment-by-Learning, in Multiple Ways ................................................................................40 17. Positive Psychology and the Reboot of the Spiritual Life .....................................................................48 PART 2: From Treatment into Recovery and Post-Rehab Aftercare 18. Face-to-face with Denial of Addiction: Tell me again, why you are in treatment? ................................51 19. Accountability and the Danger of Slipping into Autopilot Mode ............................................................59 20. The ABC Analytical Tool for “Becoming Your Own Counsellor”............................................................61 21. What Does it Mean to be in Recovery? ...............................................................................................62 22. Relapse Prevention ..............................................................................................................................63 23. Hope’s Aftercare for Clients .................................................................................................................64 PART 3: Stories from the Frontlines of Addiction and Recovery B’s Story– in his own words ........................................................................................................................67 An Interview with B .....................................................................................................................................69 K’s Story .....................................................................................................................................................71 An Interview with K .....................................................................................................................................72 The Story of Parice – in her own words – on Starting to Find Me Again – from 2015 ................................73 Doug’s Story ...............................................................................................................................................74 The Story of G ............................................................................................................................................75 An Interview with G, about her experience at Hope Rehab Thailand .........................................................77 The Brief Story of F the night before he left Hope ......................................................................................78 The Story of S – in her own words .............................................................................................................79 The Story of T .............................................................................................................................................82 The Story of J .............................................................................................................................................83 The Story of M ............................................................................................................................................84 Natalie’s Story ............................................................................................................................................86 Foreword Firstly, thank you for the taking the time to read this book. I hope you get from it whatever it is you are looking for. If you are considering treatment for yourself or a loved one, for example, it may provide insights into why the Hope Rehab program is worth considering. As the founder of Hope Rehab, I am grateful and proud of this piece of work. It describes what we have to offer while also delving into the more general issues of addiction recovery and treatment. The contributors to this book have made a commendable attempt at capturing our beautiful surroundings in words. I always say that Sriracha is the forgotten jewel in the crown of Thailand – it is an authentically spiritual place – and I hope that you get a sense of this by the time you finish reading. The main reason we decided to write a comprehensive book is to help increase understanding about how rehab works while also sharing our views on how best to treat addiction. I sincerely hope that anyone who seeks help for themselves, or indeed a loved one, will get