For Sam, CHaSM Filled the Gap

Adelaide PHN commissions a wide range of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) treatment services and activities across the metropolitan region. Our work in the AOD sector is underpinned by extensive consultation and population mapping. Many of the services and activities we commission within the AOD area focus on providing treatment for AOD including methamphetamine, cannabis, heroin. These services support both brief and more intensive treatment interventions, counselling, structured group education programs, and health promotion activities.

Adelaide PHN-funded services are targeted at delivering treatment and services to priority populations and groups who are at greater disadvantage (than the general population) when seeking access to support. One of those priority population groups are people in contact with the criminal justice system.

The following is an example of how participating in a treatment program and reconnecting with their children had the power to change a person.

Thirty-two-year-old Sam*, an Aboriginal man has been in and out of prison since he was a juvenile, and for over 15 years, used methamphetamine and heroin daily, often using more than 30 points per day.

His three children were on an 18-month order with the Department for Child Protection when he was incarcerated. Sam wanted to reconnect with his children. To do that, he needed to complete his Good Behaviour Bond due to his aggressive and violent behaviour and drug use. It was during this time that he came across the Counselling Health and Substance Management (CHaSM) program.

CHaSM is funded by the Commonwealth Government through Adelaide PHN. It provides free and confidential person-centred approaches to adults at risk or those that are currently involved in the criminal justice system to manage drug and alcohol use.

Sam self-referred to the CHaSM program implemented by OARS Community Transitions and commissioned by Adelaide PHN. He knew about OARS as he had completed the OARS Pre-Release program in prison.

Initially, Sam was reluctant, and he doubted his self-referral. He attended the appointments sporadically. However, after building rapport with the counsellor, he prioritised and attended all appointments to recover from substance use.

He was also referred to numerous culturally appropriate parenting programs and domestic and family violence programs. The Department of Child Protection mandated some of the programs, but for others, Sam enrolled voluntarily.

Through counselling, Sam built confidence, increased his selfesteem, and worked on his communication skills. He was eager to find employment and be financially stable for himself and his children. CHaSM helped a determined Sam to build his resumé, apply and prepare for job interviews.

“I just want to break the cycle. I don’t want to be that dad who is using drugs and beats up the kids mum. I want to be a good role model for my kids and show them they can be proud of me,” Sam said.

Sam’s efforts have paid off. He has managed to remain abstinent for the last six months. He secured a job as a forklift driver in a warehouse. His manager acknowledged the amount of extra work that he had taken on, and Sam was promoted to a managerial position. The role is responsible for three teams and oversees 30 plus staff.

It also had a perk – a work vehicle that Sam was allowed to use for both work and personal use. This supported him to attend all his mandatory drug tests at the Department for Correctional Services. As Sam looks back, he’s come a long way.

“Had I not reached out to OARS and self-referred to the program (CHaSM), I would have lost hope of reuniting with my children. Life would have looked very different,” Sam said.

Things did turn out different, but, better, for Sam. His efforts eventually helped him to accomplish his prized goal – that had been his most important motivation to change himself: he regained custody of his three children.

“I’m pretty chuffed with myself,” Sam said gleefully, but added, “there is a great need for alcohol and drug programs in the community.”

Learn more about our work in AOD space by visiting the Adelaide PHN website.

*denotes a deidentified name