Q&A with Janet Thompson, Chairperson of The Retreat NZ

We talk to Janet Thompson, the chairperson of The Retreat NZ, a non-profit alcohol and drug rehab centre in Auckland that offers a successful 12-Step residential programme that has some of the best recovery rates in NZ. We discuss their programme and the stigma around alcohol and addiction.

Tell us about The Retreat NZ? What type of facility is it?

The Retreat NZ is an alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility that offers two main programmes:

• 30-day residential rehabilitation programme based on the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
• 12-week evening programme, held one evening each week.

We are not a ‘flash’ rehab, we offer comfortable, clean and safe facilities, with amazing meals, your own room and a programme that really works. We want people to find the freedom, dignity and joy that comes with long-term recovery.

What motivated you to take on this role?

I am passionate about helping those who are still sick and suffering. It is a real privilege to walk alongside someone who is struggling and see the change taking place. One of my roles is also to advocate — I know that we have a programme that works and it frustrates me that our proven programme which has helped millions of people globally over the last 80 years does not meet the criteria for government funding in New Zealand. I really struggle with the fact that funding continues to be prioritised to non-community based models. I love that we are a charity and I resonate with our vision which is that recovery will be available for all New Zealanders who want help and the stigma of alcoholism will be overcome.

What is your opinion on the stigma surrounding seeking rehabilitation?

Typical stereotypes of people with alcohol dependence are that they are unreliable, emotionally unstable, financially dependent on others, self-pitying, and incapable of changing their behaviour. Because of these stereotypes, people are ashamed of their drinking and believe that coming forward will only open themselves up to criticism. Instead of getting into a programme that can help them, they choose to continue their struggle alone. They will likely never get sober and the problems they are experiencing will get significantly worse.

One way to help combat the stigma around alcoholism is to openly talk about the issues surrounding alcohol. But we need to be careful how we do that. The language we use is important. Stigma can, and often should, be challenged. If we speak about more personal stories of people who are leading highly successful and fulfilling lives in recovery, this will lead to more empathy and less discrimination. In turn, this will help everyone, family, friends, employers, colleagues, neighbours in supporting those who may be struggling with alcohol problems.

What makes The Retreat NZ stand out from other rehabilitation centres?

One of our main advantages is that all our staff are in recovery themselves. The connection that you can get when talking to someone who has walked the same or similar journey cannot be understated or underestimated. We also have volunteers coming in to share their own experience, strength and hope. In any one day, if you add the years together of those who work or volunteer here, a guest can be surrounded by over 300 years of solid recovery. That wisdom is like gold and it’s something that you cannot get from a textbook.

How do you know when to seek help?

Ask yourself, “Is alcohol causing a problem in my life?” If the answer is “yes”, then it is time to seek help. You may not need residential rehabilitation but you may need help. If alcohol is causing a problem in your life, then reach out for help. It may be the best thing that you do all year, not only for yourself, but for those around you. Usually we can take in a new guest at short notice and it’s a relatively easy process.

Some signs you may have a problem with alcohol:

• Once you have one drink, you can’t stop or you have no control
• When you are not drinking, you are thinking about when you are going to have the next drink. You increasingly organise your life so that you can drink
• You are increasingly irritated, restless and discontent with your life, even though externally, you may seem like you are living a successful life.
• Alcoholism does not discriminate – just because you are successful in your career or in society does not mean that you cannot be an alcoholic.

Anything else you would like to add?

If you have a friend, workmate or family member who is having problems with alcohol, please remember that they have not turned into a ‘bad’ person, they are a sick person and they need the same help you would give them if they were suffering from a different disease. Alcoholism is a disease (as recognised by the World Health Organisation, the American Medical Association and The British Medical Association). It is important to remember:

• You can’t wish it away
• You have to deal with it – many people deny that it is a problem, even when it is blatantly obvious that it is. Your whole reality is distorted
• By not dealing with it, it does not go away or get better. Alcoholism is a progressive disease.
• You think that there is no way out, and that there is no other way of living – you become resigned to living a life that is unmanageable, but we can show you that you can live a happy successful life by working a programme of recovery.

If you or someone you know needs help, give us a call on 0800 608 007 or look us up on theretreatnz.org.nz