People with a serious mental illness and problematic substance use
are too often excluded from meeting the basic human need for a safe,
therapeutic living environment. The opportunity to access to
residential treatment opportunities is essential.
In May 1995 a house was opened for people with a serious mental
illness and problematic substance use. It was referred to as a
"damp" house rather than as "wet" or
"dry". In other words, alcohol and other drugs are generally
excluded from the house, but individuals are not evicted due to the
use of alcohol or other drugs.The original idea for Damp Houses comes
from New Hampshire USA (Dr. Tom Fox and Lindy Fox)
The project is intented as a treatment model that challenge
traditional approaches. It has been successful in improving access to
services; generating new ways of thinking about and responding to
problems resulting from mental illness and substance use; and reducing
the problem of consumers being lost between services.
Early evaluation has shown that people with multiple problems
associated with mental illness and substance use are more accessible
to change if their immediate needs for accommodation, support, health
care, financial assistance or social relationships are met. In the
Cumberland Avenue House model, the residents report greater
independence and control over their situation, improvements in their
quality of life and improved relationships with significant people.
Reduced use of hospital and other services, better health and social
adjustment have been demonstrated as a result of the project.
The model maintains a focus on treatment strategies and places a
greater emphasis on helping people to manage their lives in the
community. The project team believes that mental health and substance
use services in Australia which embrace this model will help improve
the quality of life for this neglected group of people.
