All addiction treatment programmes assume that the process of healing alcoholics and their families is a process of learning and – often as not – of developing fundamental psychosocial skills. Teetotaller organisations and AA clubs focus on post-addiction recovery and promoting alcohol-free lifestyles. Social and occupational activation programmes focus on the return of addicts to the labour market – whereas many male therapy patients find it hugely difficult to pursue their household roles of husbands and fathers.
The purpose of the project was to prevent the exclusion of male addiction therapy patients by providing them with psychosocial skills and support in regaining family credibility and social position.
Twenty-six fathers – addiction therapy patients – were provided with practical knowledge and psychosocial skills in areas of assertive communication, emotional (anger) control, and functional families (3 participants attended introductory meetings only). Forty-five children reclaimed bonds with their fathers.
Each of the 2 father groups (including one of inmates at the Warsaw-Mokotów Remand Centre) attended 14 psycho-educational workshops (6 hours each). Furthermore, individual psychological assistance was provided (105.5 hours of consultation for 18 individuals). Therapy programme participants were also offered such volunteer-based assistance. As part of a responsibility and credibility training exercise, father worked individually and/or in groups to design and deliver 16 mini-projects making them “active dads” in the eyes of their children, partners, and local communities. Three family events were organised at the Remand Centre. One similar event (with an additional educational workshop for fathers and their partners) was held for the non-inmate group. Each family event was attended by approximately 50 persons.
Project beneficiaries included 26 men and their families: 48 children, 20 partners, 8 parents, and 4 siblings.