Today I would like to talk about an institution that I greatly respect, admire and have worked with for some time. Phoenix Recovery Project (PRP) is an inpatient drug rehabilitation facility in Mon Repos. I would like to discuss this as I know many aren’t aware of the help available for substance abuse within our community. Being an inpatient facility means that the clients live within the facility and work together to become sober and remain abstinent.

Phoenix was founded in 2000 and is registered under the Friendly Society Act. It is the only inpatient facility in Guyana who admits both men and women for long term substance abuse care. PRP was awarded the Silver Medal of Service as they have dedicated over 10 years to good public, government and industry service within our society. Phoenix has 24-hour staff, including live-in house mothers and fathers.

The clients are there for many different types of substances such as alcohol, marijuana, crack- cocaine, prescription drugs and sometimes, a combination of many.
There are also clients present that have mental health issues, especially due to drug use such as marijuana-induced psychosis. For the clients that do show signs of mental illness, PRP has a relationship with Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where the clients will go together during allocated clinic days to get the medication they may require to healthily come off of their chosen substances.

Phoenix has worked with people from all 10 administrative regions of Guyana as well as individuals from Cayenne, Brazil, Suriname and Trinidad. They work with individuals from any ethnic, socio-economic or religious background.

When someone enters Phoenix for recovery, they are entitled to a one week detox. This means they get that time to rest, without having to participate in the activities available (which I will get into). This detox week is important as the abusers need to adjust to a new way of life, one obviously without drugs. Once this detox week is completed, the client begins taking part in all of the daily rituals/ routines.

This starts off at 05:00hrs with devotion, then breakfast and goes on to daily classes which include relapse prevention, occupational therapy, computer training, disease concept, self- help meetings and general educational and experimental workshops. They get exercise by going into the National Park or running on the sea-wall.
The clients are also encouraged to write daily logs about their feelings/emotions, which is known as a huge help during recovery.
The average stint per individual is 6-9 months, six being the minimum amount allowed. It is very difficult to recover from an addiction is less time than that. The cost per month is $60,000GY.

If one cannot afford that, it is important to note that Phoenix also hosts open meetings for the public with substance abuse issues. This means that one does not have to live in PRP to be able to attend. All you need to have is the will to seek help.

The meetings available are:
Alcoholics Anonymous: Tuesday’s 18:00 hrs- 19:30 hrs
Cocaine Anonymous: Thursday’s 18:00 hrs- 19:30 hrs
Narcotics Anonymous: Sunday’s 18:00 hrs – 20:00 hrs

Phoenix Recovery Project has also opened a half- way house a few years ago right there in Mon Repos. Half way houses are where previous substance abusers go after their stint in rehabilitation in order to successfully reintegrate into society. It is located right next door to the rehabilitation centre in Mon Repos. In the half- way house, the clients work, have visitors and go and come as they please (with a curfew!)

The Phoenix Recovery Project has high success rates, which I’ve seen myself as I used to teach classes there. The clients love to be there, are cooperative and supportive of each other. If you have issues with drugs or alcohol, it’s the best place for you to be!
The centre can be contacted on 220-6825 or at email prpsarx@yahoo.com

Thank you to those to write in to caitlinvieira@gmail.com . Please continue to so I could know what you would like to talk about. Also if you would like a private counselling session, please whatsapp +592 623 0433

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!