Workshops

The population of Norway is 4.5 million; approximately the half of Greater London. Oslo has around 500.000. Our project aspires to meet the needs of people with drug abuse and severe mental illness. We have been given 5 years of work – of which we now are just through the half. All clients have an offer of 2 years contact. Traditionally, the treatment of drug addicts and psychiatric patients in our country has been two very different cups of tea. This means that the clients with dual diagnosis are often met with different strategies of treatment and left with a feeling of falling between chairs. We are funded through the official psychiatric health system – and much of the work consists of making this existing system work better for the individual client. When we have decided to stay with a client – we have considerably close contact – meet them often many times a week – assist in contact with offices/clinics, anti-psychotic medication, maintenance, better housing, leisure activities, social skills training etc. If possible – we also cooperate with parents, family, network around the client. We are three psych. nurses, two social workers. Three psychologists and one psychiatrist. Each of us have a small caseload (6–8 clients) – the project concept is of course that we need to prove that this kind of approach can give results. Another reason for the small caseload is of course that a close follow-up like we do – must be limited in numbers. Initially, our Project is based on the works and findings of Drake and Mueser – and the work they did in New Hampshire. Much is taken from this model, ex. the 2 year contact period for each individual.