Konefal AM, Pulawska-Popielarz KP; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. D10426.
Warsaw Goodwill Society, Warsaw, Poland
The reality of life in Poland shows that there are not any proposals for the continuation of the therapeutic treatment for HIV/AIDS drug addicts in a poor health condition but not in a terminal stage yet. The treatment centers or rehabilitation centers for drug addicts do not want to or due to some reasons are not able to enroll these kind of patients into a treatment programme. This paper will describe the integrative model of therapeutic community in Kazun Youth Rehabilitation Center. It was established in the process of joining therapeutic activities towards two different kinds of patients treated earlier in two independent programmes: HIV/AIDS patients in a poor health condition and the young patients, a new wave of drug users. The experience of helping and supporting the physically weaker patients has a therapheutic effect,modifies future relations with parents and generally people in need. It also alternates the attitudes towards their own limits and incapabilities. On the other hand, energy, curiosity and enthusiasm of the younger are inspiration for the older. Working, taking a rest together, cooperating with each other, sharing inspirations and searching for alternatives for drugs together have positive therapeutic effect which works especially in critical situations, in the moments of psychological doubts and in a period of somatic problems among HIV infected pe ople. Our experience shows us a very interesting phenomenon. The results of integration of these two kinds of clients are visible in an increase in the general health condition of the HIV positive patients,in a will to fight against addiction and to fight for their lives. The integration programme gives the HOPE that works much better than antiretroviral medicaments.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- AIDS Vaccines
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Poland
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Therapeutic Community
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102277757
From Meeting Abstracts