A DAY IN THE LIFE…

of R12, an addictions recovery centre specifically for LGBT people.

Recovering from addiction is difficult enough – but complicated even further by issues around sexuality. That’s why, explains Stu Fenton of R12, an LGBT-specific recovery facility is so important. DNA: R12 is specifically for LGBT clients; what does the facility offer LGBT clients that they wouldn’t get elsewhere?

Stu Fenton: The most important thing is that the therapists at R12 are people in recovery who identify as LGBT. Their experiences of being addicts and their own personal journeys to sobriety make them completely compassionate and empathic to our clients on their own journeys.

Clients can talk about issues ranging from internalised homophobia, HIV, chemsex, coming-out, family rejection, trans-phobia, bi-phobia, sexual behaviour specific to LGBT people, not feeling masculine enough, not feeling feminine enough, stigma and bullying and more. Sometimes a person in a mainstream rehab may get the chance to touch on some of these issues, if they’re lucky, but are not be able to explore them in depth, as they can at R12. How does a day at R12 start?

At 7am, clients can attend an optional yoga session with a glorious view of the Chiang Mai mountains. Some choose to swim or go to the gym early in the morning instead. They then go to a communal buffet breakfast and at 8:30am the first therapeutic group begins, which is a community meeting where all clients get to check-in and identify what they are working on for the day and find ways to support their peers.

What sort of counselling and therapies are on offer?

There are four primary therapists working in R12 currently so there’s quite a depth of backgrounds. Therapies include Gestalt, Chair Work, CBT, DBT, Acceptance And Commitment Therapy, Drama And Movement, Grief And Loss, Yoga, Meditation, Sound Bowl Healing, Art Therapy, Relapse Prevention, Non-violent Communication, EMDR, TRE and Sex Addiction Therapy, plus food and body groups. Are these one-on-one sessions or in groups? All clients receive one-to-one counselling each week with a primary therapist and there are over 25 other groups available including interpersonal style groups, LGBT+ focus groups, chemsex specific groups, 12 step meetings and community cohesion groups. There are groups that focus on self-esteem, boundaries, identity, self-regulation and self-care. Is physical activity encouraged as part of the recovery process?

There is a lot going on in regard to physical activity. Clients receive one personal training session a week and can access the gym up to five times during the week. Clients are encouraged to swim and cycle. Sports such as badminton and water volleyball are available.

The longer you stay away from your addiction the better chance you have to build new neural pathways… that are not sex and drugs.

Is the food terribly healthy?

The restaurant has its own chef who creates very healthy meals. They can accommodate different cultural backgrounds as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets. This doesn’t mean dessert is out of the question! And every now and then pizza or a healthy hamburger is available, but most of the food is created fresh.