The White Oaks Centre was opened in 2001 for people suffering from addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling.  Working from a welcoming and non-judgmental value base, clients are treated in the context of their families bringing together several tried and tested treatment approaches.

Ideally situated in the hinterland between Derry and Donegal, White Oaks provides a peaceful therapeutic environment where addicts and their families may safely confront the impact addiction is having on their lives, and find a spiritual way to develop the skills within themselves to turn their lives around.

Programme Content

1. 30 residential programme based on the Minnesota Model promoting the philosophy and values of the Twelve Steps of Acoholics Anonymous as a spiritual response to addiction.
2. Group therapy daily and individual counseling at least once a week.
3. Morning and evening meditation and reflection with some services conducted by members of the shared ecumenical chaplaincy
4. Daily tasks on how to apply the Twelve Steps to everyday life and also talks on treatment related topics ie denial, anger, self awareness etc
5. Family participation one full day every week – this enables the client to obtain a clear picture of how their behaviour is impacting on their family members as well as providing support and information to those who attend.
6. Therapeutic duties – clients are expected to assist with some of the house keeping tasks as part of their treatment.  This is aimed at promoting the ideas of helping others, working as a team and re-igniting the work ethic for those who may not have worked for a long time.
7. Recreation – the programme also includes recreation therapy as a coping with stress allowing the clients to obtain a sense of well being which will aid their recovery.