August 21, 20008
New Zealand’s newest private rehabilitation clinic for addicts opens in Auckland on Monday
New Zealand’s newest private rehabilitation clinic to treat addicts opens in Auckland on Monday Serenity Clinic to cope
with rising addiction.
Serenity Clinic spokesman Murdoch, his only given name, says the treatment facility is opening next week because of a
growing need in New Zealand.
``We haven’t officially opened yet but we are getting strong client inquiries daily and we already have a number of
clients who have booked in via our website: www.serenitynz.com .
``Drug, alcohol and gambling addiction rates are climbing every year. I know what is required to help people and I’m
convinced Serenity will help change people’s lives for the better.’’
The clinic, which will offer scholarships to people financially strapped, would be a great addition to the New Zealand
health service, he said, because there was a significant problem with alcohol and drug addiction.
Experts have backed the new clinic to treat people with drug, alcohol, gambling and eating addictions. Waitakere mayor
Bob Harvey has also endorsed the clinic opening in his district. The clinic is spread over a number of properties in
West Auckland.
Murdoch has suffered drug addiction and believe the government was funding mental health areas and addiction on
outdated models of treatment that had ``appalling’’ rates of success.
``By the time someone seeks treatment for methamphetamine addiction, their life is, by definition, chaotic and out of
control. The calmer, more re-assuring an environment a facility can provide like Serenity the more conducive it is to
repair and recovery.’’
Murdoch said they expected inquiries from Australia because people liked the idea of being away from their home
environment to at least have some confidentiality.
The latest addition to the Serenity staff is Californian Dr Bethany Tucker who is a lead psychiatrist at a treatment
clinic in Hollywood. Dr Tucker said the Serenity Treatment Clinic would offer an evidence-based medical approach for
psychiatric and medical conditions.
``Serenity has a setting that is like nowhere else in the world with caring, empathic, and knowledgeable staff who are
the best in their fields,’’ she said.
ENDS