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The vision

INTRODUCTION

This is the vision of a lay person with a dream. Any advice or involvement will be appreciated.

It seems to me as if the opportunities presented by the Internet may be linked to the countering of alcoholism. The internet may have the following advantages/opportunities.

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The Internet provides for the privacy of the client during consultation. This principle has been proved in tele-psychiatry.

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If the service to the alcoholic/his family is limited to information only, internet services may be very cost-effective.

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The Internet will soon be the default source of information, even in disadvantaged communities.

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If a more active approach is followed, e.g. providing interactivity by reacting to requests via e-mail, a high quality product can be delivered because distance between the client and the advisor is irrelevant.

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On the longer term the support requirements will probably diminish as self-help software can be developed or for the interim, previous questions and answers may be made accessible.

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The many role players involved in countering alcoholism can have an integrated electronic interface to their clients.

POSSIBLE APPROACH

  The final service consists of three components:

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A web site .

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Specialists providing information for the web site.

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Physical support structures like current clinics and support groups.

An eventual organisation with the following attributes may be involved.

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A chairperson of an Art 21 company or Trust in order to manage donations.

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The webmaster, responsible for designing and arranging for the hosting of the site.

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Specialists providing information for the web site.

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Support groups operating electronically and physically where possible.

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References to current physical facilities. 

Development of the service can be done in phases to test the concept and minimise risk.

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Phase One: Start-Up

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Establishment of the website by Andries van Wyk, acting as webmaster. Information provided is based on the specialist knowledge and experience of Peet Duvenage. He is providing the expertise from helping alcoholics for more than fourty years. He served for more than fifteen years as a National Chairman of the South African National Council for Alcoholism. He is now retired.

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Marketing and usage of this site by possible role players like Aurora and the government.

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The web site will primarily provide information and hopefully e-mail reaction to requests later on.

Phase Two: Enhanced Support

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As many role players as possible react to electronic requests. This is done by having a rotation/duty system where current specialists provide their knowledge via e-mail on a voluntary basis.

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 A physical national network with a presence in as many towns as possible is established. This network may initially simply consist of a support group/person/group of alcoholics. Their functioning may be supported by courses/knowledge from the web-site.

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No expansion in funding is foreseen. Should donations be forthcoming it is done to the Gereformeerde Kerk Rietvallei.  Peet Duvenage and other role players may be remunerated for their time invested.

Phase Three: Full Steam

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A legal entity is established.

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The vision is a full time but small organisation maintaining  a 24 hours e-service to the client.

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Depending on the number of hits on the site and clients it can be considered to develop the site into an international product.

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Funding is obtained by negotiating with liquor companies, advertising relevant medicines or international donors. A yearly budget of less than R200 000 should suffice.

 

Last update: April 18, 2007

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Back to index.    Disclaimer: Although reasonable effort has been applied to maintain the integrity of the data and advice on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for the use thereof. It is a resource guide for understanding and managing alcoholism. The information on this site is provided "as is" for general information and is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis or treatment recommendation of a qualified health care professional.    Enquiries regarding this web site should be directed to support@alcohol.co.za