HARRY'S 'HARROWING' REHAB LESSON

The head of the drug rehab clinic visited by Prince Harry said the young
royal would have "learnt a lot" from his visit. Featherstone Lodge is run
by Phoenix House Treatment Service For Drug Dependency, a national charity
for drug and alcohol users.

Bill Puddicombe, chief executive of the charity, said: "As we understood,
it was an opportunity for the Prince of Wales to teach Prince Harry about
our work and the consequences of taking drugs.

"He came for a couple of hours on a day in late summer and talked to
several people in recovery - heroin and cocaine addicts mostly.

"They told him what had happened in their lives, which must have been quite
harrowing for him."

Mr Puddicombe said the young prince had been friendly and relaxed, and the
residents had responded well to him.

He added: "I spoke to the prince in November and was pleased to hear that
Harry had enjoyed his visit and learnt a lot.

"We are very proud of the work we do at our rehabilitation centres and
Featherstone Lodge was one of the first of its kind in the country.

"It has helped an enormous amount of people, and we are pleased if the
visit helped Prince Harry too."

The rehab process

The clinic - a converted house set in its own extensive grounds in
south-east London - takes up to 31 clients at any one time.

Residential rehabilitation can be a lengthy process, with lodge stays
usually lasting about six months.

Clients must first go through detoxification and deal with withdrawal symptoms.

They then embark on a staged programme to learn how to be self-reliant and
responsible for themselves without drugs, using both group and one-to-one
therapy, and practical training.

Early work focuses upon building practical life-skills, such as cooking,
cleaning and budgeting, and getting used to a routine.

Clients are encouraged to pursue hobbies and interests, with a wide range
of activities on offer.

Later stages push clients towards independent living, by for instance
giving them responsibilities within the centre, and sending them out on
work placements and college courses.

In the final months service users begin the move back into the community,
via halfway houses, housing schemes and aftercare service.

Phoenix House says its services are open to any drug and alcohol user.
People can either refer themselves, or be referred by a professional.