TBDWBAJ at LÜSA Unna

Project realisation Unna
June – August 2004

LÜSA, Platanenallee 3, 59425 Unna, Germany

LÜSA Unna is located in Germany and is a long-term transition and support programme for drug-dependent people.

General Information -LÜSA Unna

LÜSA is a low-threshold residential facility for chronically drug-dependent individuals with multiple severe disabilities, offering 43 beds in various living arrangements. The facility emphasises creating a "home" environment for residents, with services including substitution treatment, risk reduction, and support for social and health challenges. It operates 24/7 with an interdisciplinary team and provides tailored approaches to self-sufficiency, daily structure, and skill development. Group activities and employment opportunities, such as workshops and gardens, foster community engagement.

LÜSA aims to empower clients through participation, recognising their rights and responsibilities. The project operates under the principle that social behaviour outweighs substance use issues, focusing on individual capabilities and support for reintegration into society.

Fundamental Principles and Rules

The guiding principles of LÜSA emphasise the importance of social behaviour over substance use issues, recognising that:
• Substance use itself is not the core problem; rather, it is risky usage that may endanger oneself or others and lead to a loss of autonomy and control.
• Equal opportunities are crucial, and individual capabilities should be considered rather than enforcing uniform solutions for all residents.
• Clients are expected to actively participate in their recovery process, as individuals dealing with substance dependency have rights and responsibilities similar to any other adults.

Through its comprehensive approach, LÜSA strives to empower residents, enabling them to lead responsible, drug-free lives after their stay. The project's commitment to fostering self-determination and supporting personal growth underscores its role as a vital resource in the community.

Karin Pausch

Karin Pausch’s biography was reconstructed after her death using her files and documents and in close collaboration with social workers and end-of-life caregivers from LÜSA e.V. (Long Term Transition and Support Program, Unna). A former housemate of Karin’s at LÜSA e.V. read her biography for the recording.