Shalom House: An Inside Look at Australia's Toughest Drug Rehab Centre

Shalom House: A Journey Through the Rehabilitation Process

Veteran journalist and Sunday Times columnist Ben Harvey has gone inside Australia’s toughest drug rehab centre, living for a week with the country’s most desperate addicts. Harvey immersed himself in controversial rehabilitation centre Shalom House, and his profound experience will be broadcast this Sunday night on the Seven Network’s program.

The Challenge Accepted

• Harvey accepted the challenge from Shalom’s founder, Peter Lyndon-James, to live like a resident.
• Each day began before 5 am, filled with hard work, bible readings, and shared stories of hardship.

A Closer Look at Shalom House

Shalom prides itself on being a rehab centre of last resort, addressing those who have exhausted all other options. Lyndon-James, who transformed his life through faith, created the centre to help those with nowhere else to turn, stating, "They come to me when they realize it’s either Shalom House or four other choices — an emergency department, a psychiatric hospital, a prison or a morgue.”

Spotlight on a Heavy Controversy

The centre’s practices have drawn scrutiny, with some accusing it of being cult-like due to its faith-based foundation. However, Lyndon-James maintains that participation is voluntary and healing is genuine.

Don’t miss the full story airing this Sunday at 8.45 pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.