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Services in More Detail Residential Recovery Program for Men
Future Women's Residential Program
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Residential Recovery Program for Men Focusing on the predominant cause of homelessness in our community, we have developed a comprehensive residential recovery program for 47 homeless men. This is the largest such program in the north metro area, with an array of services unparalleled in the entire state. All of our counselors are either licensed or certified, depending on their area of expertise. With the help of government funding agencies and broad support from the community we have developed a holistic approach to recovery consistent with ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) Level 3.1 modality of treatment. The program includes: Addiction Counseling Each resident is under the care of a Certified Addiction Counselor, or a counselor with higher addiction counseling credentials. Residents participate in a minimum of three hours of group counseling each week that involves education, motivation, group process and didactic counseling. The level of individual addiction counseling is dependant on the needs each resident, with every resident receiving a minimum of an hour of individual addiction counseling per week. Family Counseling Acknowledging that addiction is oftentimes a family problem, treatment is greatly enhanced when the entire family is included in the process, leading to a greater chance of long-term sobriety and overall success. At The Extension, we include the residents' families and loved ones to ensure a greater recovery success rate. This includes education about addiction, rebuilding trust, various facets of family dynamics and a myriad of other issues. Recovery 101 During the first week a resident is in the program, he remains on campus the entire week. This first week lays the foundation for his successful completion of the program and for his life-long recovery. The residents meet with various staff members in group and private sessions. Highlights of this first week include learning about the disease concept of addiction, receiving a basic introduction to the 12-steps of recovery, working with an addiction counselor using their program book (a recovery curriculum developed by The Extension), receiving a complete bio-psycho-social evaluation, as well as completing all of their intake paperwork and learning about the standards and expectations involving both themselves and the program. Case Management An integral part of our efforts to help habilitate our residents is a broad reaching case management program that provides a critical framework for other services and tracks residents upon their successful completion of the program. Our Case Managers work to empower each resident to achieve their full potential by helping them overcome barriers to their independence and help coordinate services from other service providers. Health Services Each resident meets privately with our volunteer Medical Director, Dr. Karl Steinichen, during the first week of their residency. Dr. Steinichen reviews a self-reported medical history and charts vital signs. Residents are also encouraged to discuss any health concerns or questions they have that might signify a need for a more extensive examination. Referrals are made to area health care providers who have agreed to make their services available at low or no cost. Mental Health Services Indicators for a mental health assessment are noted during the bio-psycho-social evaluation. Those residents showing an indication of possible need are referred to a psychiatrist who has a special empathy and expertise in successfully treating addicted individuals. In addition, any resident with a history of methamphetamine use is referred to the psychiatrist because of the near 100% incidence of post acute withdrawal symptoms involving depression. Conflict Resolution People in active addiction, and many times in early recovery, have a difficult time expressing anger in appropriate ways. In fact, the very act of abusing alcohol or drugs is frequently a knee-jerk reaction to angry feelings. As part of our solution-focused approach, residents gain the skills to successfully manage their anger and constructively express feelings that previously predicated negative behavior. GED Preparation Every resident is assessed for their educational needs. Residents who do not have a high school diploma or GED are mandated to be screened by an adult education specialist. We work with the Cobb Literacy Council to provide that screening, as well as twice weekly GED preparation classes. After completing the required classes and necessary practice tests, residents are shepherded through the GED testing process. Life Skills Program Each resident completes a seven week Life Skills Program during Phase One as part of the requirement to enter Phase Two of the Residential Recovery Program. Phase Two features a 20 week program, extended up to four weeks by special guest instructors or topics of interest. Topics covered in Phase One are: Positive Parenting and Child Development, Toxic Relationships, Basic Money Management, Physical Awareness, Self Esteem, Sexual Addiction, and Dress for Success. In Phase Two multiple weeks are used to cover Assertion, Communication, Coping Skills, Money Management, Time Management and Maintaining Employment. The Life Skills Program is group based, with individual instruction as necessary. For specific questions about our programs, please contact: John (J.J.) Bremner, CAC II, CCS |