RECOVERY HOUSING-TREATING THE INDIVIDUAL SCOTT GEHRING MARK REED LPCC, NCC SOJOURNER RECOVERY SERVICES

Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services(OMHAS)Recovery Housing Defined: Recovery housing is characterized as a safe and healthy living environment that promotes abstinence from alcohol and other drugs and enhances participation and retention in traditional clinical treatment. Residents benefit from peer support and accountability, and gain valuable relapse prevention, case management and employment skills training as they transition to living independently and productively in the community.

The Benefit of Recovery Housing: Peer support and accountability Clients gain valuable relapse prevention Case management-Connection to community resources which may include more permanent housing resources Employment skills training as they transition to living independently and productively in the community A positive, recovery-focused environment

Levels of Recovery Housing: Level I: Recovery Housing is democratically run by residents who live together like a family. Housing is most often provided in single family homes. There are no paid positions to run the housing. There are no formal supports, though residents provide peer support and house meetings. Level II Recovery Housing is monitored by a house manager. Residents share community spaces and may have roommates. Residents are supported in accessing community services. Level III Recovery Housing is supervised by staff. Community providers may offer services onsite for residents. Peer support and recovery action planning are still the central focus of the support. Level IV Residential treatment facilities Staff on site In house services

Foundation To Recovery 4 Keys to success: Hope- Belief that they can overcome their struggles and challenging situation Strengths- What it is that they have to offer in the success of their own recovery Coping Skills- Their learned safety plan to deal with everyday struggles and triggers Resources- The foundation of their safety plan Support System: Family Friends Peer support Employment Professional systems such as AA/NA, Medical Doctors, therapist, etc.…that offer tools to support their recovery.

Four major aspects that support a life in recovery: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Health—overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms—for example, abstaining from use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed medications if one has an addiction problem—and, for everyone in recovery, making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being Home—having a stable and safe place to live; “Recovery Housing” Purpose—conducting meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society Community—having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope

The Sojourner Difference

Cross between Level I and Level II Connection To: Primarily peer run with support of Clinical Director and Case Manager Weekly house meetings Case Management support: Insurance, ID Cards, Birth Certificates, etc… Connection To: Community Mental Health Services Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Services Court Liaison Support Services Work Programs

SOJOURNER RECOVERY SERVICES Recovery Housing MAMA’s Recovery Housing Female adult clients Ages 18 and up with no children living with them Two locations 12 beds total Female adult clients Ages 18 and up for pregnant mothers or those with infants One location; currently four completed apartments

Factors that can interfere with success Lack of support systems Client level of resiliency Lack of financial support Client resistance to treatment services Untreated mental health illness Untreated chronic health issues Client’s individualized needs not being met

Bridge that lies between success and failure Clients misconceptions “I don’t need any more help now that I am sober”. “My mental health has nothing to do with my sobriety”. “I just need Suboxone to stay sober”. “Recovery Housing is all I needed because my environment is why I was using.” Providers inconsistencies Lack of communication

2 Major support teams Peer Recovery Supporter Assist the individual in gaining independence in the community and ownership in their own recovery. Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST) Service provides an array of services delivered by community based, mobile individuals or multidisciplinary teams of professionals and trained others. Services address the individualized mental health needs of the client.

Protocols For Safety Administrative insight We have a Clinical Director who oversees our Recovery Housing as well as a Case Manager Quality standards We have application process, protocols and policy and procedures set in place We also have checks and balances procedures, routine site visits and regular drug screenings The clients have a “morning meeting” each day to discuss how things are going and if there are any concerns as well as a means for peer support. Policy and Procedures Including “House Rules” that the clients must agree to adhere to.

REFERENCES https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/5122-29-17 http://www.ohiorecoveryhousing.org/ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml