Group therapy consists of a process during which the small group members establish a trusting relationship with one another, and build upon this trust the bility to interact in constructive ways, which lead to open discussion of addictive proces issues. Further change is consolidated as the members of the group begin to assist, and later caringly confront each other when needed. These new interactions focus on the "here and now" and emphasize the development of new coping and communication skills. In addition, each resident receives 6 written assignments to be presented to their small group.
A series of open discussion didactic sessions designed to integrate in the addict's psyche the spiritual background and meaning of each one of the twelve steps, as it impinges in his or her recovery. These sessions also attempt to look at the historical and scriptural roots of the Twelve Steps.
The nuts and bolts of the twelve steps. A series of guided experiential sessions during which each resident can identify his or her own understanding of how the different steps apply to his or her past life of addiction and present life in recovery.
Network Therapy is a relatively recent development in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse initially described by Marc Galanter MD, addiction psychiatrist and director of the New York University/Bellevue Substance Abuse Division, and former president of ASAM. It emphasizes the utilization of multiple support persons (the patient's sponser, a family member, a spiritual advisor or pastor, a therapist and other trusted people) who form the "network". These individuals work together with the addiction therapist with the common goal of supporting the recovery. At BARN, residents receive a series of Didactic Sessions destined to teach them how to establish an effective Network. Thereafter, each resident is expected to establish his or her home networks prior to the completion of the treatment. BARN staff will work together with each resident to facilitate the development of his or her Recovery Network.
A series of interactive sessions designed to present the residents with the traps, set-ups, pitfalls, and triggers of addiction. Focused on the individual development of an understanding in each resident of his or her core issues, trigger mechanisms, prevention of trigger exposure, avoidance of trigger set up and trigger management tools. Helps the addict identify and understand his or her self-defeating behaviors and character flaws, and becomes an avenue for awareness and change. Each resident must formulate a specific relapse prevention plan, adapted to his or her specific addiction, trigger mechanisms and core issues.
For those who are familiar with addiction and recovery, it is clear that the fourth step is a pivotal point to keep the addict in recovery. Yet, it is surprising how few programs invest the time needed to help their residents complete this vital step. The workshop at BARN is designed to provide residents with a clear understanding of the fourth step process.
Family Program.
This portion of the treatment is made of several components:
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A series of lectures, designed to help the addict and the family understand the complex interactions that result in the family disease of Addiction.
- A support group meeting of the residents' families, designed to help families break their isolation.
- A meeting between family members and a resident other than their loved one, to facilitate viewing the addict objectively, as an individual with an illness.
- Observation of small groups by the families, to facilitate understanding of their loved one's process of change.
- A period of visitation, which sometimes can be used for a 9th step.
Reintegration Phase.
All good things must
come to an end. After the sixty-day residential treatment component, each
resident returns home for a three-week trial period of their individual
Recovery Network. This is because it is well established that most addicts
who relapse do so within the first ninety days of transition home from
treatment, due to failure to implement their program. Thus, during these
three weeks, the resident is given the opportunity to implement his or
her discharge plan, knowing that he or she will be accountable for this
"homework" prior to finishing treatment.
After three weeks, residents return to "the BARN" for a fianl week of therapy. During this final week, the residents analyze the effectiveness of their network, correct trouble spots, receive support and encouragement for their successes and mirror and mentor newcomers. Only after this fianl week has been completed, a resident is considered a Graduate from "the BARN"!!!