When Cenikor clients complete their treatment, they are clean and sober and have the tools and resources to maintain their sobriety for the rest of their lives. Each new day begins with choosing recovery.
In both short-term (14 to 40 days) and long-term (18 to 24 months) programs, Cenikor clients begin to understand their behaviors and lifestyle choices. They learn that addiction is a chronic disease, one that never ends and needs daily attention.
“When they leave our programs, they have a 12-step or spiritual foundation to help them face day-to-day challenges,” said Jerry G. Hall, LCSW, LCDC, Senior Vice-President.
Long-term care
Long-term treatment’s cognitive approach addresses distorted thinking, attitudes and behavior. The view of right living is a central tenant: honesty, responsibility, integrity, loyalty, work ethic, doing the right thing and more. The program’s longer length-of-stay allows each person the time to examine old behaviors, then establish and stabilize new ones for a positive outcome.
Before the re-entry phase, about 15 months into the program, treatment shifts to preventive work. Jerry describes it as “working toward recovery, rather than running from it.” In addition to developing financial and career plans, clients work on relapse prevention. They examine problematic triggers and develop plans to avoid pitfalls.
“If 5 p.m. on Friday afternoon signifies time to go drinking with friends, you might plan a get-together with AA friends and a Saturday morning volunteer project,” said Jerry. “Triggers and solutions are different for everyone.”
Now it’s time to go into the community, find a job, manage daily activities and deal with negative influences. Cenikor’s Vocational Services and alumni help with the transition to employment, financial stability and a positive living environment.
This foundation is essential to success. Janet (testimonial on page 2), who completed the program in 2001, always thought she’d return home to Memphis after Cenikor, but she decided the better choice was to stay in Fort Worth. She has a great job and relies on a big and healthy support system in her recovery community.
Short-term care
In an abbreviated length-of-stay, Cenikor’s short-term program prepares clients for the life that is waiting for them. “We don’t just address substance abuse, we work with the whole person,” Eric Jeter, Senior Manager in Waco, explained. “Our program is not about stopping using. It’s about meeting life on life’s terms. The same problems will be waiting when they walk out our doors. Clients must be prepared for them.”
Preparation starts on day one. Working together, counselor and client develop an individual treatment plan, a living document that includes measurable goals and objectives. Each week, clients attend 10 hours of individual and group counseling; 10 hours of classes: life skills, anger management, relapse prevention and others; and 10 hours of alternative activities—recreation and community events that remind clients it’s possible to enjoy life without alcohol or drugs. Sundays are given over to family visitation. Family groups explore what it looks like to support—not enable—someone in recovery.
Clients are introduced to 12-step recovery and are referred to outpatient aftercare, case management, community resources and mental health support.
When they complete the program, clients who are looking for a job or working with a case manager might opt for Cenikor’s Supportive Residential program. Others choose Cenikor’s Sober Living, a peer-accountability environment.
Eric explained, “When clients leave our program, they have the skills and support to place a priority on recovery. They must understand recovery is a journey, not a destination.”
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