THE NHI ReCOVERY PROGRAM
What Does Recovery Mean?
Upon completion of detox, inpatient rehabilitation, incarceration, hospitalization, a life-changing “moment” etc.; individuals gradually transition into a “life of recovery.” That phrase is thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean?
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• It is a physical, psychological, and spiritual process of ongoing change that involves healing and redefining of self.
• Although it is self-directed, recovery is strengthened and empowered by relationships and transcends shame and addiction stigma.
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We understand that a life of recovery is about more than just abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Recovery is a new reality.
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SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) defines a working idea of addiction recovery as one that incorporates these five key elements:
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1. Continuous growth and change – Addiction recovery is a process that requires continuous personal growth. Individuals in recovery are constantly working to improve their attitudes about life, whether by attending 12 – step meetings, enrolling in a sober living program or being actively involved in some other recovery support group or activity.
2. Abstinence from drugs and alcohol – Of course, sobriety is still a key aspect of addiction recovery and should be consistently maintained on a long-term basis.
3. Improved health – With sobriety come physical healing. Many addicts in recovery find that they have more energy, fewer mood swings, sleep better, and enjoy better health in general.
4. Improved wellness – Life in recovery encourages overall wellness. This includes emotional, physical, spiritual, social, intellectual, occupational, and environmental wellness.
5. Improved quality of life – With the above factors in mind, an individual in recovery should experience an overall improved quality of life.
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NHI strives to create an environment that is conducive to substance abuse recovery
in all that we do.
Housing Policy & Rules
NHI requires clients of the Sober Living Services program to abide by policies and rules set in place for both the overall effectiveness of group living as well as creating structure and guidelines that bring forth focus on developing life skills necessary for success beyond your sober living experience.
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Upon acceptance and intake into NHI Sober Living Services program, each client will be assigned a bed with limited storage space. All belongings will be inspected for safety, cleanliness, compliance with medication policies, illegal substances, and paraphernalia. All clothing items must be placed in the dryer for thirty minutes to minimize the ability to bring bed bugs into the houses. Additionally, NHI staff, House Manager, and/or senior client will show you around and perform introductions. Next, NHI staff will review all required intake documentation with you. Finally, NHI staff or House Manager will screen for drugs and alcohol.
THRIVING IN THE STORM
Noah's House Inc.'s mission is to provide multiple pathways to substance abuse recovery. We believe Recovery is possible.
Blackout Phase
The initial intake application requires the client to become familiar with the 30-day Black-Out Phase. It is the client’s responsibility to know and comply with the black-out phase. If you do not agree with the black-out phase and/or its requirements you will not be allowed to finish the intake application process.
During the Black-Out Phase your privileges are limited to those activities that establish basic behavior patterns and daily routines. You may attend recovery focused meetings such as IOP/OP appointments, medical appointments, recovery support groups and employment opportunities. Meetings or social engagements that are not specific to recovery are not permitted. You may not leave the premises unsupervised or without permission. Exceptions can be made with permission from NHI staff or House Manager only.
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To be removed from the Black-Out Phase the following criteria must be met and maintained for the client to remain free from black-out stipulations:
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• A drug and alcohol evaluation completed by a participating drug and alcohol provider that client is actively following
• Attending mandated number of recovery support meetings
• Has acquired and is actively collaborating with a sponsor/mentor
• Gainful employment that is conducive to recovery
• Honoring and current with all financial requirements
• Following all house policies and rules
• Demonstrating a daily routine
• Current with all legal matters
Overnight Passes
A client is eligible for an Overnight Pass upon completion of 90 days in NHI recovery services. Client(s) working on reunification with their child or children could be considered for eligibility after 60 days of residency.
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To meet the requirements for an Overnight Pass the client must:
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• Be in good standing and current with ALL guidelines and policies.
• Attend mandated events and functions i.e., treatment, house meeting, volunteer activities, etc.
• Must not have a verbal or written warning within the week of requested overnight pass, exceptions may be granted with an appropriate reason and prior NHI staff approval.
• Fill out and turn in an overnight pass request 48 hours prior to overnight pass date and receive written approval from NHI staff.
• Receive verbal approval from the assigned officer if on parole or probation.
• Return the following day of overnight pass by curfew 8:00PM on Sunday unless otherwise specified.
• Overnight pass is limited to two per month and may not be back-to-back.
Exiting The Program
Each client is expected to move on from NHI recovery services at some point. To leave in good standing, the client is required to follow Exit Requirements:
• Written two-week notice is required before moving out. If you decide to physically leave prior to your notice date, you will still be financially responsible for the two- week period. (Please refer to Client Financial Responsibility Policy for additional details.)
• An exit form is required to be filled out and signed the date that you physically leave the sober living premises.
• Clients living area needs to be clear of all personal belongings, the bedding needs to be striped and laundered, floors vacuumed, all surfaces and base boards cleaned.
• In the event the client exits NHI recovery services unexpectedly, not in good standing, the client has one week from physical exit date to collect any belongings. Any private property remaining at the end of business (5:00 p.m.) on the seventh day will be donated or discarded as determined by NHI staff.
HOUSE RULES
Employment:
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1. Client is required to seek gainful employment that is conducive to your recovery immediately upon entry to NHI recovery services.
2. Client who calls off work or misses a scheduled activity/appointment may not leave the premises without prior NHI staff approval.
3. Client is not permitted to quit a job or call out of work prior to discussing it with NHI staff.
4. Clients not gainfully employed are required to participate in 25 hours of property upkeep, maintenance, or volunteer work on the property to be specified by NHI
staff.
5. Clients that are gainfully employed are also required to participate in property upkeep and maintenance as required by NHI staff.
6. Client may not work 2nd or 3rd shift until IOP requirements have been met and NHI staff believes that it is in the client’s best interest to work 2nd or 3rd shift.
7. Client rooms are to be clean and organized. Beds are to be made immediately after waking up.
8. Client is responsible to complete their assigned chore daily and assist in keeping all communal areas clean.
9. Client is responsible for participating in any house cleaning, spring cleaning, fall cleaning etc. that the House Manager has scheduled. Participation will be MANDATORY.
10. Client is responsible for immediate cleanup of dishes, pots, pans, utensils etc. after cooking and/or eating. Nothing is to be left in sink at any time.
11. Client performing personal hygiene is required to clean up behind themselves immediately and leave a clean bathroom for the next person.
12. Client will have no open food/drink in bedroom or bathroom.
Etiquette:
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13. Client is not to enter another client’s room or living space.
14. Client may have privileges removed i.e., pass, television, etc. if chores are not completed, if the grounds and building are not cared for, rooms are not kept clean, or general attitudes are not in line with house etiquette.
15. Clients who demonstrate disrespectful behavior towards other clients or staff will not be tolerated. Behavior determined to be disrespectful could result in discharge.(This includes theft and verbal or physical confrontations.)
16. Client will not possess weapons, or anything perceived by staff to be a weapon.
17. Client must practice confidentiality and respect the anonymity of other clients.
Schedules:
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18. Client must be awake, dressed, beds made and rooms in an orderly condition for the day by 9:00AM Sunday thru Saturday. A schedule will be made if exceptions are needed.
19. Client is to be in their room for the night and lights out at 11:00PM Sunday thru Thursday. 1:00AM Friday and Saturday. All phone conversation must be ended prior to these times.
20. Client is not permitted to sleep, take naps, rest, or sit in bed between
9:00AM and 5:00PM. Sunday thru Saturday. Resting/Napping will be permitted at times with prior Staff approval only.
21. Client will be in house by 10:00PM curfew or earlier if curfew given by
parole/probation. Any exception will require NHI staff approval.
22. Clients not at work are required to follow the house schedule.
23. Client must attend weekly House Meeting. Attendance is MANDATORY. Time to be determined by staff is seasonal. Currently Sunday 8:00PM
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Miscellaneous:
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24. Client may not lend or borrow money, lend, or borrow personal belonging or vehicle to another client.
25. Client who wishes to have anyone come onto NHI property must have prior approval from NHI staff. This includes any drop offs and/or deliveries.
26. NO SMOKING/VAPING in the building or vehicles. Smoking/vaping is permitted outside in designated areas only. Please dispose of cigarettes properly.
27. Client bedrooms and vehicles are subject to search and inspection at any time by NHI staff.
28. Client is required to sign in and sign out when leaving/returning to the building.
29. Client is expected to communicate ALL transportation requests and scheduled appointments to NHI staff immediately. Requests must be made in writing.
30. Client with mandated community service must have community service preapproved by NHI staff.
31. Client is to be working on their recovery from substance abuse and behavioral issues while residing at NHI recovery services.
32. Client is expected to disclose to NHI staff any thoughts or actions related to individual sobriety and/or mental health concerns such as self-harm.
33. Client involved in a relationship will not be tolerated; unless married or child/children are involved; at the discretion of NHI staff only.
34. Client will not participate in or withhold knowledge of illegal or harmful activities taking place in or on NHI property. Any activity that poses a threat to another client’s recovery or well-being must be exposed.
35. Clients who decide to call off work will be required on that day to obtain a note from a physician informing NHI of the condition causing you to call off. Staff must be notified anytime you have a condition that prevents you from going to work.
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Disclaimer:
Violations of minor NHI housing policies and rules will have a three-step process before discharge is considered. The process is as follows:
Step 1: Client who is in violation of a policy or rule will receive a VERBAL WARNING. NHI staff will discuss the violation and document the extent of the infraction. The policy violation could result in a sanction for the client.
Step 2: Client who has repeated a minor rule violation a second time will receive a WRITEN WARNING. NHI staff will discuss the violation and document the extent of the infraction and the consequence to be handed out by NHI staff
Step 3: Client who has repeated a minor violation of a policy or rule for a third time will be given a BEHAVIORAL CONTRACT/SANCTION. The terms will be determined by NHI staff. The client will then be given a copy of the Behavioral Contract/Sanction and be held accountable to fulfill it.
Violating the contract could result in discharge from Sober Living Services at the discretion of NHI staff.