The Tools to Succeed
Overview of Treatment
Chemical dependency strikes the addict first and foremost, yet it touches the lives of everyone close to the addicted person. Dozens of loved ones are affected by the disease. We at Astoria Pointe believe in treating the whole problem; we emphasize a program that involves family members and loved ones, requesting their participation in the recovery process.
The recovery program utilized by Astoria Pointe is based on the most current evidenced based strategies and highly regarded methods of medicine, psychiatry and psychotherapy, combined with the proven Twelve Step Program of AA and NA.
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient's history, background, and current needs. Our addiction assessment team is committed to provide the best individual care for each new patient. Our staff consists of highly trained professionals; our doctors and counselors are fully accredited and licensed by the State of Oregon.
Studies show that an addict benefits most and has the highest success rate when completing a ninety day or longer term in a treatment program. The longer a person remains under treatment guidance, with appropriate and earned step-downs through the process, the better the success rates for longer term recovery as evidence through many national studies. At Astoria Pointe we have arrangements for long-term care with an effective, supervised aftercare program.
Specific Methods
We guide our patients through a process of self-discovery and recovery. The treatment methods used incorporate a multi-faceted medical approach for chemical and alcohol addiction. We educate on relapse prevention, promoting healthy life skills while incorporating the Twelve Step Program. The treatment teams incorporate individual and group therapy with journal writing, art therapy, and sharing to promote healthy feedback. In the course of restoring their lives, our patients are also introduced to adjunct therapies such as Qigong, yoga, meditation, physical fitness, nutrition, art therapy, recreational therapy and more.
The first several days of the thirty day program consists of a detoxification period. We address any physical issues and monitor their vital signs continuously during this time. Once cleared by our doctor the journey of recovery begins. The patients are required to participate in all their group and individual counseling sessions, and are introduced to 12-Step.
After thirty days, patients are given more supervised freedom to explore their new found abilities and social skills. After 60 days of progress, some patient earn less supervised passes to attend meetings, start seeking employment, sign up of educational classes or meet with their sponsors. They also may enroll in the nearby community college or apply at the Job Corps Center if they are planning to relocate to the area. For many, this is a perfect opportunity to seek education or retraining as part of their progress back into society. Astoria is becoming a very strong recovery oriented community.
During the thirty day to sixty day portion of the program patients work on assignments given by their counselors, participate in groups and continue with their 12 Step work. Our patients are given the opportunity to engage in outside volunteer work and activities as they progress through treatment. This is the beginning of learning to apply and practice new life skills.
After an individual graduates from our residential program, we incorporate in their discharge plan the option for transitional living. We make every attempt to include the family in the discharge planning. We strongly encourage our discharging patients to move into sober-living facilities. Our experience has shown that a large majority of addicts and alcoholics need six months to a year of a structured sober environment to be successful in recovery and to ensure against relapse.
If you have a friend or loved one that doesn't think they need help, don't give up on them. Plenty of individuals enter our rehabilitation center with no intention of staying clean & sober, but with our guidance and family intervention they agree to go through the program. After a period of time in treatment, their outlook changes and they are acquire the motivation to stay on the road to recovery.
Family Program
Addiction is a family disease and the entire family suffers from its effects. The purpose of our family program is to help the families and loved ones of the addict understand the disease of addiction. A family member or loved one often comes to understand that their only role is to help the addict or alcoholic overcome their addiction; however, it is just as important, if not more important, that the family members come to understand that they too need help and must take care of themselves.
Our Family Program helps the family experience recovery independently from the patient. The Family Program is designed to educate the family and helps family members identify the patterns and behaviors formed because of an addiction. Our hope is that through education and understanding about the disease, changes can be made that will help free the family from the frustrations and powerlessness that they may be experiencing and put them on the path to greater awareness of their loved one's addiction. Our goal is to instill in our patients and their families', a rock-solid belief that together they all will return to a rich and rewarding life and forever leave behind the devastation that addiction has played in their lives.
In addition to the family program, individual sessions may be scheduled by the patient's primary therapist. These sessions will provide you the opportunity to work on specific issues pertaining to your family. Many family conversations can take place over the phone or video conference such as Skype.
During the course of your loved one's treatment, our family program coordinator will be in contact with you and invite you to attend the next family weekend and answer any logistical questions you may have.
Aftercare
When a patient is ready to be discharged our staff will continue to work faithfully with the patient to initiate a concrete discharge plan, allowing for a smooth transition and optimizing long-term recovery success.
Each patient's discharge plan is exclusive and designed to meet his exact needs. Each patient is encouraged to participate in our free alumni program. Currently we are providing monthly facilitated alumni events in Astoria, Portland, and will be expanding soon to the Seattle area.
