Some individuals are not sure whether or not they have a drug or alcohol problem, or a compulsive gambling problem. Drug testing, quick surveys or questionnaires may only suggest that a problem exists. A comprehensive assessment can provide clear, easy-to-understand answers. The overall situation can be assessed and recognized, resulting in a treatment approach designed to fit the needs of the individual.
Addiction and/or compulsive gambling or eating disorders is a problem that affects not only the clients we serve, but any individual who is associated with the client can also be effected. These individuals often develop patterns of interaction that are unhealthy both for the recovering person and themselves. The Family Program is designed to address these issues. The success of treatment as well as the quality of continued relationships is improved by directly addressing these issues early in the recovery process. In order to achieve the goals designed for recovery, it is essential that the families participate.
Planning ahead can support a smoother recovery. Re-Entry Weekends are specifically designed to deal with the problems that occur on a day-to-day-basis once the client leaves treatment. Family members are encouraged to attend on Saturdays. Alumni and their "significant others" are encouraged to return and discuss challenges that they may have experienced.
Our Family Program is one of the most successful, intensive and all encompassing programs in Northern California. This Family Program segment is held every fourth week at Crutcher's Serenity House, concurrent with Education Week, and runs from Thursday at 9:00 a.m. through Sunday at approximately 2:00 p.m. It consists of lectures, films, didactic groups, and process groups - some groups with the recovering person and some groups with family members only. The purpose of the Family Program is to educate the family on addiction, and on how the dynamics of addiction effects the whole family. One of the key factors in maintaining a recovery process that works, is the support system the family provides.
Quality aftercare is a critical part of recovery. Crutcher's is committed to providing continued aftercare support for recovering individuals. In addition to Re-Entry Weekends and other forms of outpatient support, CrutcherÕs participates directly in a network of Continuing Care Groups located throughout Northern California. Lists of appropriate support groups are available upon request. Before clients leave the program, they are responsible for formulating an aftercare plan that meets their own needs. Our staff maintains close contact with alumni for one year and supports them in keeping the commitments made on their exit plans. Alumni are encouraged to maintain contact with Crutcher's and to call whenever the need arises. Alumni may schedule visits and/or volunteer at Crutcher's Serenity House for additional support.
Successful recovery is often difficult in a client's home environment, particularly where relationships with other users may still exist. For some individuals it would be almost impossible to practice the fundamentals of recovery while being pressured to use. In a supportive environment, an individual can practice the skills that ensure a quality recovery while continuing their employment, education and personal endeavors.
The direct and indirect effect of drug and alcohol abuse on industry is enormous. Educating employers and employees to recognize problems early can help minimize loss of work hours, employee turnover and on-the-job accidents. Crutcher's Prevention Awareness Training introduces individuals in the workplace to the symptoms of addiction and the steps that can be taken to address this problem before major losses occur.
Some companies prefer to offer their employees awareness training before problems intensify. Crutcher's offers 50 hours of supervised education groups and individual sessions. Employees can assess their situation and become educated about chemical dependency. This is often beneficial for employees in the early stage of addiction.