The individual is the only one who can change their life. Accepting personal responsibility for their actions and no longer depending on other people’s resources are crucial to rebuilding self-respect and creating a better future. No more excuses. No more blaming others.
Blame. Deflection. Justification. Denial. Codependency. These are just some of the behaviors that develop during the cycle of addiction. They’re also the types of behavior that will hold an individual back from their recovery. It’s time to break the cycle. To learn how to be a self-sufficient member of society. To own actions and behaviors and take responsibility for the consequences. We get it and we can help.
Just like nearly everything in life, Step has rules— rules that have to be followed to stay in our program. These guidelines aren’t meant to hold individuals back. They’re meant to teach people to take personal responsibility for their actions and ultimately, to help them regain trust in themselves and become people that others can trust.
Phase One:
Residents build their foundation and develop healthy daily routines, placing recovery in the forefront of their priorities. In addition to meeting weekly with their RSM, residents receive employment education and coaching from Step’s Career Counselor and obtain a full-time, tax-paying job. Moving out of ‘survival mode’, residents begin to build confidence and are provided the impetus to continue their journey.
Phase Two:
Residents develop a recovery plan and address outstanding responsibilities including financial and legal matters. Specific, attainable, and measurable goals are set; with men clearly defining what they would like to accomplish. RSMs continue to provide examples of challenges they personally faced while working to rebuild their lives in the program, ways they overcame obstacles, and provide hope as living proof that these milestones are possible. As residents progress, they meet regularly with the Career Counselor to receive guidance in obtaining a transitional, higher paying job to support their financial goals and security moving forward.
Phase Three:
Residents begin transition planning, budgeting for future costs and living expenses, and identifying outside support and resources. At this stage of the program, men begin seeking career path employment, continue working the 12 Steps with their sponsor, establish a home group meeting (AA, NA, CA) in the community, and implement the necessary coping mechanisms to defend against triggers that may lead to relapse.
Phase Four:
Residents move into one of Step’s Sober Living Homes which provides additional time in a safe, structured environment. Sober Home residents continue to meet with their RSM and are held accountable, but with additional freedoms to prepare for independence beyond Step. Phase IV residents continue to participate in programming at the Primary Facility and begin taking on leadership roles in small groups and peer recovery activities.