Recovery Support Services

An in-home recovery treatment model.

The Recovery Support Services (RSS) program enlists the support of an in-home recovery coach and nurse to facilitate recovery from substance abuse in the comfort of a person's home. It is also ideal for clients that have busy schedules and can't meet the attendance demands of outpatient groups.

Recovery Support Services includes:

• An in-home recovery coach,
• An in-home nurse,
• A gym membership,
• TryCycle data systems,
• Urine screening, and
• Monthly alternative peer group (APG) activities.

In addition to the nurse and recovery coach, the Project Courage clinical supervisor, psychiatrist, director of RSS, executive director, and assistant executive director all participate as part of the client's "team." 

With these inclusions, the program is designed to help develop and maintain a healthier (mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical) lifestyle and promote recovery from substance abuse.

The RSS program uses the "stages of change" model.

The stages of change model is designed to address individuals according to their willingness to change. This means that while we encourage abstinence from substances, some people are not ready to make that change. Recovery coaches work with individuals to help them become more willing to change by facilitating positive behaviors in the many aspects of their lives. This "behavior activation" provides the foundation on which willingness can build toward a more actionable approach to recovery.

Here are the stages of change:

• Pre-contemplative (little to no willingness)
• Contemplative (recognition of substance abuse and curiosity around recovery)
• Preparation (getting ready to address substance abuse)
• Action (taking direct steps to support recovery)
• Maintenance (continue supportive actions to maintain recovery)

The goal of the RSS program is to guide an individual toward the maintenance stage and promote sustained, long-term recovery.

Recovery coaches are peer motivators.

According to the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), where Project Courage's recovery coaches are trained, a recovery coach is: "anyone interested in promoting recovery by removing barriers and obstacles to recovery, and by serving as a personal guide and mentor for people seeking or in recovery."

Recovery coaching is different than a clinical approach; coaches help activate behaviors that allow clients to achieve a pre-determined set of personal goals. Every client's goals are different and recovery coaches use their training to help a client determine and reach their unique goals. From helping with DMV paperwork or job applications to physical activities and hobby-building, recovery coaches tackle the sometimes daunting tasks that life demands.

The RSS program targets 11 different life domains.

Recovery is hard enough without the stressors of everyday life. The RSS programs helps address 11 different life domains that make getting back into the swing of things easier.

Here are the 11 domains:

• Recovery
• Basic Needs
• Housing
• Transportation Needs
• Financial Needs
• Employment Needs
• Educational Needs
• Healthcare Needs
• Nutritional/Physical Activity
• Mental Health Needs
• Social and Leisure Needs

Every person is different so the importance of each of these domains will vary. During the first week of the RSS program, the recovery coach will construct a treatment plan with the client that organizes these domains in order of importance. We always stress that recovery is the most important of the domains and help to facilitate an all-around healthier lifestyle.

RSS is a scaled-intensity program.

The RSS program is front-loaded with services with the frequency of visits for both the recovery coach and nurse tapering over time. 

The program visits are as follows:

Recovery coach:

• Months 1 & 2: minimum of four one-hour visits per week.
• Months 3 - 6: minimum of two one-hour visits per week.
• Months 7 - 12: minimum of one one-hour visit per week.

Nurse:

• Months 1 & 2:
  • Week 1: two one-hour visits. 
  • Weeks 2 - 8: two one-hour visits.
• Months 3 - 6:
  • One one-hour visit per month.
• Months 7 - 12:
  • One one-hour visit every three months.

Clients are also encouraged to participate in monthly alternative peer group (APG) events, where they can experience fun social activities in a sober environment. 

All services start with a Project Courage evaluation.

Individuals seeking services at Project Courage must undergo an evaluation to determine the proper level of care, which is crucial in getting substance abuse treatment. If the Recovery Support Services program is recommended, Project Courage will reach out with all related information.

To inquire whether you think this is an appropriate treatment for you or a loved one, please fill out the form below and information will be sent shortly!