Imagine a community agency with settings and services (sites and beds) that were proactively designed on a continuum: dry, damp, and wet.
Where “dry” meant an abstinence based sober residence of a more classic nature where an occurrence of use would be a rare exception and managed on an individualized basis. And where “damp” meant the house did not “allow” drugs or alcohol to be brought in, but people were welcome to stay if they had drank or used. And where “wet” meant a space or a bed that was always accommodating unless hospitalization was required for safety and saving a life.
What I’m trying to describe was actually in place back in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Of course the language would be different now and so would some of the practices.
But all I’m getting at is this: if we can get our minds around individualization of care for the sake of the person served, we could probably also then proactively build a system that varied in its elements of design – rather than start with any one ideology and try to build from there.
It’s not necessary for patients to struggle in that way. Nor is it necessary for us.
Food for thought from 25+ years ago.
A recent research project by Justin Bell and colleagues about “two recovery housing options accommodating non-abstinence” caused me to recall the practices I outlined above from my previous workplace in Peoria, IL.
Suggested Readings
Peer Support, or Harm Reduction, or Recovery Coaching? – Recovery Review
We All Need to Learn “Prevention” – Recovery Review
The Behavioral Health Recovery Management Statement of Principles – Recovery Review
Planes, Car Repair Shops, and Dentists – Recovery Review
Addiction, the Stages of Healing, and the 5-Year Model – Recovery Review
