Managing Addictions

On the Road to Recovery

Growing Rooms started in our male-only abstinent hostel Faith Lodge, where residents addressed their addiction issues and engaged in our recovery programme to make changes to their lives free from addiction. During its running course, we had some successes, however, funding was withdrawn in favour of floating support and independent living.

We identified that offering a recovery programme with a bed would enable us to attract clients who really wanted to make changes and were willing to make a commitment of up to 15 months to really change their lives. We decided that smaller houses instead of the larger hostel-type accommodation would be more effective, as the clients learn to live independently with like-minded men who are on the same journey. They will provide each other with support and fellowship and will attend a structured day programme whilst focusing 100% on their recovery.

In Growing Rooms, we recognise people as individuals and that addiction is only a small part of who they are. Recovery involves much more than just stopping drinking/taking drugs. Through cognitive behaviour group therapy and applying the principles of the 12-step recovery model, we offer a solution to addiction/alcoholism. Our vision is to ensure our clients become productive members of society. “From Chaos to Citizenship”. To achieve this we have to break down as many barriers during their recovery as possible. Not only by identifying the thinking and behaviour patterns that were evident in active addiction, but also those still present now they are clean. Once clients identify these patterns we can support them to make the necessary changes for recovery.

Whilst on the programme, clients follow a 5-day-a-week structured programme. This includes 3 days a week of therapeutic group work and 2 days of volunteering. These activities range from housekeeping, catering, retail, maintenance & gardening, all aimed at building employability and life skills. Clients must also attend 3 twelve-step meetings per week to enhance their recovery.

Once clean/sober they can then start to tackle those life issues that can appear so overwhelming to people new into recovery. Getting a birth certificate, bank account, photo ID, and registration with a G.P & dentist are just some of the issues we support them with.

Our recovery team have many years of experience working with diverse client groups, and excellent knowledge of the 12-step programme to assist clients in achieving their goals. Through 1-1 counselling and peer support, our clients can learn about themselves and maintain their daily recovery.

The programme runs for 15 months. Throughout this time we work with them to identify skills, aspirations and training needs in preparation for employment and independence.

FROM CHAOS TO CITIZENSHIP!