Program Phases

Turning Point Extended Care and Sober Living is a three phase step-down recovery program designed to bridge the gap between primary treatment and independent living. It reintegrates young men into a drug–free world gradually, as their coping skills, self–esteem, and long-term recovery tools become sufficient to withstand the people, places and situations that may trigger reactions and cravings.

Progression through the phases is accomplished only when ready, as determined by the individual, family, and Turning Point staff. It is a highly individualized process because each person’s recovery is unique and progresses on its own timetable.

Why do we have Phases?

Our program is based on the idea that discharge from primary treatment directly back home or to a sober house with little structure is by itself potentially traumatic, triggering, and a catalyst for relapse. Whether treatment lasts 30 or 90 days, young men often enter a drug rehab program after years of substance abuse. Studies of long-term use show psychological effects that include a delay of maturity and development, and the gradual disconnection from their emotions.

These effects cause several problems for the young man returning home. First, it often has been a long time since he has used healthy coping skills to deal with everyday life. Drugs and alcohol have become the principal means of dealing with emotions. He can spend weeks in treatment “learning” new coping skills, but applying those skills in “real life” situations cannot be practiced inside the traditional inpatient program. Consequently, he’s returning to the daily stressors of home, life and work, and will have a “trial by fire” applying newly-learned coping skills. Unfortunately, the consequences of failing this risky trial can be devastating, and literally life-threatening.

The second problem comes from the “rebound effect” of substance abuse. Ironically, when stopping a class of drugs, the resulting effect is often the opposite of the effect caused by the drug. So those who abused opiates or benzodiazepines will often experience moderate to severe anxiety which can last up to several months. Someone who has abused stimulants can have an opposite “crashing” response to stopping, characterized by lethargy and a depressed mood. Not only does the young man lack experience dealing with normal emotions, the emotions often will feel more intense than those experienced by non-addicted individuals.

All of this means that the most vulnerable time in recovery is the time directly following discharge from an inpatient program to rejoin the “real world”, because he experiences emotions that are more intense than normal and has unproven “skills” for coping with them. Moreover, he is often going from a structured, safe environment to one full of the “people, places, and things” that may trigger his desire to use.

To bridge the “treatment gap” into which many fall after leaving primary treatment, Turning Point extended care was designed as a “phased reintegration” program. It allows a young man to apply the concepts learned in drug treatment with gradual exposure to “life” only when he displays the insight, discipline, decision-making and problem-solving life skills necessary to successfully handle the stressors that come with exposure.

Phase I

Is the orientation portion of the Turning Point program. It is designed specifically to ease the transition from a prior treatment episode (residential treatment center, wilderness therapy program, therapeutic boarding school) to the less complex environment of extended care and sober living. Phase I is an opportunity for new residents to get acquainted with each other and the rhythm of daily life at Turning Point. Additionally, they are paired with a primary therapist, exposed to regular physical, recreational and spiritual activities and immersed in a vibrant “young people’s” 12-step community.

Phase II

Builds on the gains made in Phase I by focusing on independent sober living skills, academics and employment opportunities. With the guidance and support of nurturing and caring professionals, residents develop goals toward financial independence, outline a career and/or academic path and find suitable employment or volunteer activities. During this phase, they will have demonstrated personal growth and responsibility, an understanding of what it means to be of service, and addressed specific issues of early recovery such as sponsorship, relationships and conflict resolution.

Phase III

Combines independent sober living with professional services, structure and supervision to support the resident’s transition to independence and self-sufficiency. Residents live in a Phase III facility under the supervision of the Phase III Director and a live-in residential manager. They attend a minimum of five 12-step meetings per week, continue working with their primary therapist and meet regularly with their case manager. In addition, they are enrolled in school, employed, and/or participating in volunteer activities indicative of a productive member of society

Visit the Photo Gallery to view our Phase I & II, and III locations.