Treatment Approach With a Spiritual Foundation

The spiritual component of most treatment programs does not include the substance found in the uncompromised Word of God, nor the depth of meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The nameless mention of a higher power does not meet the client's need for an empathic understanding of his or her beliefs. Frustrated by the need to have their problems addressed from a spiritual viewpoint, many remain stuck in their misery, hopelessly addicted.

At Living Free Recovery Services, we believe that spiritual impoverishment is an important aspect of chemical abuse, which must be addressed for effective treatment. Our approach seeks to bring wholeness to every area of the client's life: spirit, soul and body.

Clients enter the program at many different levels in their relationship with God. Some are not even Christian, but desire a Christian program. The staff is sensitive to working with the individual’s right where they are at, one step at a time. The Program is non-denominational and doctrinal differences are respected.

In addition to spiritual issues, the treatment approach considers the client's biological, sociological, psychological, and relational factors. No single method is used in treating addiction, allowing different treatments for different individuals. Many have grown up in a family or social environment that was/is conducive to developing chemical abuse. These individuals must take into account that chemical use is a learned behavior, adopted to cope with life's situations. For some, addiction goes back for generations and a biological predisposition may have influenced the behavior. Still others may be using chemicals to address psychological issues such as depression. Each individual's program is custom-tailored to meet their particular needs.

The common thread in every program is that biblical principles are applied to enable the client to renew their mind, experience emotional soundness, and change their behavior. Christian coping skills are also taught, in order to better equip the client to deal with high-risk situations and feelings. We believe these tools greatly decrease the probability of relapse.

A trained, experienced team works with clients to bring about and maintain recovery. All counselors are born again, Spirit-filled and professionally trained in addictions. The center is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. We also have available a consulting Physician, Licensed Psychologists and pastoral care from Living Word Christian Center.

What Clients Have Said About the Program

Many clients have been through a half dozen inpatient treatment centers, and have given up on themselves. Others have had their insurance company say that they didn't know what else to do, but were hoping this treatment center would work for them because of its faith-based orientation. Clients who have been through secular treatment centers have noted the differences in LFRS.

The most notable difference is the love and acceptance of God. For many Christians, addiction is so shameful that the love of God is the only thing that can draw them out of it and set them free. In addition to the atmosphere of God's love and acceptance, clients also note that the power of God is available to them, equipping and enabling them to effectively apply the principles they are learning.

Make An Appointment For An Assessment

Admission to the program begins with the administration of a chemical health assessment. The assessment involves meeting with a LFRS counselor for approximately one hour, in which time the client answers questions concerning the major areas of his or her life. The counselor learns about the client's family and relationship history; employment; education; spiritual, cultural and social history; legal and treatment history; physical/medical and psychological history; and alcohol and drug history. From the assessment, the counselor looks at the overall picture of how the client's use has affected his or her life. The counselor then determines what level of care will best meet the client's needs.

Based on assessment results, the client is referred to the appropriate level of care necessary for recovery. The counselor may advise group therapy, individual counseling, or a combination of both. Each client receives an individualized treatment approach, tailored to his or her specific needs. When necessary, some clients may be referred to a hospital setting for medical care during detoxification, after which they can transfer to LFRS's outpatient program. If the client is ready for" LFRS's outpatient program, they may schedule an appointment for an orientation, and bring a copy of their assessment with them.

Different Levels of Care

In recent years, trends have moved away from inpatient treatment and toward outpatient treatment, or outpatient treatment combined with supportive living. One of the most important considerations for supportive living is determining whether or not the client would be medically compromised without hospitalization while going through detoxification. Depending on the chemical of choice and the severity of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be life threatening. The assessment will determine the level of care needed.

Statistics show that success rates for outpatient treatment are the same as for inpatient treatment. A great benefit of outpatient treatment is that the client is able to work and go about their daily routine while learning to adjust to a new lifestyle, free of chemical use. Experiencing the normal difficulties of everyday living allows the client to address these challenges in treatment and learn to cultivate alternative coping skills. Their goal is to obtain new attitudes, behaviors and living skills that are consistent with a life of recovery on a day to day basis.

For male clients whose living environment is not conducive to their new lifestyle, supportive living may be advised while they are going through treatment. Some clients need to break away from the crowd of friends that would draw them back into their old lifestyle. Supportive living offers a safe haven, where individuals can gain strength with the support of others who are also cultivating a lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol (see Supportive Living).

Orientation

Orientation is simple and is usually scheduled approximately one hour prior to the client's first treatment session for convenience. Documents are signed in order to enter the program, and a brief explanation is given concerning what the client can expect from treatment and what would be expected of him or her. Treatment planning is then initiated, as the client and counselor begin to consider the client's needs and what the most important goals would be during the course of treatment. The client is then given a tour of the facility and introduced to the staff and group process.

A Three Phase Approach

LFRS has seen how the 3 phase approach has led to the greatest success for its clients. As a client moves from phase to phase, they take on a greater level of responsibility for their recovery and are being discipled to be leaders themselves someday. A higher level of commitment is required of those in Phases III and IV. Those involved in these phases are not only highly committed to their recovery but also their spiritual growth and giving of their time in ministry.

Primary Phase I
Primary Phase I of treatment involves meeting at least two times per week in a group setting, with the client normally attending 20-30 sessions of Primary Phase I. The appropriate length of program will be determined by the comprehensive assessment. The client’s discharge to the next phase is not determined by the number of sessions completed, but by the client and his/her primary counselor. At times, the client may spend more time in Phase I and less in Phase II. The staff is more interested in the client’s progress and whether the client feels ready and equipped to move on to the next phase of recovery.

Phase I is a combination of group therapy, individual therapy, educational services and transitional services. This multi-faceted approach allows individuals to come together to work on recovery issues, complete more in depth therapy with their counselor and to gain understanding about important recovery principles.

Treatment begins and ends with a focus on relapse prevention. Statistics show that individuals are more successful at maintaining sobriety when relapse prevention is included in their primary program, rather than offered as a separate treatment (after the client relapses).

Primary Plus
For those clients who may need more structure, LFRS provides Primary Plus in addition to the Primary Phase I evening sessions. Primary Plus is a supplemental program that meets 5 days a week for a 3 week period. The purpose is to provide more structure and to saturate an individual with recovery and spiritual materials. Out of state/town clients are required to participate in the Primary Plus Program. There is an additional fee for the Primary Plus Program.

Staying On Course Phase II
Staying On Course Phase II is an optional phase available to those who have completed Phase I. Staying On Course is an open-ended weekly accountability group that offers continued support for those desiring lifelong sobriety. (Clients must make a long term commitment to this group).

Next Step Phase III
Next Step Phase III is also an optional phase available to those who have completed Phases I and II. This phase was developed to give an opportunity to develop the character of a leader. There are opportunities to serve, help with groups, group functions and do the work of the ministry.

Treatment Groups

The staff works with each individual client to come up with a treatment plan tailored to their particular needs. The client learns to identify issues that cause them to resort to chemical use, and to address the problem at the root. While each client may have individual goals, based on their particular circumstances, there are certain goals shared by all in the program.

Common goals shared by all those in treatment consist of:

• Accepting chemical abuse and/or dependency as a problem
• Actively participating in a recovery program
• Establishing a sustained recovery, free from the use of all mood-altering substances
• Acquiring the skills necessary to maintain long-term sobriety
• Improving quality of life by maintaining ongoing abstinence with a new style of living
• Developing a more intimate relationship with God and more meaningful relationships with others
• Finding true identity and worth in union with Christ Jesus