Practical Recovery aims to offer ideal addiction treatment for any substance or activity addiction. We describe our approach as “collaborative addiction care.” Because each client is unique, and we are fully collaborative, no two treatment plans are alike. Hence, we do not offer a “program.” Our treatment intensity can be as intense as our Individualized Intensive Outpatient Program (IIOP) and can range downward to brief outpatient services. The IIOP (a treatment-in-residence approach) is a combination of day-long intensive outpatient services and residence in an adjacent hotel if needed. Our services work best for local clients, who can begin with high-intensity treatment (if needed), then transition to gradually decreasing collaborative addiction care over whatever period is needed. However, because our fully collaborative approach is unique, clients come to us from around the world. Out-of-town clients are transitioned back to hometown providers, and may also continue with us through extended phone coaching or follow-up visits. The following description assumes a client who begins treatment with a high level of intensity.
The First Steps
The first client choice is about whether to attend treatment. Our initial presentation describes the range of choices the client will have upon arriving. We believe this presentation immediately engages potential clients in a process of change and self-discovery.
Finding the Right Fit
We begin by reviewing what we offer, provider by provider, and possibly service by service (all providers offer multiple services). We also inquire whether services we do not immediately have available are needed or desired. For instance, if someone needs or wants a particular form of yoga instruction, physical therapy, type of psychotherapy, etc., we find a suitable provider and include these sessions in the client’s schedule. We also accommodate events or outside activities (a relative’s wedding during week three, Wednesday afternoons off for hiking, mornings off to conduct business back east, etc.). Detox if needed can be done at a San Diego hospital, or a hometown hospital first.
At no time do we suggest that treatment, with us or with anyone, is necessary for change. Instead, we state that “you will be the primary agent of change. Our job is to reinforce and support your decision, based on our training and our observations of others we have worked with.”
Creating a Positive Environment
Our goal in the initial conversation is to help the client view treatment as an interesting, desirable, and possibly life-changing experience, an experience worth trying, and one which will not completely disrupt life as usual. We also emphasize that there is no set length of treatment, which could last days or months. Our only requirement is 48 hours notice of cancellation.