MODEL OF CARE

Jaywalker utilizes 12-step facilitation in addition to other evidenced-based practices in our clinical programming. We believe that a client’s best chances for long-term recovery lie in their engagement in a 12-step program of recovery. We believe that active 12-step  participation through attending meetings, working with a sponsor, and providing service to the community help our men to build recovery capitol for life.

At Jaywalker Lodge, we believe individuals who return to treatment do so for many reasons – but none more important than the failure to grasp and fully personalize Step One of the 12 Steps. Clients at Jaywalker will examine the impact of drugs and alcohol in all aspects of their lives through the writing and sharing of their personal experiences with addiction. This “section” work reveals the underlying truth about each individual’s struggle with addiction and helps our men connect more deeply to their recovery journeys.

Most people struggling with addiction experience anxiety and depression. These are normal feelings for all people. However, evidence has shown that there are higher rates of mental health conditions in those who struggle with substance use issues. At Jaywalker, we believe that these conditions must be treated concurrently to help clients learn to manage mental health symptoms in recovery. Jaywalker employs master’s level, dually licensed clinicians, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists to help our clients learn coping skills for ongoing symptom management.

The link between trauma and addiction is complex. Data from over 17,000 patients in Kaiser Permanente’s Adverse Childhood Experiences study indicate that a child who experiences four or more traumatic events is five times more likely to become an alcoholic, up to 46 times more likely to become an iv-drug user, and 60% more likely to struggle with a chronic mental health or medical condition than the general population. Other studies have found similar connections between childhood trauma and addiction, and studies by the Veterans Administration have led to estimates that between 35-75% of veterans with PTSD abuse drugs and alcohol. Clients are pre-screened for trauma during their admission’s interview. Upon admission all clients meet with a trauma therapist for a more in-depth examination to see if they will benefit from ongoing trauma work. Again, we believe that trauma must be addressed concurrently to help clients learn to manage symptoms in recovery. Jaywalker is able to provide trauma counseling throughout the continuum through trauma- specific group therapy, individual therapy utilizing modalities such as EMDR, and through somatically-based experiences such as Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE).

The expedition program at Jaywalker Lodge utilizes opportunity and challenge leading to transformation in the lives of our clients. We acknowledge that challenge looks different to each client, therefore our Expedition programming provides a wide variety of experiences and levels of challenge. Each week our schedule is filled with opportunities for the client to choose from. These activities provide challenge, success and personal change. It takes courage to try and give oneself an opportunity to succeed, a willingness to just try is all we ask for.

Mindfulness based CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) interventions are now widely accepted, evidence-based practices used in many of the country’s best treatment centers. However, often these practices are offered as a replacement to more traditional addiction therapies and placed in opposition to 12-step facilitated treatment. Mindfulness need not be an alternative to 12-step treatment; indeed, we believe it is an effective and viable bridge to a sophisticated 12-step treatment protocol that meets the needs of diverse client populations. At Jaywalker Lodge, the mindfulness curriculum is designed to support each client’s 12-step program and focuses on teaching clients skills in the following sections: meditation, loving kindness, compassion, equanimity, wisdom, skillful action, attention, and values. In practical application, our program mirrors the wisdom of the 12-step traditions. We start each day with a reading/lesson, reflection, prayer, meditation and intention setting session that lasts about 20 minutes. Throughout the day, clients are asked to conduct three check-ins (called spot check inventories in the 12-step world) on the “skillful and unskillful” actions they’ve engaged in; and when each day ends, clients conduct an effective and insightful evening review. At Jaywalker, we understand that the fundamental concepts of mindfulness are aligned with those of 12-step approaches and can, in fact, be a bridge for clients who struggle with understanding and accepting 12-step recovery.

While your loved one is in treatment their primary counselor will also help with case management tasks such as aftercare planning and referrals to ancillary services not provided at Jaywalker (specialty doctors, etc.). The primary counselor also serves at the family’s point of contact for their loved one’s care. In addition to providing updates on the client’s progress, the counselor will work with family members on various topics related to supporting their loved one’s recovery and ensuring they have support for their own recovery processes. Topics such as boundaries, codependency, helping vs. enabling, and accessing community resources will be discussed to help ensure the family system shifts into recovery.

We believe that service to others is fundamental to the recovery process, and when it’s time to play, the Rocky Mountains teaches Jaywalkers the value of serious fun and what it really means to live in the moment. Jaywalkers are known in the community as people who give back, helping in any way they can—from local charity events to rebuilding areas around the country struck by natural disaster. Volunteering rewards Jaywalkers with a feeling of usefulness that re establishes a firm footing in recovery. The shame and guilt once felt as a burden to families and communities begins to be replaced by the humility and significance of giving back to others.

Reintegration into the workplace or academia on a part time basis is encouraged. Vocational and interpersonal style assessments are offered to aid in guiding the client towards short- and long-term goals. Going back to school or getting a new job can be a daunting prospect for anyone in early recovery. Developing and supporting Jaywalkers in coming up with a personal plan for employment and/or higher education is an integral part of the Solutions program. Once clients settle into the program, each is encouraged to engage in the local community either as a part-time student or by securing a part-time job. Utilizing relational and occupational assessments, the counselors oversee each client’s planning process — and at Solutions, no two life plans are the same. Regardless of whether a client is resuming an established career, or has never had a job before, the assessment and planning process directs each client in taking the next step forward in his “real” sober life. In addition to individualized career and school planning, ongoing peer and staff support are essential as each client engages in new life challenges. Once the men are engaged in work or school, they then have a modified schedule, and are still offered support from their counselors and the peer group.