To help those across the Northwest Indiana region best navigate their journey to become triumphant in the fight against drug and alcohol addiction, Regional Health Systems, a Regional Care Group Member, is welcoming them with open arms to its Recovery Matters Program.
The Recovery Matters Program, a 28-day, evidence-based residential program in Merrillville and East Chicago for adults struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, shines as a beacon of hope to those battling the disease by showing them recovery is always possible no matter what path they may walk.
“Regional Health Systems provides a 28-day inpatient stay or residential stay. It's one of the longest-standing residential programs in Northwest Indiana, and it assists anyone that has a drug and/or alcohol problem to understand the disease method of the addiction,” said Victoria Charleston-Handley, program supervisor for the Recovery Matters North Residential Program.
No two people are alike, and the same approach is applied to each individual in the Recovery Matters Program. A customized therapy plan is uniquely set in place for every patient upon enrollment, allowing them to find the best option to equip them with the necessary tools and treatments for a successful recovery.
While not a medical unit, Recovery Matters implements a variety of therapy types throughout the program to get to the heart of the addiction disease, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, M. I. and a Matrix Model along with trauma informed care when developing a treatment plan.
“The Matrix Model is an evidence-based program that we have been using. It addresses many different aspects of recovery that they will need to address while in recovery,” said Angela Erb, clinical director for outpatient substance abuse and mental health outpatient services. During their time at the unit, clients will participate in trauma-informed care.
Community collaborations have also been a huge component of the Recovery Matters Program. Erb shared that Regional Health Systems works with other treatment agencies to make sure it can provide the best treatment possible for patients, who are being treated with methadone outside the agency, a medication used to help treat opioid addiction.
These many approaches have truly helped the Recovery Matters Program become a successful tool for many, as the program currently holds an 82% completion rate. Knowing they are able to be a
helping hand during some of people’s most vulnerable moments holds a special place in the hearts of the Regional Health Systems team.
“It just brings me the ultimate happiness to know that we are able to effectively assist people to change their lives, especially when it comes to addiction. It is a widespread issue that is not always addressed. People are not always ready to change their lives in that manner, but the fact that the program is available is more than enough to entice them to change,” said Charleston-Handley.
This is especially true for Charleston-Handley, a graduate of the Recovery Matters Program herself. Because of the Recovery Matters Program, she is almost three decades clean today.
“I know that this can help because I am a product of this program. I've been clean for 29 years; I came to treatment here in 1995. It gives me the practical experience of being an addict and knowing what they go through," Charleston-Handley said. "I also went back and got the educational piece – I got bachelor's and master's degrees and got licensed in order to be able to effectively help people.”
The care Charleston-Handley received during her time in the Recovery Matters Program, she noted, truly changed her life for the better, and it means a lot that she can help lead the way for those currently in the shoes she once wore many years ago. The program was also proof that, no matter where someone may be in their battle with addiction, help is always available, and recovery is always possible.
To learn more about the Recovery Matters Program and other services Regional Health Systems has for those struggling with addiction, including adult and adolescent outpatient services, gambling addiction help, and individual therapy options, please visit rhs.care/recovery-matters and rhs.care/addiction-treatment.
