By Lesley Keays
Herald Correspondent
October marks the 14th Annual observance of Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness in preventing substance use disorders across the country.
In Seminole County, Recovery House observes this critical event every month, in fact, every day, of each calendar year.
Recovery House is a faith-based community organization assisting men struggling with Substance Use Disorders. Unfortunately, it has been Sanford’s best kept secret; a lifesaving organization hiding in plain sight.
Until now.
“By faith-based, we mean that our clients believe in a higher power,” notes Recovery House Assistant Pam Todd. “We respect and welcome people from all cultures, belief systems, and religions.”
The 54-bed facility provides comprehensive rehabilitation for males in active addiction. Individuals participate in a six-month in-house program. Clients emanate from all walks of life, emerging from imprisonment, hospitalization, and homelessness; however, they are just as likely come from a household that seems stable.
Outwardly, that is.
When asked how addiction begins, Fritz Voltaire, Recovery House Director of Business Development, offers, “Certain babies are born addicted to substances. Genetics could play a role. Childhood trauma and abuse make people vulnerable. Experimentation with gateway drugs may contribute. It could be one of these factors, several, or all of them.”
With a complex set of treatment challenges, Recovery House addresses each individual differently, assessing his unique story. Initial services include individual and group counseling, 12-step programs, and on-site clinical assistance with licensed professionals.
Shame and fear of judgement commonly hinder addicts from seeking help, thus exacerbating already difficult life circumstances.
“We utilize the evidence-based Matrix Model, a 40-hour cognitive behavioral therapy program that all men are required to participate in,” explains Edward Carr, MSW, RCSWI, MCAP, former client and current Executive Director of Recovery House. “The program is designed to realign thinking to promote positive behaviors, resulting in better choices and outcomes.”
Some rehab centers are limited to offering the services above; Recovery House is not. Additionally it provides employment support, including resume building, interview coaching, and eventual job placement.
Recovery House services do not cease when clients secure gainful employment. The organization offers life skills coaching, financial management, and what may be most meaningful: family reunification.
Voltaire observes that, “Some of the greatest men I’ve ever met have come through Recovery House with tangible skill sets. We recognized their untapped potential and shone a light on it, to turn their potential into reality.”
He added, “We see potential where others cannot, so it is incumbent upon Recovery House to show society how dedicated, honest and hard-working these gentlemen are. How much they contribute to the world.”
For more information, please access https://recoveryhouseinc.org
