Project Recovery Member Guidelines

PROJECT RECOVERY, INC. VISION STATEMENT

Project Recovery, Inc. provides safe, alcohol and drug free, residential group homes for recovering addicts/alcoholics.  These homes are designed to improve the odds of long term sobriety and recovery. Our vision is to positively affect individuals in early recovery from addictive disease and support long term abstinence from drug and alcohol use by enhancing life skills through social support in recovering residential communities. 

Our homes are not treatment facilities, but transitional environments that integrate independent living with a structured environment and sober social support.  These environments serve as a platform where Members learn the skills to become self supportive and rely upon the local recovering community to assist in building a foundation for life-long sobriety and recovery.  Our homes are for individuals serious about changing their lives and willing to do all that is necessary to maintain abstinence and recovery. 

PROJECT RECOVERY, INC. HOUSE MISSION

To provide safe, drug and alcohol free residences for adult men and women with a primary diagnosis of drug and/or alcohol dependence/abuse. 

To implement a supportive recovery environment based on models of social support.  These models include the 12 Step Recovery Programs, as well as other recovery and spiritual models.  This supportive environment integrates structured independent living with the local recovering communities as well as community treatment and medical resources.  This partnership is intended to build a life-long support network crucial for long term recovery.

To support Members to learn basic life skills and to make and keep commitments to themselves and others (housemates, family, employer, sponsor, etc).

To create a community that respects diversity and equality of all races, creeds and sober lifestyles. 

To create a community that respects each individual Member and actively supports each Member’s individual contract for achieving their recovery life style. 

To reduce the current relapse rates and trends of multiple detox and treatment stays through the implementation of this mission.

Project Recovery, Inc. agrees to provide the following to all Members:

• A clean, safe, drug-free living environment for adults (age 18 and over).
• A weekly social contracting group.
• On-site mandatory house meetings 3 times per week.
• Random breathalyzer or UA alcohol and drug testing.
• A needs assessment and three one hour sessions with a Case Manager to support Members in accessing the community resources necessary for continued recovery. Additional case management services are available as needed and individual therapy sessions can be arranged at Member’s expense.
• A staff Member to supervise the overall management of the house, the nightly check-in meetings and to support each Member to keep their personal contract with themselves and the group.
• Transportation (if needed) to off-site recovery support groups, including 12-step meetings, aftercare and/or an intensive outpatient program during initial two week orientation. Additional transportation services and all transportation after the initial two week period can be arranged at the Member’s expense at the rate of $50 per hour.

Members agree to the following:

• Make a commitment to remain in the Project Recovery residence for a minimum of 90-days.
• Abstain from all mind altering substances (unless prescribed and/or approved by a Project Recovery approved doctor).
• Abstain from other addictive behaviors identified by the needs assessment or revealed by the Member’s actions.
• Adhere to all requirements of Project Recovery’s phase system.
• Submit to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Attend weekly social contracting group.
• Attend all house meetings.
• Actively engage in a 12 Step Program by working with a sponsor, choosing a home group, getting a service commitment in that home group and attending a minimum of 4 meetings per week.
• Adhere to all curfews.
• Adhere to all house rules.
• Participate consistently in service work.
• Take care of personal space and do their house chore responsibly.

Member Rights

As a Project Recovery Member, you are assured of the following rights:

1. Humane treatment in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
2. Protection from potential harm or acts of violence.
3. Protection of your civil rights. No person will be denied services due to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
4. To refuse services to the extent permitted by law, and to be made aware of the legal consequences of exercising the right.
5. To be made aware of the reasons for involuntary discharge, and the criteria for re-admission to Project Recovery.
6. The right to an explanation of the total cost of our services, and a copy of your financial contract. No person will be denied services based on inability to pay; however, refusal to pay fees as agreed upon does not constitute inability to pay.
7. The right to discuss any complaints or concerns you have with your Case Manager and or Program Services staff, and to initiate a formal grievance procedure. If you are uncomfortable discussing your concerns with your Case Manager or are unable to resolve them to your satisfaction, you must see the Director of Program Services. If you are unable to resolve the situation this way, or would like to initiate a formal grievance procedure, must see the Executive Director of Project Recovery. If you and the Executive Director are unable to resolve the situation to your satisfaction, you may request that the Board of Directors review your grievance.
8. The right to privacy and confidentiality of your records to the fullest extent of the law.
9. The right to review your records, once you have made a written request to do so. Such request must be reviewed by the Program Services Director.
10. The right to consult with outside professionals such as physicians, attorneys, therapists, or religious advisors.
1.
11. The right to associate with family and other individuals, except when such association is restricted by court order or judges to be clinically inappropriate.
12.  To send and receive mail provided that security and general health/safety requirements are met.
13.  Access to the telephone, at your own expense.
14. The right to communicate by telephone or in writing with family, attorney, physician, clergyman, counselor, or Case Manager, except when contraindicated by the licensed clinical professional.
15.  Rights of smokers and non-smokers will be observed in the Utah Clean Air Act.
16.  To be informed of the privileges and responsibilities of residence.

PROJECT RECOVERY MEMBER PHASES:

Phase 1 –     Transition, Stabilization & Orientation (Weeks 1-4)   

Phase 1 is designed to support each Member to transition successfully into Project Recovery’s environment and to stabilize physically, psychologically and socially after this transition from their previous environment.

Day 1:
Member will be assigned and settle into a room.  Member will participate in orientation and admission procedures and review and sign off on Member guidelines.
 
Weeks 1 & 2:
Member must be accompanied by Project Recovery staff, the  or a Project Recovery appointed sober companion at all times.  Member may not stay in the house alone and must have an appropriate sober companion at all times.

Member must adhere to all Project Recovery requirements as outlined in the Member Guidelines.

Member must participate in all house activities as designated by the Project Recovery Staff or Project Recovery appointed sober companion. 

Member will meet with Case Manager for needs assessment and implementation of that assessment and their continuing care plan.

Member will present their personal Recovery Contract in the Social Contracting Group by the end of week two.

Member may be required to surrender their cell phone if staff sees that the use of the cell phone is interfering with the Member’s transition and stabilization. 

Curfew is 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 12am Friday and Saturday.  Curfew indicates that Member will be in the house by the indicated time and will not leave the house before 5am the following day.

Weeks 3 & 4:
Member must notify Project Recovery staff or a senior house Member when leaving the house.

Member may leave house unaccompanied, but if absent for more than two hours then Member must check in with the Project Recovery staff or a senior house Member by phone.

Member must continue to adhere to all Project Recovery requirements as outlined in the Member Guidelines.

Member must be actively engaged in choosing a sponsor and finding a home group.
Members must attend all house meetings and social contracting groups.
Member must be actively implementing the needs assessment.

Member must actively engage in one of the following:

• Actively enrolled in an Intensive Outpatient Program
• Actively enrolled in school
• Actively engaged in full or part time employment
• Actively engaged in making arrangements for one of the above.

Curfew remains 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 12am Friday and Saturday.  Curfew indicates that Member will be in the house by the indicated time and will not leave the house before 5am the following day.
 
No overnight passes will be given unless there is an emergency and then it must be approved by the Project Recovery Director of Program Services.

Phase 2 –      
Members become eligible for advancement to Phase 2 after 30 days of residency in good standing.  This phase is designed to support the Member to become more engaged in their community and to become a mentor within the house.
 
Member must continue to adhere to all Project Recovery requirements as outlined in the Member Guidelines.

Member must meet all financial obligations.

Members must continue to attend all house meetings and social contracting groups.

Member must choose a service project either within the house, their home group, or the 12-Step Community and participate in it a minimum of 8 hours per month.

Member must continue to actively engage in one of the following:

• Actively enrolled in an Intensive Outpatient Program
• Actively enrolled in school
• Actively engaged in full or part time employment
• Actively engaged in making arrangements for one of the above.

Member must be actively implementing the recommendations from their needs assessment.

Curfew is10:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 1:00am Friday and Saturday. Curfew indicates that Member will be in the house by the indicated time and will not leave the house before 5am the following day.

Friday or Saturday overnight passes may be given on a case by case basis with family only, but must be approved in a house meeting and 72 hours in advance. If not approved by peers and Case Manager, Member may contact the Director of Program Service.  (Chores and house responsibilities must be covered, all Member fees must be current, and Member must be in overall good standing)

Phase 3 –
Members become eligible for advancement to Phase 3 after 60 days of residency, but advancement to Phase 3 must be voted on by all house Members.

Member must continue to adhere to all Project Recovery requirements as outlined in the Member Guidelines.
Member must continue to meet all financial obligations.

Members must continue to attend all house meetings and social contracting groups.

Member must continue to participate in a service project either within the house, their home group, or the 12-Step Community and participate in it a minimum of 8 hours per month.  Member must also choose a service project outside of the house and the 12-Step community and participate in it a minimum of 8 hours per month (a total of 16 hours per month).

Member must continue to actively engage in one of the following:

• Actively enrolled in an Intensive Outpatient Program
• Actively enrolled in school
• Actively engaged in full or part time employment
• Member must be engaged in one of the above

Member must be actively implementing the recommendations from their needs assessment.

Curfew is12:00am Sunday through Thursday and 1:00am Friday and Saturday. Curfew indicates that Member will be in the house by the indicated time and will not leave the house before 5am the following day.

Friday or Saturday overnight passes maybe requested with family only.  Request must be made in house meetings, 24 hours in advance and be approved by all peers. A maximum of 2 overnight passes are allowed per month.  (Chores and house responsibilities must be covered, all Member fees must be current, and Member must be in overall good standing.)  Any passes beyond the 2 allowed must be approved by the Program Services Director. 

Phase 4 –
Members become eligible for advancement to Phase 4 after 90 days of residency, but advancement to Phase 4 must be voted on by all house Members.
     
Member must continue to adhere to all Project Recovery requirements as outlined in the Member Guidelines.

Member must continue to meet all financial obligations.

Member must continue to participate in a service project either within the house, their home group, or the 12-Step Community and participate in it a minimum of 8 hours per month. 

Member must also continue to participate in a service project outside of the house and the 12-Step community and participate in it a minimum of 8 hours per month (a total of 16 hours per month).

Member is responsible for mentoring new Members 4 hours per month.

Member must continue to actively engage in one of the following:

• Actively enrolled in an Intensive Outpatient Program
• Actively enrolled in school
• Actively engaged in full or part time employment
• Members must be actively engaged in one of the above

Member must be actively implementing the recommendations from their needs assessment.

Member must attend (3) house meetings per week and all social contracting groups.
(Acceptions must be approved by the Case Manager prior to the missed house meeting or social contracting group.)
      
No curfew

Member may choose 5 overnight passes per month.  They must notify the Case Manager and the senior house Members 24 hours in advance.

Moving up to a higher phase must be earned and is not guaranteed solely by continued residency. Phase advancement is based upon Member’s overall adherence to house rules, input from house Members and Case Manager.

A Member who does not follow all the house rules is subject to dropping down to a lower phase.  The only time a Member is able to move up a Phase or to come off of restriction if they have been moved back a Phase, is in the weekly process group with a Member of the Project Recovery Program Services Team present.   

RELAPSE PREVENTION POLICY:

If a Member should relapse or the Member Services Team feels the Member is in serious jeopardy of relapsing and it is determined that it is appropriate for the Member to remain in the house (determined on a case by case basis) then a minimum of the following may apply:

1. Member immediately moves back to Phase I for a period determined by the Member Services Team, if the Member has relapsed they will move back to Phase 1 for a minimum of 30 days (if Member has moved up to a higher Phase) and for two weeks from the time of relapse, that Member must be accompanied by Project Recovery staff, a senior house Member or a Project Recovery appointed sober companion.

2. Member must take additional UA’s or breathalyzers as determined by the Project Recovery Member Services Team.  Member will be responsible for paying for any additional required extra testing. Project Recovery reserves the right to send Member to an outside facility for drug and/or alcohol testing at the Member’s expense.

3. Member may be required to have a new evaluation by a Project Recovery approved physician.

4. Member must have an additional needs assessment by the Case Manager and/or Member of the Member Services Team.

5. Member must engage the services of a sober companion at the Member’s expense for the amount of time recommended by the Member Services Team.

6. Member must attend 90 meetings in 90 days.

7. Member MUST follow all of the recommendations of the Member Services Team.

Member will be responsible for a sober companion and all additional fees associated with the recommendations made by the Member Services Team:
Any fees associated with relapse prevention are due and payable within 14 days of the date of relapse.  If payment is not received within 14 days, the fees will be deducted from Member’s deposit and Member will be required to replace deposit on the next invoice cycle. If Member fails to replace the deposit, Member may be asked to leave the house and forfeit any remaining monies paid to Project Recovery.

REQUIRED COMPONENTS:

Note:     Project Recovery, Inc. reserves the right to change or make additions to these requirements at any time. The Program Services Team also has the right to interpret and apply these requirements at their own discretion and may do so differently from case to case. Individual homes may adopt rules that are specific to their house. These changes must be approved by the Program Services Team.

MEDICAL:

Members are required to have a one-hour physical and psychological evaluation by a Project Recovery approved physician prior to or upon admission at the Member’s expense. Additional physical and psychological services from a physician can be arranged at Member’s expense.  All prescription and over-the-counter medications being taken must be disclosed to admission personnel upon admission.  It is the Members’ responsibility to notify the Case Manager when there is a change to their medications–even if the change comes from a Project Recovery approved physician. If Member is prescribed psychotropic medications, the Member must continue taking them to stay in the house. Prescription medications must be taken in the dosage and frequency as prescribed. Abuse of medication can be considered a relapse. Taking or possessing prescription drugs that are prescribed to someone else is prohibited.  All changes in medication must be approved by a Project Recovery approved physician. The Program Services Team reserves the right to hold any medication if we determine that self-administration of that medication becomes a problem for the Member. If the Program Services Team determines that any medication is interfering with a member’s ability to be successful in the house, the team may make recommendations that the medication be discontinued and the member must take those recommendations in order to stay in the house.

DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING:

All Members will be subject to random alcohol and drug testing throughout their stay. Project Recovery may send Member to outside agency for levels testing at Project Recovery’s discretion and at Member’s expense. Any Member who does not go to the outside agency on the required date will be considered to have a positive urine analysis for that missed test. Any outstanding balances owed from outside agencies may be deducted from deposit.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT:

What is behavior management? 

* The word “discipline” means to teach.
* Behavior management is used to teach responsibility and healthy functioning and involves:
o Teaching Members to recognize that there are expectations for them to follow and limits to accept. This is responsibility.
o Expectations and limits should foster growth and protection for both the individual and the community.
o These expectations and limits should be reasonable and based on program and societal standards as well as a Member’s personal abilities.
o People make choices through their behavior.
o People’s behavior typically results in a consequence to some degree.
o Accepting responsibility entails accepting the consequences for the choices made.
* If there is consistent behavior management, eventually Members should respond positively. In turn, Members begin to regulate their own behavior.

SOCIAL CONTRACTING PROCESS:

Each Project Recovery, Inc. Member will prepare a contract to be presented at their first or second group process meeting.  This contract includes their individual plans of how they want to live their recovery life.  The contract will include all aspects of daily living including emotional, spiritual and physical well being.  This contract also includes the Members’ agreement with Project Recovery’s required components.
       For example:
a. Physical recovery plan
b. Psychological/mental recovery plan
c. Social recovery plan
d. Spiritual recovery plan
e. Other: ___________________________________________________________
(What other areas are you aware of that we can help you with and how                        will we know when you are in trouble)

Thoroughness here can help you to get the most out of your experience at Project Recovery.  Outline your daily living plan and let your support system keep you to it.  This is how change happens.

Contract Renegotiation – If any Member does not live up to his/her contract with other Members, or self, including the guidelines listed here, the Member will go to contract renegotiation.  The Member is then responsible for bringing amendments to his or her contract–meaning placing safeguards in his or her daily behavior to allow the Member to more fully live the way he or she expects.  These safeguards will then become a part of the Members’ contract with the group.

HOUSE MEETINGS:

All Members must attend all scheduled house and/or house issues meetings. These house meetings may address sobriety standing, check-in on contract commitments and house issues. Requests to miss house meetings are subject to unanimous house approval.  The house will grant approval based on prior attendance, importance of the event, and the amount of recovery support the Member has built.  This approval must be requested at least 24 hours in advance of the missed meeting.  If an emergency arises the Member must contact the Case Manager and the senior house Member. 

By unanimous decision, the house meeting may be replaced by an outside group activity–in these cases however, all Members are required to attend the activity.  Having fun as a group is important and we recommend scheduling group activities once a week.  Activity night can only be held maximum of one time per week.  On activity night, any urgent house issues must be discussed at the end of the night. An urgent issue is any issue that a Member believes cannot wait until the next house issues meeting.

SOCIAL/SOBER SUPPORT:

Members should be actively involved in a 12 step program, working actively with a sponsor and must attend a minimum of 4 outside 12 step meetings per week or be actively participating in an alternative recovery program approved by the Program Services Team.

EMPLOYMENT:

Members must be gainfully employed or actively seeking employment or schooling within the first month. If for any reason, Member can not take time off for the weekly social contracting group they must speak with the Program Services Director for approval prior to missing the group. Full time volunteer work is an option that can be approved by the Case Manager.

VIOLENCE OR THEFT:

Violence or theft of any kind will never be tolerated and will be prosecuted. Damage of property will also require compensation and prosecution may also be pursued. This is a safe house.

LINENS:

Project Recovery will provide all members with a full set of linens.  Member will be required to check out all linen upon arrival at Project Recovery.  It is the Member’s responsibility to make sure that all linen is returned and checked back in upon departure and is in the same condition it was when it was checked out.  If items are missing, soiled or damaged they will be deducted from Member’s security deposit.  Please see linen check-out form for prices.

HOUSE RULES:

Rules are created to support Member to learn to take care of self and be respectful of others.

To support self:

Personal – belongings abandoned by Members become the property of Project Recovery, Inc. after seven days. Arrangements should be made with the Case Manager to pick up personal belongings.

Valuables – Project Recovery, Inc. is not responsible for Member’s personal property. Bringing valuables into the house is at the Members’ own risk. If there is concern and a safe is requested this can be arranged through the Case Manager.

To support others:

Stereos – Personal stereos are NOT permitted in the house.  Headphones are required when listening to personal music.

Visitation Policy – Guests are allowed in the house, by invitation only, between the hours of 9:00am and 11:00pm during Phase 2 and 3 (Phase 1 only by house approval). Guests must leave the house by 10pm on the evenings there are house meetings. Guests must abide by all house rules and are expected to be clean, courteous, and sober at all times. Guests may not stay overnight.  No guests are allowed on the 2nd or 3rd floor of the house. No guests of the opposite sex are ever allowed in a Member’s room or for overnight stays. Any request for overnight guests of the same sex must be unanimously agreed upon by all house Members at least 72 hours prior.  Guests will be asked to vacate the property for any violation of house rules or procedures.  Male visitors are allowed in the women’s house during Phase 2 and 3 (Phase 1 only by house approval) between 12pm and 1am Friday and Saturday and 12pm and 10pm Sunday only.  There are no male visitors allowed in the women’s house during the week unless unanimously agreed upon by all house Members at least 24 hours in advance and the Project Recovery Member Services Team has also been notified 24 hours in advance.

Smoking Policy – Smoking is not allowed inside the house at any time. Smoking is allowed outside ONLY in designated areas provided that the ashes and butts are disposed of in the proper containers. Smoking is allowed in the outside common area until 12pm. 

Eviction – Project Recovery, Inc. reserves the right to request any Member to vacate the premises without notice at anytime.

Guidance – All Member questions, concerns and comments are to be directed to the senior house Member first, then to the Case Manager or Executive Director (Leah Steele) as appropriate, and finally to the Director of Program Services (Lynda Steele).
 
Mail Etiquette – Opening mail addressed to another person is a federal offense and a violation of house rules.

Computer Etiquette – Rules of common courtesy apply. No Member shall monopolize the computer. The computer shall not be used for pornography or any illegal activities. There are no software or program downloads on house computer without Case Manager’s approval.

To support both self and others:

Security – The house doors will be locked at curfew.  The only person authorized to open the doors after they have been locked is the senior house Member.  If a Member of the house opens the house doors after curfew, the Member may be moved back a Phase or be required to comply with other consequences as deemed appropriate by the Program Services Team.

Loaning Money – Project Recovery Members are not allowed to loan money to each other under any circumstances.  Case Managers or Staff may not make individual loans to Members.

Gambling – There is no gambling allowed on Project Recovery property.

Television –The house TV shall be turned off by 12:00am daily and by 1:00am Saturday and Sunday mornings and shall remain off until no earlier than 6:00am. Majority house decision may adjust these hours as necessary. During the weekdays, Monday–Thursday, the TV shall be off from 7am-4pm. Learn to be respectful of others in use of programming.  Video games are not allowed at Project Recovery.  Private TV’s in rooms are not allowed.

Quiet time - Weekdays after 11:00pm until 7:00am.  During this time kitchen should not be used and talking must be a whisper.  Remember this is just to be respectful of the other house Members you have contracted with to help keep you sober.

Chores – A list of chores will be posted weekly by the senior house Member or Case Manager. Each chore description will be found in the living room in the Chore Binder. Members are expected to complete assigned chores in a timely fashion. Chores should be completed at all times during the week that the areas are dirty. The completion of chores is verified by the cleaning czar and/or senior house Member who is responsible for posting a job list on a weekly basis.  Weekly deep cleans must be accomplished before the Sunday night 10 pm meeting. For each failed chore, weather daily or weekly deep clean, the Member will be moved back one phase for 7 days. The Member can be moved back to orientation if failure to comply continues.

Cleanliness – Members are expected to pick up after themselves and clean appliances after use. Dishes, cups, utensils are to be washed or loaded in the dishwasher immediately after use. Personal belongings and trash shall not be left out in the house.  Members (under the direction of the Case Manager) are expected to address monthly or seasonal jobs such as garage cleaning or yard work.

Bedrooms – Members are expected to keep their bedrooms clean and neat at all times. Beds must be made each morning. On Monday through Friday, Members are to be up and out of bed by 9:30am. Project Recovery staff has the right to enter any room at any time to inspect cleanliness or to search for contraband.  The Member has the right to witness these searches.  Food is not to be stored or consumed in bedrooms.  Sheets are to be washed once a week.

Moving – Members may move to a different bed within their assigned room, when a bed opens up, based on seniority.  Project Recovery staff must approve moves between rooms. Project Recovery staff may also request that a Member move based on Program Services Team recommendations.

Emergencies – The police should be called only in the case of real emergencies. Call 911 for
medical emergencies. If possible, the Case Manager should be informed first. 

For urgent or non urgent medical issues the Case Manager or Senior House Member should be contacted.  The Case Manager or Senior House Member will then decide when and if to contact the doctor or therapist on call.

For more information contact:

Leah Steele
Executive Director
801.244.3701