When it comes to substance abuse treatment, there are two options available: outpatient or residential. Outpatient treatment involves an individual living at home or in the community, and attending substance abuse treatment sessions at a clinic. Residential treatment involves an individual residing at the location where substance abuse treatment is being provided. While some people are successful using outpatient treatment, many find that residential treatment provides a solid foundation for a long-term recovery journey.

There are many pitfalls and obstacles with living in the same environment and attempting to get clean and sober. The temptation to revert back to the substance use can be overwhelming. Residential treatment offers a safe, supportive environment where individuals can learn new coping skills surrounded by like-minded people who are beginning the same journey. Completing a 28 day residential treatment program provides many benefits, including 4 weeks of not using substances and a chance to step away from the stressors of life to truly focus on getting better.

Pathways Florida is a 28 day residential substance abuse treatment program. The program has been successfully helping people on the journey of recovery for over 20 years. It is designed to help individuals who are using substances or alcohol establish a firm foundation in the recovery process. The treatment approach is based on the belief that addiction is a primary disease that impacts all areas of a person’s life. The counseling staff works with each client to assist him/her increase awareness of how addiction has affected major life areas such as legal, family, social, financial, and vocational/educational. Clients are routinely under close observation and are monitored on a regular basis during their stay.

The Pathways Florida clinical team utilizes a number of evidence-based practices in providing high-quality substance abuse treatment. Some of these services include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Moral Reconation Therapy. The staff focuses on treating the “whole person,” coupled with proven medical and mental health care practices.

Clients in the Pathways Florida program receive a minimum of 20 hours of high-quality individual and group counseling per week, as well as psycho-educational group services, recreational therapy, art therapy, and experiential exercises. Special education presentations supplement therapy sessions to create a unique and valuable program. The twelve-step programs are emphasized and treatment goals are client centered and individualized. Clients are screened for drug use on a regular basis. In addition to substance abuse treatment, each Pathways Florida client receives a psychiatric evaluation and weekly follow-ups if needed.

Each client at Pathways Florida Treatment and Recovery Center is assigned to a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. This counselor will provide weekly individual counseling, family counseling as indicated, and treatment planning. Each client’s plan for treatment is individualized; however, the following are some goals that Pathways Florida has for each client:

• Increase client knowledge about addiction as a disease
• Establish a firm foundation in recovery by increased participation in self-help groups
• Re-establish a healthy lifestyle
• Improve quality of life
• Increase functional status
• Improve support system for the client
• Improve family and other interpersonal relationships
• Increase participation in leisure activities

Individuals who have been using alcohol or drugs often have had very little in terms of daily structure. With that in mind, Pathways Florida is a highly structured program and adheres to a daily schedule. A typical day in the Pathways program begins with chores, morning meditation and breakfast. This is followed by a two-hour group led by one of the clinical staff members. Lunch is followed by another two-hour counselor-led group session. Late afternoon is a time for homework, quiet reflection or recreational activities. After a daily wrap-up discussion and dinner, clients participate in a 12-Step meeting session.

The 28 day program follows a basic four week curriculum that focuses on a different addiction-related topic each week. Educational groups are offered each week that provide a wealth of information. Group topics include an introduction to the disease of addiction, the various stages of recovery, relapse prevention planning, and family roles/dynamics. The four weekly topics are: addiction, recovery, relapse and family.