Chemical Dependency affects millions of people directly or indirectly everyday. People with addiction often turn to St. Joseph's because they feel they have ruined their lives and have no idea how to start repairing the mess. They are not the only ones affected. Family members also reach a point of desperation. By the time families come into contact with St. Joseph's they are not only depleted emotionally, they are often on the brink of financial ruin. Whether it's you with chemical dependency or a loved one of yours who is struggling with addiction, we can help. From a family member:
"Our stay at St. Joseph's turned out to be the best thing that
Tim and I have done for ourselves as far as Bob is concerned.
We must admit, we have never been exposed to anything that
even comes close to this approach to treatment and we are
veterans of several programs."
Over the last 25 years St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers, has developed a unique and highly regarded family services model that positively changes lives. We continue to provide an unparalleled opportunity for those affected by chemical dependency to become educated about addiction and to learn skills for improving lives. Our program, the first residential service of its kind in New York, is truly transformational for many people and consistently receives a 95% satisfaction rating. This comment from a family member is quite typical:
"St. Joe's is truly a magical place...I can walk away from this
weekend with my life having been changed forever."
Goals of Family Services
Family Sessions is a program for clients, spouses, parents, siblings, partners and children over the age of 10. The program gives clients and families the opportunity to participate in an intensive, therapeutic process with highly-skilled professional counselors in an inviting and comfortable setting away from the demands of their day-to-day lives. For many, it is the only such educational and healing opportunity they have ever experienced. The service is unique in that it offers:
1. empathy and understanding for the family member so that they leave feeling empowered rather than guilty
2. a three-day residential program (most other family services offer a short program lasting just a few hours)
3. an approach that goes beyond education and provides intervention and therapy
All Inpatient clients attend one Family Session during their stay. Those family members who are unable to attend participate by sending detailed letters. The service consists of four elements:
1. Educational Sessions that provide information about the disease and self-care strategies
2. Group Therapy to help people realize they are not alone with their experiences and feelings and they can set healthy boundaries for themselves. For children this is often the first time they have openly talked about their experience, which provides them with a huge sense of relief. In the past, their parents thought they didn't understand and usually hadn't given them permission to talk about it.
3. A Structured Intervention which provides family members with the support and guidance needed to share how the addiction-related behaviors have impacted their relationship(s).
4. Informal Interaction with other family members. While this aspect may seem inconsequential, we believe that it is a vital element for success. When family members share intimate information with one another they are more apt to trust and bond. This bonding can deepen during the non-structured time that families spend together. These relationships then serve as a source of support long after the service ends.
Family members and/or significant others often experience much pain and stress from trying to deal with chemical dependency. While in attendance, they are encouraged to recognize any adjustments they've made, develop positive changes for themselves, and learn new coping strategies.
"I came here with my family not knowing what to expect, nervous, anxious and apprehensive. I leave here comforted, convinced and at peace with myself in knowing that all the residents here are in the best hands they can possibly be."
Yet another purpose of Family Session participation is to promote for clients their increased understanding of addiction as a "Family Disease", to address their denial and to help them take responsibility for past behaviors.
How Family Services operates
Soon after arriving at St. Joseph's, each client meets with a Family Counselor to sign releases permitting communication with their loved ones. Invitations are then extended from the Family Department for family members to participate in Family Sessions. Please note, to attend persons must be 10 years of age or older.
Due to space limitations we are able to accommodate two people on behalf of each client. Those who have been most impacted by the client's disease and/or with whom the resident may be eventually residing are given priority. When loved ones receive our correspondence they are encouraged to confirm their reservation as soon as possible. If more than two want to attend those names go on a waiting list. Anyone who has been placed on the waiting list is notified of final confirmation approximately one week prior to the onset of Family Sessions. It is our desire to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend and we encourage calls to determine space availability.
Preparing a list for the Intervention
Family Sessions are an important part of each In-patient client's treatment. Chances for successful recovery are greatly increased when family members participate. The sessions include a time when the client is told by loved one(s) what changes they were aware of as the client's alcohol/drug use worsened and how they were affected. To help loved ones prepare their list, please click on the following link: "Guidelines for Sharing". Loved ones may choose to draft their list prior to coming and bring it with them.
If a loved one finds it impossible to attend Family Sessions, they are encouraged to participate by sending a letter to be read aloud in a group therapy setting to assist in their client's recovery. For more specific information about writing that letter, please click on link: "Guidelines for Sharing".
If you are unable to attend and are sending a letter instead, please post by addressing the letter to:
Family Department
St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers
159 Glenwood Drive
Saranac Lake, New York 12983
or
FAX to 518-891-7614
or
Email: family@stjoestreatment.org
Our Family Services Agenda
After arriving between 6:00 and 6:30 PM (on a Sunday or Friday depending upon the session) the Family Sessions begin with an orientation at 7:00 p.m. The Sessions conclude before lunch on the last day (a Wednesday or Monday morning respectively). Lodging and meals are provided during the program. (Please note no dinner is provided on the first evening. If traveling by bus please consider purchasing a meal along the way or packing a lunch.)
To best address the issues concerning the disease of addiction, full-time participation, from beginning to end, is required and loved ones are expected to be alcohol and drug free five days preceding and throughout the program, to help ensure their safe abstinence all while in attendance. As we are a tobacco-free facility, abstinence from tobacco products is also strictly enforced.
The Family Sessions take place in the Paschal Family Building which is separate from our main facility yet on the same campus. Although loved ones reside in the Family building, they enjoy their lunches, dinners, and some visits/activities in the main center with their respective client.
The Family Sessions schedule is very full, beginning early each day and continuing into the evenings with meetings and assignments.
What to Bring
Please bring modest, casual clothing (be aware of appropriate logos/lettering) sufficient for three days and note that no laundry facilities are available. Summer days get warm but nights in the mountains are cool - so bring sweaters and long pants. In winter, boots are a necessity. If a child is attending, please allow him/her to bring a favorite book, toy or game.
Transportation
An Adirondack Trailways bus arrives in Saranac Lake via Albany / New York at 5:30 PM. Our local airport is the Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Lake Clear, New York. Please make arrangements through your local travel agent and notify us of your travel plans.
Cost of Family Services
Family Sessions are provided as part of the whole program but donations are graciously accepted to help defer our costs. Why should you choose us?
We are proud of our outstanding service and are gratified to be recognized in professional communities for our success. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities noted in its independent assessment of St. Joseph's that the Family Services are "exemplary"
"Our son has been in treatment for the past 5 weeks at
St. Joseph's and this is his 7th or 8th treatment experience.
We have taken part in 2 family weekends at other facilities...
they were difficult experiences but seemed beneficial at the time...
Last week... we came away with a renewed hope for mankind,
and filled with wonder and hope regarding your facility.
We have never had an experience such as this, even though
we have been to so many treatment centers over the
past 6 years. I have never felt so much love, concern,
genuine empathy and understanding. We have never seen
a program which operates in the manner of St. Joseph's.
It seems as if you have all the answers and solutions for
which we have been searching."