From Fear to Hope: A Look Inside OneEighty’s Residential Treatment Program

Taking the first step towards recovery is undeniably brave, but it often comes hand-in-hand with a swirl of uncertainty and fear. What will it be like? Will I feel like I’m in a hospital? Or worse, a jail? These are common anxieties for individuals considering residential treatment for substance use, and at OneEighty, we understand those hesitations. Our Residential Operations Manager, Elizabeth Fugate, offers a candid and detailed look inside our residential programs, aiming to break down the experience and replace fear with a sense of informed hope.

“A lot of times people imagine before they get here that it’s going to be like jail or being in a hospital,” Elizabeth shares. This misconception is a significant barrier for many, preventing them from accessing the support they need. However, the reality at OneEighty is intentionally different. “When people actually arrive and see our facilities for themselves, they often find they’re pretty homey, and the staff is really welcoming and friendly. We really try to make it a comfortable space – not like it’s their forever home, because, well, then they might never leave! But a place where they feel at ease, because we know that’s when they can really focus on learning and growing. We want them to feel genuinely supported and cared for by our team.”

A Day in the Life: Structure and Support

One of the primary sources of anxiety for individuals can be the unknown of daily life in a residential treatment program. Elizabeth provides a clear picture of what a typical day looks like, designed to provide structure, support, and a sense of community.

“So, Monday through Friday, we pretty much stick to the same routine; weekends are a bit more relaxed. But everyone gets up around 7:00 a.m., and morning meds usually follow about half an hour later. Right after that, the whole group has breakfast together, and we have this little meeting we call morning meditation at the same time. I really believe in the power of sharing a meal with others and focusing on positive things – it’s great for your mental well-being. So, that’s how every day starts: morning meditation and breakfast together. Then, the first group session kicks off at 9:00 a.m..”

This structured start to the day provides a sense of routine and predictability, which can be incredibly grounding, especially for individuals whose lives may have felt chaotic. The morning meditation and group breakfast foster a sense of community and connection right from the start.

“That first group usually wraps up around 11:00 a.m. Then, the afternoons can vary a bit depending on the day. Sometimes folks head to the YMCA, other times it’s yoga. We also have specific groups like parenting or our SNAP education group, where they learn about things like meal planning and healthy eating,” explains Elizabeth. “And we weave in other important things throughout the week, like connecting them with primary care through Viola Startzman Clinic and making sure they meet with their peer support person. Everyone also has an individual counseling session each week. By about 5:00 p.m., it’s dinner time. After that, they have some time to chill out, take care of chores, and then we either go out for a meeting or have one right here in the house every evening.”

The afternoons are filled with various therapeutic and skill-building activities, ensuring residents have ample opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Integrating physical activity, individual counseling, and peer support highlights the holistic approach to recovery at OneEighty.

Evenings provide a balance of personal time and continued support through recovery meetings. “As the evening winds down before bedtime, we always have what we call an evening gratitude meeting. Everyone comes back together, and we share the highs and lows of our day. It’s a way to end the day with a positive mindset so we can all start fresh the next morning on a good note. So, that gives you a pretty good idea of what a typical day looks like. We feel it’s important for both our clients and our staff to have a clear understanding of the daily rhythm here,” shares Elizabeth. This intentional practice of gratitude before sleep fosters a positive mindset and reinforces the progress made throughout the day.

Feeling Safe, Supported, and Accountable

Beyond the daily schedule, creating a safe and supportive environment is paramount. OneEighty utilizes a trauma-informed care approach, ensuring all staff are equipped to understand and respond to the impact of trauma. “We want to make sure that clients feel super comfortable coming to staff members, talking about things that they’re going through,” Elizabeth explains.

Accountability is also a key component of the program, but it’s balanced with understanding and support. “We are going to hold you accountable to those routines,” Elizabeth states regarding the structured schedule. “So that they’re expecting something that is like, ‘I’m gonna have to be on time. I’m gonna have to do these things.’ And then if someone’s having a really bad day and they just need a minute, like, okay, come in the office and let’s talk about it. Maybe you can be excused from the group. Maybe you’ll be approved to take a nap. That type of thing. So, they have the expectation that they’ll be held accountable. And they are held accountable, but not in a way that rules are the most important thing. We want everybody to receive comfortable care.”

Furthermore, the physical environment at OneEighty is intentionally designed to foster a sense of safety and comfort. Residents are encouraged to personalize their private spaces, with each bedroom typically shared by only two individuals. This setup provides a level of privacy and independence that moves away from a more institutional or dormitory-style setting, allowing residents to feel more at ease and build connections with their roommates.

Addressing the Fear: You’re Not Alone

The fear of the unknown is powerful, but Elizabeth offers a direct message to those on the fence about seeking treatment: “What do you have to lose by coming to residential treatment? If somebody comes here and absolutely hates it and doesn’t want to stay, they don’t have to. But there is no harm in trying.”

OneEighty encourages individuals considering residential treatment to learn more before making a decision. They are welcome to ask any questions they may have. Additionally, the facilities offer community meetings where prospective clients can visit, see the environment firsthand, and get a sense of the community before committing to admission.

Understanding that the typical 60 to 90-day treatment duration can feel daunting, OneEighty offers a more manageable perspective. They often advise new residents to focus on the initial 10 days. The first few days are typically the most challenging as individuals adjust to a new environment, new people, and a new routine, often while also experiencing withdrawal. The subsequent few days can bring different emotional challenges as the reality of their situation begins to sink in. However, OneEighty emphasizes that once these initial 10 days are complete, the experience often becomes significantly smoother.

Seeing is Believing: The Power of Connection

The most compelling way to overcome fear is to witness the success stories firsthand. Elizabeth shares a heartwarming example: “Just this past Tuesday, we had a wonderful moment at our men’s facility. A gentleman who had completed the program a year ago came back to visit, proudly showing off his one-year sobriety coin. As a special reward, he’d gotten a puppy and brought him along to meet everyone. He was beaming with pride, and it was truly heartwarming to witness his progress.”

These moments of connection and shared joy underscore the transformative power of residential treatment and the supportive community fostered at OneEighty. Stepping through our doors is not stepping into a cold, institutional environment but a space of warmth, understanding, and a shared commitment to recovery.

The fear of the unknown can be daunting, but by understanding what to expect, that fear can begin to dissipate, paving the way for hope and healing.