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An Alternative Approach to Long-Term Rehab Programs

The Addiction Recovery Program at A Reprieve for Men

LEARN TO MAINTAIN SOBRIETY IN A

BROTHERHOOD FOCUSED ON
service to others

LEARN TO MAINTAIN SOBRIETY IN A

BROTHERHOOD FOCUSED ON
service to others

The three-phased approach at A Reprieve for Men uses the 12 Steps as a framework for rebuilding a man’s spirituality, community, and self. Each phase includes intensive personal work, therapeutic support, and community building, with monitoring and guidance lessening as the resident grows more confident in his recovery.

While each phase has a general timeline, we work with the resident and their families to decide when to progress. Involvement from their support system reinforces the importance of community and allows everyone to feel comfortable and confident in the recovery process.

PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3

Phase 1: 12 Step Immersion

BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR RECOVERY

A key to lasting recovery is understanding the physical and emotional motivations underlying substance addiction to begin repairing the mind, body, and spirit. At A Reprieve for Men, our first phase starts with exploring these motivations and rebuilding a solid foundation of recovery through therapy, mentorship, and in-depth work within Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12 Steps.

Some people struggle to truly understand the purpose and reasoning behind the 12 Steps, even if they have previously participated in other 12 Step programs. Through our 12 Step Immersion programming, staff members who have worked through the steps themselves guide residents, using therapeutic, spiritual, and experiential methods to illustrate their impact and importance on a deeply personal level.

Generally 90 days, the first phase is also the most intensively supervised of our program. We closely observe residents in this phase, ensuring they stay committed to their plan, house rules, and step work, helping to ensure both safety and program success.

What to Expect in Phase One
Of Long-Term Addiction Treatment

Daily spirituality and meditation exercises

Group therapy sessions, twice daily, five days a week, covering topics such as 12 Step Immersion, community service, recreation, processing, and motivation.

Weekly intensive individual therapy sessions, with an option for EMDR

Weekly yoga sessions

In week one, residents also participate in a psychiatric evaluation with a partner provider, who will determine the frequency of sessions based on the needs of each individual.

Life in Sobriety

Early sobriety can be challenging as many men are at a low point in life, often feeling alone and uncentered. The first phase includes social and recreational activities emphasizing building community, fostering healthy bonds, and showing that sobriety can be enjoyable! More than just a break, showing the fun side of sobriety early can be one of the strongest tools in motivating continued change. At least one night a week is dedicated to enjoying life without using drugs or alcohol. This fun side of sobriety could include nights “on the town” — going to the movies and other local activities, or staying in to play board games, watch sports, and other casual group pastimes. Two weekends each month, we embark on larger outings, such as going to the movies, pinball, sporting events, paintball, and other activities within driving distance of Auburn.

Community Connections

The brotherhood within the Reprieve community is important, as are connections made with people in the general community. Our residents attend outside recovery meetings in the community, such as Alcoholics’ Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other recovery organizations where they are comfortable.

Our first phase residents must also learn to connect with those outside of recovery. Two weekends each month are for service projects aimed at building a bridge with the local population. Our residents volunteer at local food banks, animal shelters, and help clean and repair our city’s public areas. Giving back to ones community is a key part of the 12 step process and is vital for the growth of our residents.

Supportive Recovery Residences:

An upgraded approach to sober living

All residents in the first phase begin programming in our main house and are assigned a roommate in a similar stage of recovery. Roommates are required for each resident to avoid common isolation tendencies and encourage community and fellowship.

When residents are near completion of phase one, they gain more independence with a move to our exclusively owned apartment complex, located within easy walking distance. Apartment living allows for more autonomy, with the safety net of supervision and proximity to the main house. Residents continue to have roommates in various program phases. We love to see our veterans befriend and mentor the newer guys through the process!

community
HIGHLIGHT:

Opelika Sportsplex

Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center

The Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center is more than a gym. It is a life-enhancement center where people can improve their health, fulfill their fitness goals, and connect with others in the community. From basketball to racquetball, a swimming pool and splash park, cardio equipment to weights, and indoor and outdoor tracks, there are plenty of activities to get anyone fired up.

A healthy body is just as important as a healthy mind when in recovery. The sportsplex is a major part of our program and an all-time favorite activity of many residents. All residents of the Reprieve have access to the facility and its amenities six days a week.

Phase 2: Life Skills

CREATING A HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE LIFE

A healthy, productive life, free of drugs and alcohol, opens the door for more opportunities. Our residents experience this firsthand in the second phase of our addiction recovery program as they take on more responsibilities with less supervision from staff.

The main objective of phase two at A Reprieve for Men is to create a framework for a balanced life. We emphasize life skills and establish responsibilities and schedules outside Reprieve activities. While they gain more independence, our staff, alumni, and peers in the program are still there to help overcome any obstacles they may face.

Joy of Sobriety

Renewed Responsibilities

In addition to the ability to go to work or school off campus, residents in phase two also have more freedom with their time and belongings. They are allowed some unmonitored time with their cell phone, laptops, and tablets. Alongside the return of personal electronics, access to their personal vehicle may be granted in this phase, given a valid license and insurance. With approval, residents can also leave the property with a minimum of two other residents or staff members.
Education

Education & Employment

After completing the sixth step, residents are eligible to begin employment in our local area, with the responsibility of balancing work with program obligations. Residents can also elect to take up to two classes after completing the sixth step and register for a full course load after their fifth month in the program.

While group sessions are encouraged, they are not required for those with jobs or full-time students. Psychiatric appointments, individual therapy, yoga, and outside meetings are still mandatory.

Work

Ready to Work Program

Some patients come to the Reprieve without completing their high school diploma or struggle to find or hold a job for more than a few months. We partner with Southern Union Community College for GED classes and a Ready-to-Work program for these residents to help them take another step toward living independently.

Ready-to-Work is a five-week program that teaches the basic knowledge needed to interact with others and maintain a job. Foundational cognitive skills, such as applied mathematics, critical thinking, and locating information, are taught alongside soft skills that deal with interactions and adaptability.

community
HIGHLIGHT:

Southern Union Community College

A Reprieve for Men works closely with a local community college, Southern Union, to help our residents interested in furthering their education or completing a degree to kickstart a career as a sober member of society. Southern Union’s three-faceted educational emphasis is on academic programs for transferability, technical programs for specialized career competencies, and health sciences programs for specialized training in the health field.
Phase 3: Community Living

Completing Our Long-Term Addiction Recovery Program

The final phase of our program is a time of transition. In preparations for life after the Reprieve, residents are expected to provide for themselves and use the time to explore options for more permanent employment, education, and living arrangements. While phase three residents are mostly independent, they are never alone. Their Reprieve community and staff are still there to help remove hurdles and further hone the skills they learned in earlier phases.

What to Expect in the Final Phase

Weekly sessions with a program specialist

Outside recovery group meetings a minimum of four times per week

Full-time responsibilities – full-time employment or school, or part-time of each

Optional group therapy meetings

Permanent return of cell phones, electronics, and personal vehicle

Extended curfew and solo day trips off campus

Two monthly 48-hour travel passes, 96-hour after completing six months.

Leading Our Community

Recovery is a community for a reason, as addiction is not something to be overcome alone. Those who have walked the path longer help guide those just starting. As our phase three residents approach program completion and a year of sobriety, they adopt this leadership role within the Reprieve community. Our veterans serve as mentors to newer residents, leading by example and sharing their personal stories and lessons with men taking their first steps toward recovery.

The Connection to
home

Addiction is a disease that affects the whole family, which means recovery is a process for the family, too. We ensure that family and friends are involved and connected in their loved one’s recovery.

Staying in Touch

Our specialists have a weekly update call with designated family members in early phases and biweekly later in the program. We host visitation each Sunday. Once residents progress to later phases, they earn 24-96 hour passes to visit family members off campus.

True Link Card

A Reprieve for Men uses True Link debit cards to monitor resident spending, allowing staff to discontinue funds if they purchase items that may negatively impact their recovery. In phases one and two, a nominal amount is expected to be deposited in the resident’s account weekly to cover incidentals such as toiletries and snacks.

Sending Gifts & Care Packages

Loved ones must speak with Reprieve specialists before sending gifts or care packages. Part of the recovery process is becoming independent and self-sufficient. Family members also often need time to recover, and sending gifts could be a part of their codependent natures. A specialist can help determine when and what is appropriate.

Family Program

Families of all our residents are invited to attend our three-day Family Program, held every three months. This educational session includes in-depth information about the treatment process, managing their own negative behaviors, facility tours, and of course, time with their loved one.
“The Reprieve was exactly what I needed during this phase of my life. The brotherhood and sense of community helped me get through some of the darkest times of my life. I stay connected with a lot of the staff and am still close with a good number of people up there. I feel as if I’m welcomed back any time and feel good whenever I return.”
Is a regular drug rehab program not working for your loved one? A Reprieve for Men offers an alternative to traditional addiction treatment programs.
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