Category: Drug Addiction

Open post Stability, Purpose, and Connection in Long-Term Recovery

Stability, Purpose, and Connection in Long-Term Recovery

Recovery Is More Than Avoiding Relapse

For someone recovering from substance use disorder, going another day without drugs or alcohol can be an important accomplishment. But it’s how you spend that new day that makes all the difference.

  • Did you go to work?
  • Spend time with family?
  • Attend a recovery meeting?
  • Make progress toward a personal goal?
  • When something went wrong, were you able to manage the situation without returning to substance use?

Avoiding relapse is an important part of the process, but long-term recovery involves more than not using substances. It also means addressing the circumstances, behaviors, relationships, and challenges that influence a person’s ability to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

 

The Difference Between Abstinence and Recovery

Abstinence generally refers to refraining from using alcohol or other substances. For people recovering from substance use disorder, it is a central goal and an essential part of maintaining their health.

Recovery is much broader.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recovery is a process through which individuals improve their health and wellness, lead self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.

There are four major dimensions of recovery:

  • Health: Managing substance use disorder while making choices that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
  • Home: Having a stable, safe place to live.
  • Purpose: Finding meaning through employment, education, family responsibilities, volunteering, or other activities.
  • Community: Developing relationships that provide friendship, encouragement, accountability, and support.

Someone may remain abstinent, yet still struggle with unstable housing, unemployment, isolation, or mental health challenges. Addressing those problems is part of recovery, too.

Likewise, someone may experience setbacks while making meaningful progress in other areas of life. Recovery is not always a straight line, and a brief return to substance use doesn’t necessarily erase the progress someone has made.

 

The Everyday Work of Recovery

Substance use disorder can disrupt nearly every aspect of a person’s life, from employment and finances to relationships and healthy routines. Stopping substance use doesn’t automatically resolve those problems.

Someone leaving treatment may need to find a job, arrange transportation, manage household expenses, and rebuild relationships. At the same time, they’re learning to handle everyday stress without returning to substance use.

At The GateHouse, residential extended care and transitional living programs help individuals develop the practical skills and habits needed for independent living.

  • Getting to work on time helps establish consistency and accountability.
  • Managing a budget builds financial independence.
  • Participating in household responsibilities reinforces cooperation and reliability.

 

Rebuilding Trust and Finding Connection

For some individuals, years of substance use have damaged relationships with friends, spouses, children, or other family members. Rebuilding trust takes time, and reconciliation is not always possible or appropriate.

It often begins with changes in behavior rather than promises:

  • Showing up when expected
  • Following through on commitments
  • Respecting boundaries
  • Communicating honestly

Steps like these gradually demonstrate personal growth. At the same time, individuals in recovery may need to reassess relationships and social environments that no longer support their well-being.

Peer support groups, sponsors, mentors, counselors, and others with lived recovery experience can provide accountability, guidance, and opportunities to build healthy relationships. They can also help individuals recognize unhealthy patterns and develop better ways of responding to stress.

They provide opportunities to develop friendships, practice healthy communication, and experience the sense of belonging that makes life more fulfilling.

Over time, people who once depended on that support may find themselves providing it to someone else.

 

Finding Purpose Beyond Substance Use

Employment can provide income, routine, responsibility, and opportunities to contribute. But purpose isn’t limited to a paycheck. It can also come from pursuing an education, reconnecting with family, volunteering, or helping others in recovery.

Someone who previously structured their day around obtaining or using substances may need to develop new routines, interests, and relationships.

At The GateHouse, helping individuals discover those interests and develop greater independence is part of preparing them for life beyond structured care.

 

Recognizing Growth Along the Way

Milestones marking time without substance use are worth celebrating, but they aren’t the only way to measure progress.

Someone who once struggled with conflict may learn to have difficult conversations without becoming overwhelmed. A person who had trouble maintaining employment may begin showing up consistently. A parent may gradually rebuild trust with a child.

These are meaningful signs of recovery, even when they’re difficult to quantify. And because life’s challenges don’t disappear after treatment, neither does the need for ongoing recovery support.

 

The People Who Help Make Recovery Possible

Recovery depends on more than individual determination. Counselors, sponsors, family members, employers, and community supporters all play important roles, whether they’re providing guidance, helping someone find employment, or assisting with basic needs.

These connections are central to The GateHouse’s work and the inspiration behind our 2026 Extraordinary Give theme, The People Who Connect Us.

Your contribution during this year’s ExtraGive helps sustain the programs and services that support individuals as they rebuild their lives, develop independence, and strengthen their connections to the community.

 

If you or someone you care about is ready to begin a recovery journey, contact The GateHouse to learn about available programs and support. Those who want to strengthen recovery in Lancaster County can follow The GateHouse as we prepare to share more about this year’s ExtraGive campaign.

 

Open post The Value of Physical Activity in Recovery

Moving Toward Recovery: How Physical Activity Boosts Your Journey to Wellness

Recovery from substance use disorder is a process that encompasses more than just mental and emotional healing; it involves physical restoration as well. At The GateHouse, we understand the role physical activity plays in building a well-rounded approach to recovery.

The Mind-Body Connection in Recovery

The link between physical health and mental well-being is well-established, but it’s particularly important in recovery. When you engage in regular physical activity, your body releases endorphins – often called “feel-good” hormones. These natural mood boosters help combat the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany the early recovery process, and there is ample evidence to back up the value exercise plays for those in early and long-term recovery.

Physical activity can help stabilize your emotions by:

  • Improving sleep quality
  • Boosting self-esteem and confidence
  • Providing a healthy outlet for excess energy or stress
  • Creating structure, discipline, and routine in daily life
  • Offering opportunities for social interaction and support

Low-Cost Activities to Get You Moving

You don’t need an expensive gym membership or fancy equipment to reap the benefits of physical activity. Free or low-cost options that can get your blood pumping and contribute to your overall well-being are everywhere you look (especially during spring, summer, and fall):

  1. Walking or Hiking: A brisk walk around your neighborhood or a hike in a nearby park is an excellent way to start. These low-impact activities require no special equipment and allow you to connect with nature.
  2. Running: If intensity is your thing, running is a great way to supercharge those endorphins while offering an excellent cardio workout. Start with short distances and gradually increase your endurance.
  3. Bodyweight Exercises: Push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks can provide a full-body workout with nothing more than the gravity and ground as your equipment. You can do these exercises at home or in a local park.
  4. Yoga: Many free yoga videos are available online. Yoga not only improves flexibility and strength but also promotes mindfulness and stress reduction.
  5. Dancing: Put on your favorite music and dance in your living room. It’s a fun way to get moving and lift your spirits; nobody has to know but you.
  6. Cycling: If you can access a bicycle, cycling is an excellent low-impact cardio workout. Explore your local area, find a riding buddy, or join a community cycling group.
  7. Team Sports: Recreational sports leagues are great for social interaction and getting the blood pumping. Many communities offer free or low-cost options for sports like basketball, soccer, or volleyball.

Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine

When adding physical activity into your recovery plan, keep these key points in mind:

  1. Start Slow: If you’re new to exercising or returning after a long break, begin with low-intensity activities and gradually increase your effort.
  2. Be Consistent: Aim for regular activity rather than intense, infrequent sessions. Even 15-30 minutes of daily movement can make a big difference.
  3. Find Activities You Enjoy: You’re more likely to stick with exercise if you genuinely like what you’re doing. Experiment with different activities to find what works for you.
  4. Set Realistic Goals: Celebrate small victories. Maybe your goal is to walk for 10 minutes today or to try a new yoga pose this week. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
  5. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel during and after a workout. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to take a break, modify the activity, or find a different exercise altogether.

The Role of Community in Active Recovery

Engaging in physical activities with others can increase the benefits of your recovery. Group activities provide accountability, social support, and a sense of belonging – all crucial elements of the recovery process.

Consider joining a recovery-focused fitness group or invite a friend or family member to be your exercise buddy. The GateHouse encourages our community members to support each other in their wellness journeys, including their physical activity goals.

Integrating Physical Activity into Your Recovery Plan

At The GateHouse, we believe in a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses all aspects of well-being. Physical activity is a vital component of this approach, working in tandem with counseling, peer support, and other recovery tools to create a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.

Remember, the goal isn’t to become a professional athlete or achieve a certain body type; instead, the aim should be to use physical activity as a tool to support your overall health and improve your quality of life in recovery.

Your Next Step Towards Wellness

If you or someone you know is seeking a recovery program that values holistic wellness, including physical health, The GateHouse is here to help. Our outpatient, transitional living, and residential extended care programs are designed to support individuals at every stage of their recovery journey.

Don’t let another day pass without taking action. Reach out to us today to learn more about how our programs can support your path to recovery. Every movement toward improving your health is also a movement toward sustainable, long-term recovery.

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Love and Recovery: Navigating Romantic Relationships in Recovery

Individuals recovering from substance use disorder have an important need for human connection. Connecting with a broader social world helps them to feel more loved and less likely to return to substance use.

At the same time, emotionally intense social connections have the potential to cause problems. Navigating romantic relationships during recovery is a particularly tricky affair. Former substance users may find themselves more likely to relapse or become codependent.

It is suggested that people in recovery wait a full year before engaging in romantic relationships. This provides enough time to focus solely on their mental health and well-being while also learning how to deal with the emotional aspects of romance that can negatively impact the recovery journey.

After the first year, choosing to pursue a romantic connection can be a positive experience. But it should still be approached with caution. Former substance users should set reasonable boundaries with their new partners to help maintain their emotional stability.

The Dangers of Romantic Relationships During Recovery

Engaging in romantic behavior too early during the recovery process can lead to several potential problems.

The most common problem is using love as an escape or substitute for drugs or alcohol. Falling in love actually triggers some of the same reward circuitry in the brain that substances do. Many former users have fallen into the trap of simply substituting one for the other.

Romance during recovery can sometimes lead to codependency, an imbalanced relationship in which one member enables another’s self-destructive behavior. This is especially dangerous if that self-destructive behavior is a relapse into addiction.

Romance can sometimes become all-consuming, to the point at which people lose themselves and ignore their goals. During recovery, your primary objective should be to remember who you are, build self-esteem, and avoid relapsing. Romance between two individuals in early recovery can be challenging. 

The Importance of Emotional Stability and Boundaries

Extreme emotions–both positive and negative–are common triggers for relapsing. In many cases, addiction is often the result of trying to guard against such feelings in the first place.

This is why, especially in the first year of recovery, securing stable emotions without outside romantic influences is so important. Many of the tips below are designed to help with this.

Setting behavioral boundaries for yourself and potential partners is important to prevent triggering extreme emotions. This should not be done in a controlling way, however, because other people should feel free to live their own lives as they see fit. Nevertheless, letting a potential partner know how certain experiences might be potentially triggering will help both parties engage with each other in a safer way.

Tips for Dating in Recovery

Wait. It’s worth it. 

As mentioned previously, it’s best to experience a full year of recovery before engaging in romantic behavior once again. This is because risks are at their highest during that first year. 

After the first year, pursuing romance should typically be more manageable thanks to well-established boundaries, a better sense of self-worth, and the resolve that comes with having made it through an entire year without substances. 

Keep the main thing the main thing.

During recovery, your main goal should be recovery. Finding a partner is a perfectly acceptable goal once you are no longer suffering from acute substance use disorder. Also, remember to maintain daily habits and routines to improve your chances of success in recovery. Although a new relationship may be exciting, it’s still a good idea to stick to the behaviors that you know will keep you well.

Expect to be hurt. 

Rejection is a normal part of dating, but it is particularly dangerous during recovery. This is because rejection can trigger the same thoughts and feelings that in the past may have led to self-medication through the use of drugs or alcohol. Be prepared for the possibility of rejection so that if it happens, you have a strategy and won’t feel compelled to relapse.

Don’t forget: “People, Places, and Things”

There’s a reason clinicians recommend changing the people, places, and things in your life during early recovery: they’re triggers. When you do get back out there, avoid dating people you knew before you entered recovery. Not only might they remind you of your former addictive behaviors, they may also still be in the throes of substance use disorder themselves.

Set boundaries.

Be sure to set boundaries with any partner you may have, especially when it comes to behaviors or activities that may cause you to relapse. It is common for couples to get a drink together on a date. But if you’re in recovery, make sure to tell your date you cannot be around alcohol.

Be honest.

Be open and honest about your past and express your need for support during your recovery journey. It is better for a partner to know what you are going through, than to discover it too late. 

Beware of codependence. 

Create social ties beyond your romantic partner. Having a diversity of connections is important to social well-being and focusing too much attention on one person can be unhealthy and lead to codependence. In the event of a breakup, lean on your social support network to help you through the range of emotions. 

Love and Life After Recovery

Individuals recovering from substance use disorder face many challenges on their road to a better life. 

Among other things, they must balance their need for human connection with the pitfalls of rushing into intense emotional relationships too soon. Many people become involved with a romantic relationship too early, only to find themselves relapsing or involved in codependency.

In most cases, it is recommended to follow through with a full year of treatment before engaging in romantic behavior, and even then, those in recovery should be careful about who they choose to date.

Fortunately, many people do recover and find love and a happier life on the other side.

—

The GateHouse is Central Pennsylvania’s leader in accredited recovery care, recognizing the unique challenges individuals face on their journey to recovery. For 50 years, we have helped individuals in our community restore their lives and rediscover the strength of the human spirit.

We provide each client with a support system that helps them break the cycle of substance use disorder and put them on the path to recovery. The GateHouse is here for you, whether you need outpatient support, transitional living, or residential extended care programs. If you’re looking for help now, give us a call at 717-393-3215 or reach out to us today to get started.

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The GateHouse Turns 50: Remembering Recovery Program Supervisor Janice Potter

In December 2022, The GateHouse celebrated its 50th year of offering people a meaningful path to recovery. As part of this celebration, we are spotlighting prominent staff, leaders, and alumni and sharing their stories of their time at The GateHouse.

This month, we’re putting a spotlight on the late Janice Potter, a beloved Recovery Program Supervisor and one-time resident of The GateHouse, who passed away in 2022.

A Free and Compassionate Spirit

Before she became part of the team at The GateHouse, Janice Potter was a resident here. One of her best friends, Irene Mouchlizis, vividly remembers her arrival in 2000.

“She was a hot mess,” Irene said with a chuckle. “She was always fun … just a bit all over the place. She struggled to pay attention and had difficulty controlling impulsive behaviors, both of which made it difficult for her to focus on any one task.”

Despite this challenge, Janice displayed courage and determination through her early recovery.

“She worked really hard on being a better version of herself,” Irene said. “She knew that we are always a work in progress, so she never thought that she had reached a point where she had ‘arrived.’ She knew there was always more work to be done.”

Due to an unfortunate false positive on a drug test caused by an approved medication, Janice was let go from The GateHouse program a month early despite being clean. After her discharge, she was loathe to return to her hometown out of fear of getting caught up with her old crowd, so she moved in with Irene.

“Janice was just the type of person that you just felt comfortable to be yourself with,” Irene said. “She wasn’t judgmental; she was accepting of everyone, and she never held a grudge. She would help anyone in need however she could.”

As roommates, the two formed a tight bond.

“We called each other sisters,” Irene said. “She was my other half.”

A Selfless Life and a Lasting Legacy

Despite her early release from the program, Janice returned to The GateHouse several years later—this time as an employee and mentor. Having found a sense of inner peace thanks to the work she had done in recovery, she was better able to assist others on their own recovery journeys.

“Every year in recovery brought an increased self-awareness and the changes that come along with that,” Irene said. “Her faith became a big focus of her life.”

Jodi O’Reilly, who now serves as executive director of The GateHouse, said Janice was in a much different place when she returned: equally free-spirited, but much more grounded.

“This is something she really cultivated in recovery,” Jodi said. “She did a lot of work on herself in preparation to serve others.”

Janice felt drawn to The GateHouse, Jodi said, because of how much the program had helped her and Irene. Janice also knew her words could empower people during their recovery journey and was eager to offer a space of no judgment. She eventually worked her way up to Recovery Program Supervisor, Jodi said.

“She treated everyone with the same dignity, respect, tenderness, and empathy,” Jodi said, recalling Janice’s immense impact on women in recovery. “She was an advocate for every woman at The GateHouse and spoke the truth, even when it was tough.”

No matter how difficult the client, Jodi said Janice always approached them from a place of compassion. She recognized how crucial this was to eradicate the shame held by so many residents entering the program.

“These are wounded women,” Janice would often say. “They deserve a chance to be understood.”

“Every training we sent her to, she was the best in the room,” Jodi recalled. “I’ve never run into an employee who is optimistic in every situation. Most folks struggle at some point, but Janice never wavered.”

A Life Defined by Commitment, Community, and Character

Janice wanted to give back what was given to her and help others enjoy the freedom that recovery brings, Irene said.

The tragic personal losses she had suffered in life – her mother and sister both dying of cancer and her brother being taken by a heart attack – compelled her to create her own chosen family, which included her surviving sister. Janice’s infectious enthusiasm, her carefree spirit, and her zest for life naturally attracted people to her, Irene and Jodi said.

“She was 40, but she acted like she was 22,” Irene said. “Even in her 50s, she was the same fun-loving person. She loved to see people smile. She had a way of making you forget about your troubles and learn to laugh.”

Throughout her life, Janice remained close to the people she connected with, including Irene’s children, with whom she would often visit, spend time, and post TikTok videos.

“It was hard not to consider her a part of your family,” Irene said.

Janice cultivated her close-knit network by regularly attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings and events, another touch point that connected her with others in recovery.

“Connection was her lifeline,” Irene said. “She got so much joy out of watching people ‘grow up’ in recovery and start to live better lives. She was always available to anyone in need, whether it was via text, a phone call, or in person. It didn’t matter the time of day; she was there if you needed her.”

The Lessons Janice Left

If there are any lessons Janice left behind, it would be her compassion and her deep reverence for every human being. She created a safe space for everyone to be seen, heard, and understood. It may sound simple, but her capacity for empathy had a profound effect on the people around her and it truly changed people’s lives.

The inner peace and sense of faith Janice had found in recovery stayed with her even in her final moments.

“She had found peace with God,” Irene said. “Even in the last months of her life, there was no fear. She knew that God was by her side.”

The example she set and the way she lived her life impacted many people at The GateHouse and beyond, Jodi and Irene said.

“Her legacy will continue to live on,” Jodi said. “She was a light in everybody’s life.”

Open post The GateHouse Anniversary Stories-David-Morgan

The GateHouse Turns 50: An Anniversary Story with David Morgan

In December 2022, The GateHouse celebrated its 50th year of offering people a meaningful path to recovery. As part of this celebration, we are spotlighting prominent staff, leaders, and alumni and sharing the stories of their time at The GateHouse.

Surrounded by a wonderful community and filled with a passion for the arts, David Morgan leads a rich life in recovery.

He said he’s always had an interest in classical music and discovered that both the opera and the ballet stir great emotions in him.

“The first time I went to the opera, I ended up crying,” David said.

The GateHouse is partly responsible for those tears. It was actually a connection he made here that led David to discover his interest in the performing arts. In fact, he and his wife have remained on good terms with that connection—Vicky Parker, his former counselor at The GateHouse—and her husband. They still make regular outings to The Met.

David’s appreciation for the performing arts and the sense of artistic fulfillment he gleaned from it wasn’t built overnight, however. He says members of the recovery community, which included people like Vicky, were his saving grace. When he first came to The GateHouse, he was in desperate need of such a community.

“I was beaten down,” David said.  “I came close to death a couple times.”

David Morgan Needed Something Different

David arrived at The GateHouse after his fifth rehab.

His counselor told him about Bruce Caldwell, who at the time was the director of The GateHouse, and suggested he try the program.

“I got drunk every time I went home again, so my counselor thought I should try something different”, David said. “I would do whatever I was told to do.”

Because David had to pay out of pocket to participate in The GateHouse program, he found he had a real stake in the outcome. He knew he had a lot to work on and recognized his need for a community that would hold him accountable and help him meet the high expectations he had set for himself.

“It was really great being in a group with twenty other guys,” David said. “They didn’t tolerate my ego.”

 Vicky and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Changed David’s Mindset

A key to making these changes was getting “locked in” to Alcoholics Anonymous.

“The GateHouse really taught me the importance of AA”, David said.

The fellowship he experienced in AA offered him the structure, tools, and community he needed to forge a new path forward.

David also began doing a lot of service work, serving as both the General Service Representative (GSR.) and an Inter-Group delegate for his home group.

“It was a great restart for me”, he said.

Between AA and the work he did with his counselor Vicky, David began to gain new insight into the nature of his substance use disorder and the path forward for his recovery journey. At the time, David and his wife were separated, and he frequently expressed to Vicky how he needed to repair the relationship.

“Vicky helped me understand that I wasn’t necessarily powerful enough to just ‘fix things,’” David said. “I really had to go within and work on myself.”

A Renewed Love of Life

After three years of separation, David and his wife got back together – a testament to the progress he made in AA.

After leaving The GateHouse, David worked as a roofer in Lancaster, staying with the company for quite a while and finding community in unexpected places—like his superintendent, who was on his own recovery journey. This shared experience allowed David to be open and honest with his employer, which made his first job after The GateHouse a very positive experience.

“My whole life now revolves around AA,” David said with a grin. “All my friends, people I go out with, people I do things with, they’re all in AA. And it’s a great life.”

To this day, he continues his work with the AA community and finds great meaning in acting as a sponsor for other members.

“Getting sober is the best thing that ever happened to me”, David said.

When asked what he found to be the most rewarding part of his journey to recovery, David said it was finding a “sense of willingness”.

“In your head you think you do everything yourself, but you can’t figure it out no matter how smart you are,” he said. “You have to be willing to listen and change.”

***

The GateHouse is Central Pennsylvania’s leader in accredited addiction recovery care, recognizing the unique challenges individuals face on their journey to recovery. For 50 years, we have helped individuals in our community restore their lives and rediscover the strength of the human spirit.

We provide each client with a support system that helps them break the cycle of substance abuse disorder and put them on the path to recovery. The GateHouse is here for you, whether you need outpatient support, transitional living conditions, or resident treatment programs. Reach out to us today!

Open post 12 steps in recovery, substance abuse recovery, 12-step program in recovery

How The GateHouse Utilizes the 12-Step Program in Recovery Treatment

There’s so much that goes into recovery treatment at The GateHouse.

From our compassionate staff and counselors to our beautiful residential extended care homes to the solemnity of our newly unveiled Serenity Gardens, our goal is to build a community that supports our clients as they embark on their recovery journey.

And serving as the foundation for that journey is The GateHouse’s unique approach to the 12-Step Program.

For many treatment programs focused on recovery from substance use disorder, 12-step programs are a critical key to success. In general, these sequential programs are designed to not only help individuals overcome substance abuse but also sustain their sobriety and lead a healthy life in recovery.

Most often, the 12 steps are grounded in a submission to a higher power, whether that be God or other types of spirituality.

At The GateHouse, our 12-step program serves as a core element for the personalized recovery treatment our clients receive from us. Each step moves them closer to living life in recovery. Here’s how we utilize these important steps.

The GateHouse Guides Clients Through Steps 1, 2, and 3 of the 12-Step Program

The GateHouse borrows its 12-step program from Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Not only are both programs well-known and trusted by the broader recovery community, but their investment in restoring the human spirit through comprehensive treatment aligns with the mission of The GateHouse.

The first three steps of the 12-step program are core components of The GateHouse’s Residential Extended Care (REC) program. When embarking on the first step, clients attend 12-step program meetings with The GateHouse’s counselors and receive plenty of direction and encouragement. The counselors also help clients establish outside support, including finding a sponsor and other support systems within the broader 12-step community.

While treatment is always tailored to our client’s needs and what can help them most in recovery, the 12-step program is the guiding light of a client’s stay in residential extended care. Here’s what a typical 12-step program looks like at The GateHouse.

The First Step

“We admitted we were powerless over our addiction and that our lives had become unmanageable.”

~ Alcoholics Anonymous Step 1

Treatment in step one focuses on unpacking what individuals feel powerless over. During this step, individuals are encouraged to reflect on when their life became unmanageable and what toxic behaviors, such as blacking out or becoming enraged, interfered in their day-to-day lives. Clients and staff use worksheets designed to facilitate this crucial first step in the program.

Step one is an opportunity to gain insight into how the client’s behaviors resulted in the undesired outcomes that led to their recovery, such as putting one’s kids in danger or compromising personal values.

The ultimate goal of step one is gaining self-awareness.

The Second Step

“We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

~ Alcoholics Anonymous Step 2

In step two, the focus shifts to creating a belief system and instilling faith in a higher power.

Once again, this higher power can be God, nature, or any other type of spiritual connection. The goal is to establish a belief system that can help with distorted thinking and promote internal growth.

At The GateHouse, when clients enter step two, they also gain more independence. Clients are given permission to attend 12-step meetings with their sponsor and even schedule off-site activities with them, such as grabbing lunch or coffee.

The Third Step

“We made a decision to turn our will and our lives to the care of God as we understood Him.”

~ Alcoholics Anonymous Step 3

As clients move into step three, they begin to plan for their recovery journey once they leave The GateHouse.

Step three focuses on surrendering to a higher power and “radical acceptance.” It’s geared towards achieving peace of mind as clients make decisions about where life will take them next. In this phase, clients are given even more agency regarding communication with their 12-step sponsor.

At this point, it’s important for clients to get a sense of how they will remain committed to 12-step recovery once they leave The GateHouse.

Building a Community and Establishing a Support System is Key During these First Three Steps

As Tara Drury, Clinical Director at The GateHouse’s Marietta Residential Treatment Center, explains, “We want clients to start to build a support system while they’re here so they can form a foundation for recovery. That way, when they’re discharged, they can take the tools they’ve acquired during the first three steps of the program and apply them.”

Finding the right sponsor and support group is key to success in the program, and The GateHouse can help guide individuals towards the right fellowship.

“At The GateHouse, we support and encourage our clients to become active in the 12-step community,” Tara said. “It’s those relationships that will help them stay on the path to long-term recovery well after they leave The GateHouse.”

The GateHouse’s 12-Step Program Helps Clients Find Their Way to Lifelong Recovery

Healing from substance use disorder takes inner strength—something our programs help to instill.

“Our 12-step program helps each client not only get onto a path to recovery but also grow as an individual as they overcome their past behaviors,” Tara said. “When our clients accept and surrender to a higher power, they develop the peace of mind and strength they need to live a healthy, happy life in recovery.”

At The GateHouse, we create a support system for each of our clients to break the cycle of addiction and get them on a path to recovery, including services for long-term recovery with locations throughout Lancaster County, PA. We’d love to help you with your next step in recovery. Reach out to us today!

 

Open post Serenity Stories

The GateHouse Serenity Stories: Thomas & Judy McDermott

We often think of victims of substance use disorder as only those suffering directly from the disease. But victims’ families are victims, as well.

The GateHouse broke ground on its Serenity Gardens last fall – a beautiful, tree-lined garden space for quiet reflection – and created a place to bring serenity to its residences in recovery as well as the countless families who have lost loved ones to addiction.

There’s a Personal Story Behind Every Brick and Tree in the Serenity Gardens

The gardens were created thanks to the generous support of families, alumni of The GateHouse, and the community. Some people and families purchased bricks that are now inscribed and featured in the walkways and structures of the Gardens. Others purchased trees and other features within the garden to honor family members who struggled with substance abuse.

Dave Maser’s memorial in Marietta

Those who supported, and continue to support, the Serenity Gardens project have their own reasons for doing so.

For Thomas and Judy McDermott, it was to honor and remember their son, Dave, who they lost to addiction nearly four years ago.

Dave had a son with Beth Allen, who also struggled with substance use disorder. When she found her way to recovery in 2015, she began working for The Retreat and eventually worked her way up to Residential Program Supervisor at The GateHouse.

It was Beth who invited The McDermotts to The GateHouse in October 2019, where plans for Serenity Gardens were revealed.

“I was impressed by the purpose of the garden—helping individuals in recovery restore their spirit—and the beauty of the proposed plans,” Judy said.

She and her husband decided to purchase a tree for Serenity Gardens in their son’s name.

“The garden has a beautiful stone walkaway with stone walls on either side,” Judy said. “And the tree that we purchased for our son is standing in the center where the path goes around either side.”

The commemorative sign placed with the tree reads:

“Dave Maser

Beloved Father, Brother & Son

Your Spirit will live on forever in our hearts”

“We had our son cremated, so we don’t have a place to visit,” Judy said. “It’ll be very nice to sit in the garden and feel a closeness with my son. He’d be very happy with it.”

For parents like the McDermotts and residents currently working their way through recovery, Serenity Gardens is a space to not only reflect on the past but to help others heal.

“It’s excruciatingly painful to lose a son,” Judy said. “But you quickly realize that you’re not alone in this. So many other moms and dads have gone through or are going through the same thing, and certainly, anything that you can do to help them, you want to do.”

Please Join Us in Support of the Serenity Gardens Project at The GateHouse

Community members who’d like to support the Serenity Gardens project can donate a brick, plant a tree, sponsor a bench, or help fund the purchase of a pavilion.

Click to learn how you can Donate to Serenity Gardens.

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When it’s time to begin living life in recovery, The GateHouse is here to support you or your loved one. We offer substance abuse treatment services for long-term addiction recovery, with locations throughout Lancaster County, PA.

The GateHouse creates a support system for each client to break the cycle of substance abuse and put them on a path towards recovery. Whether they need outpatient support, a transitional living environment, or residential treatment services, it’s here for them.

Let The GateHouse help you with your next step in recovery. Reach out to us today!

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Recovery Stories: How 4 Celebrities Overcame Substance Abuse and Are Now Inspiring Others

Everyone’s recovery story deserves to be heard. And each can serve as inspiration to those of us on our own recovery journey.

Every time a celebrity bravely steps up to share their story of substance abuse and recovery, we can see the incredible impact their story has on those who are still suffering.

With each celebrity story, substance use disorder is de-stigmatized a bit more and the power of recovery treatment is demonstrated. Within each story, we also see common themes – including the central role family, advocates, and recovery treatment ultimately play in saving lives.

Below are four inspirational stories of celebrities who have reached out for support and lived to inspire others with their stories of sobriety.

Dax Shepard’s Recovery Story

In 2004, during an interview on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Dax Shepard stumbled onto the stage, missed the chair he was aiming for and knocked over a table. It’s a time Shepard recalls as a career wrecking moment.

After Dax’s public display in 2004, he sought professional help at a drug and alcohol rehab clinic. Some years later, Dax opened up about his substance abuse and recovery, saying he started drinking in excess and using drugs, including cocaine, when he was 18.

He still attends weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings as part of his ongoing recovery, but the road isn’t always smooth–he relapsed in 2020 after being prescribed pain pills after a motorcycle accident. But Dax’s wife, Kristen Bell, and his podcast co-host, Monica Padman, were in his corner when he came clean to them about his private struggle.

Jamie Lee Curtis’ Recovery Story

Jamie Lee Curtis might be what many would call a functioning addict. A habit she picked up after getting plastic surgery, Jamie would down a few painkillers while making dinner for her family and wash them down with a glass of wine. Many around her were none-the-wiser for nearly 10 years.

But her need for the pills grew. One day she found herself secretly stealing pills from her sister who had been prescribed painkillers for an injury. When Jamie realized her sister would find out, she wrote a note admitting the theft. Without prejudice, her sister hugged her and told her she loved her, and that she wasn’t going to let Jamie die.

Two months later, Jamie attended her first recovery meeting. That was the start of a 20-year journey of sobriety. Jamie also regularly attends recovery meetings; she takes her sobriety on the road with her when she’s filming, sometimes setting up ad-hock recovery meetings in her dressing trailer.

Rob Lowe’s Recovery Story

For those who came of age in the 1980s, you may remember the then-baby-faced Rob Lowe from the movie adaptation of The Outsiders. Just a teen at the time, the film was his first introduction to Hollywood, and his first introduction to alcohol.

For the better part of a decade, Rob lived under the cloud of addiction. He recalls a pivotal moment in his life when he was so drunk, he couldn’t pick up the phone when his mother called to tell him his grandfather was dying. It was then, after carrying around the business card of a drug and alcohol counselor for more than a year, that he made the call.

Rob believes in the power of recovery, sobriety, and therapy, often saying he enjoyed his 12-step recovery process. But he admits that a person must want to get help. Today, with three decades of sobriety under his belt, Rob continues to be an advocate for addiction recovery, especially for his son who recently struggled with his own addiction.

Drew Barrymore’s Recovery Story

 A child actress, Drew Barrymore landed a role in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. when she was only 6-years old. Her blonde curls and button nose resonated with audiences, and the role led to stardom. It also led her to alcohol and drugs.

Drew first entered rehab at 12-years old. Then again at 13. Still under her mother’s care, she was sent to a mental institution, as she calls it; a place where she spent a year and a half and that she credits with turning her life around.

At age 14, at the recommendation of the institution, Drew was emancipated from her parents and became a legal adult; a decision she has never regretted. Drew’s parents struggled with addictions of their own. Breaking from them as a teen helped her get her life back on track and eventually relaunch her career as an actress and producer.

Everyone is Unique. And So is Their Recovery Journey.

Substance abuse does not discriminate and can impact the lives of even the most seemingly successful people. These high-profile celebrities, and others, have recovery stories like the ones our GateHouse clients continue to tell.

Through the support of family, friends, advocates, and lifelong treatment, these four high-profile individuals found the help they needed to live a healthy and happy life in recovery.

If you’re ready to take the next step, The GateHouse would love to help you find the path to your own recovery journey.

The GateHouse offers outpatient services for long-term addiction recovery to clients throughout Lancaster County, PA. We help our clients, and their families access the services and resources they need to return and contribute to their communities. Give us a call at 717-393-3215 or reach out to us today!

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Making a Difference as a Recovery Specialist at The GateHouse

We’re hiring Recovery Specialists Right Now!

 

There aren’t many roles at The GateHouse that connect staff members and clients as closely as that of the Recovery Specialist.

“Our Recovery Specialists are truly the front-line support staff for our clients,” said Mike Duffy, Residential Program Supervisor at The GateHouse.

Mike manages his team of Recovery Specialists who, together, make sure that every residential client is heard and cared for properly. This often includes facilitating a life skills group like a budgeting seminar or transporting a client to an appointment like an art therapy class or a doctor’s office. In the evenings, the Recovery Specialist on duty will take clients to their 12-step meetings.

“There’s always a Recovery Specialist in each residence 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Mike said. “Our team is there every day to support clients in whatever they need around the clock.”

Many of the Recovery Specialists at The GateHouse have experienced treatment in recovery first-hand. Others have family members or loved ones who have gone through The GateHouse and benefitted from the care that Recovery Specialists have shown.

No matter their connection to the substance use disorder (SUD) community, the Recovery Specialists at The GateHouse want a rewarding career that gives them the ability to give back and to grow within our organization.

Recovery Specialists support our clients as they make one of the most important transitions of their lives. They guide clients through treatment and provide whatever they need to lead a healthy life in recovery.

Our Recovery Specialists Have the Opportunity to Take on Larger Roles Over Time

For those looking to get their foot in the door of the SUD field, becoming a Recovery Specialist is a smart place to start.

“Working as a Recovery Specialist can quickly put you on a path towards a career supporting the SUD community,” Mike said. “Several of our team members and management staff began as recovery specialists and have worked their way up into other roles.”

While working as a Recovery Specialist is an entry-level position, it’s a skilled role that makes a huge impact on The GateHouse’s ability to support people in early recovery. The SUD field offers a certification for Recovery Specialist professionals. But the cost of certification comes with a big price tag.

“A Recovery Specialist Certification costs approximately $1,500; a cost The GateHouse pays in full for our Recovery Specialist team members,” said Mike. “It’s one of the biggest benefits of becoming a Recovery Specialist at The GateHouse.”

Supporting The GateHouse’s Entire Team

For our Recovery Specialists, no two days are ever the same. And working at The GateHouse in any other role is no different. Everyone has to jump in when they’re needed, regardless of who they are within the organization.

“The GateHouse team is a very supportive group,” said Mike. “If there’s ever a need, people always jump in. Especially during COVID in 2020, things were changing quickly, and we all had to wear several hats. When our Recovery Specialists and I needed help, our co-workers always volunteered to lend a hand, and we always did what we had to do to care for our clients. This is a special place to work.”

Join Our Team as a Recovery Specialist at The GateHouse

We’re currently hiring Recovery Specialists at several of our locations. In this position, you’ll oversee clients, coordinate activities, work with staff in client observation, and serve in many other capacities. Recovery Specialists develop positive relationships with clients, set good examples, communicate well with clients and staff, listen, and display a true belief in the philosophy of The GateHouse.

Learn more about becoming a Recovery Specialist and Apply Now.

At The GateHouse, we create a support system for each of our clients to break the cycle of addiction and get them on a path towards recovery, including addiction treatment services for long-term recovery with locations throughout Lancaster County, PA.

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How The GateHouse Approaches MAT for Opioid Addiction as One Tool in its 12-Step Program Toolbox

When Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction first became available, many in the recovery community struggled with the idea of treating a substance use disorder with a medication.

“In the beginning, and even still today, some people believed using MAT for opioid addiction would simply shift a person’s addiction from one drug to another – even to another opioid,” said Kendrick Westmoreland, Clinical Director of Outpatient Services at The GateHouse. “Today we know that isn’t how it works.”

Most MAT critics come from those within the recovery industry who have adopted a 12-step program philosophy. The majority of treatment centers in the U.S., including The GateHouse, follow the 12-step program because this approach is rooted in the power of community and human connection, with people supporting one another through recovery.

At The GateHouse, Kendrick and his team use the 12-step program philosophy to help clients build the mental and emotional strength needed for lifelong recovery. However, many see MAT flying in the face of the 12-step philosophy, and this has slowed its widespread adoption.

Our approach at The GateHouse is more nuanced.

“The common thought among the 12-step community is that if you’re on MAT, you’re on it for life,” Kendrick said. “But that’s not the goal. Once the client is established in their recovery and has a network set up to support them, they agree to wean their way off.”

MAT is Simply One Tool in the Toolbox

The GateHouse has been educating clients about MAT for years. Today, MAT is included as one of the many topics discussed during one-on-one outpatient sessions, especially if the patient is interested in learning about it as part of a total treatment plan.

If a client chooses MAT treatment in early recovery, Kendrick and his team pair it with The GateHouse’s outpatient program and 12-step approach. This is because our team does not see MAT as a standalone treatment option, because it requires monitoring and counseling support to best meet client needs.

“MAT is just one of the many tools in our toolbox,” Kendrick said. “We’re open to whatever type of treatment works best for the client.”

MAT for Opioid Addiction is Working its Way Towards Acceptance Among the 12-step Community

In the past few years, Kendrick said MAT has slowly evolved. As it has, the 12-step community has shown more of a gradual willingness to accept it.

“It’s taken a lot of education industry-wide, including with our own treatment coordinators, to see these changes to MAT start to take hold,” he said.

It’s not just that the industry has become more accepting of the role MAT can play in early treatment. Many of Kendrick’s outpatient clients are coming in having done their homework and have some level of understanding about each of the recovery options available to them.

“Our clients are pretty well versed in MAT,” he said. “They’re asking questions and being proactive about the potential benefits MAT treatment has for their recovery.”

The GateHouse has also collaborated with organizations like the Rase Project, which has allowed them to connect clients to case managers and physicians.

“The RASE Project has been an incredible partner with us and our MAT clients,” Kendrick said. “Working with them lets us make sure each client has a case manager and is working with a reputable doctor who can oversee their MAT regimen and administer it safely.”

The GateHouse and the entire industry have come a long way in recent years, embracing a treatment that’s helped many people battling addiction. In the next few years, Kendrick sees acceptance of MAT continuing to grow.

“I see us all continuing to embrace MAT as we witness the benefits in more and more clients,” he said.

Still–that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone.

“What matters most is finding a treatment that works for each individual,” Kendrick said. “Whether that’s MAT, a 12-step program, or some combination of the two, we’ll do whatever it takes to support each of our clients as they work towards recovery.”

At The GateHouse, we create a support system for each of our clients to break the cycle of addiction and get them on a path towards recovery, including services for long-term recovery with locations throughout Lancaster County, PA. We’d love to help you with your next step in recovery. Reach out to us today!

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