Category: Programs

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The GateHouse Completes Construction of Serenity Gardens at its Marietta Residential Extended Care Home

One of the most important aspects of recovery treatment from substance abuse is looking past addiction itself and focusing on the whole person.

“The path towards recovery lives in our minds and spirit,” said Keith Stoudt, Director of Support Services for The GateHouse. “Our residents need quiet places for reflection, meditation, and prayer, which is exactly what our new Serenity Garden is here to provide.”

Bringing Serenity to The GateHouse in Marietta

On September 28, 2021, The GateHouse broke ground on Serenity Gardens, situated within the 7.4-acre grounds of Riverview Tower in Marietta—now the home of The GateHouse’s Residential Extended Care for Women.

Serenity Gardens features a patio, waterfall, and paved, tree-lined walkways. With its main construction completed in December 2021, the finishing touches—planting flowers and installing a memorial bench and paving bricks—are planned for Spring 2022.

constructionConstruction of Serenity Gardens was initially planned to begin after the grand opening of The GateHouse for Women at Riverview Tower, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project.

“We wanted to construct the garden shortly after the grand opening of the Marietta house, but life shows up, and plans change,” Keith said. “We had to adjust to life on life’s terms. And sometimes that’s not easy.”

“It’s a great analogy for the path of recovery,” he said. “You may have a plan, and it seems simple. But life shows up, and we adjust to the change. We try our best and we work together to collaborate on a path towards success.”

When COVID restrictions and health risks subside, The GateHouse will host a community event to officially unveil the gardens to the community.

Support From Sponsors and the Community

Serenity Gardens isn’t only a place of reflection for The GateHouse’s residents. It’s a serenity garden for the entire community to enjoy.

“We consider The GateHouse a part of the larger community, and we hope the community will see our serenity garden as theirs,” Keith said.

The gardens were brought to life thanks to sponsors and donors throughout the region. Many sponsors purchased bricks to be inscribed and featured in the walkways and structures of the garden.

Community members who want to support the Serenity Gardens project before the dedication event this spring can donate a brick, plant a tree, sponsor a bench, or help fund the purchase of a pavilion. You can download our Serenity Garden Project Form to learn more and donate.

“Not only do we welcome the community to join us in the garden, but we also can’t thank our local supporters enough,” Keith said. “It’s their generous support that made this project a reality.”

Walking Beside Clients to Accomplish Big Things

“At The GateHouse, our staff transforms and encourages lifelong recovery by walking beside clients, and that’s what we did to create the garden,” Keith said. “It was a collaborative effort between our staff and clients.”

Clients played a huge role in cleaning and prepping the grounds before the landscapers started their work, Keith said.

“It was a great sight to see them come together,” he said. “And I believe that gives them a sense of purpose and meaning,” Keith said.

Restoring the Human Spirit Through Recovery

Today, with the completion of the new Serenity Garden on the grounds of our women’s residence, the gardens are ready to help clients of The GateHouse continue their journey towards recovery.

For Keith, being a part of the project was especially meaningful as he reflected on his own recovery journey.

“Starting over isn’t easy,” he said. “Going into the recovery process with next to nothing isn’t easy. I’m 16 years into recovery. I started my journey in 2005, having nothing, having burned all bridges.”

Keith said there is no comparison to the program he entered when he began his journey and the beautiful facilities at The GateHouse at Riverview Tower in Marietta.

“Just imagine coming to this property to start your new life,” he said. “That was our intent—to make the gardens as beautiful, inviting, comfortable, and as open as possible. This is one of the most rewarding projects I’ve been a part of in my entire life. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of The GateHouse.”

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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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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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The Power of Daily Routines and Positive Habits in Recovery

Humans, by nature, are creatures of habit.  We crave personal structure and routine.  It is the small choices we make each day that create our path in life.  Just like in recovery, habits and daily routines are a practice. It takes work and dedication for them to become a more natural part of daily life.

Kendrick Westmoreland knows the power of routines in recovery first-hand. Kendrick is the Clinical Director of Outpatient Services at The GateHouse, and he helps clients develop and maintain healthy habits to help sustain long-term recovery.

“I remember early on in recovery; I was sitting in a meeting where no one knew me,” Kendrick said. “At that moment, I realized that I could be whoever I want to be. I had a clean slate. I decided in that meeting that to become the person I wanted to be, I had to act like that person. I had to adopt the qualities of the person I wanted to become. That mindset changed everything for me.”

That mindset, for Kendrick, came down to the discipline of maintaining a healthy routine and holding himself accountable to see it through.

“For me, it started with making my bed every morning,” Kendrick said. “Years later, I still make my bed every morning. It’s a small routine but it’s been an important part of my recovery. It’s proven to me that I can make a change and stick to it.”

Sticking to Healthy Routines in Recovery Gets Easier When You Find the Right Routine for You

Recovery is different for everyone. The Outpatient Services team at The GateHouse helps clients determine the types of routines that will work best for them, then helps them create a plan to make the routine stick.

Here are a few of the practices that Kendrick and his team work through with our outpatient clients.

Choose Routines that Interest You

If you don’t like a routine, you aren’t going to stick with it. Start with your hobbies and interests. Choosing to practice and learn about a personal interest is a great foundation for a new daily routine.

“We each have different needs and interests, which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all routine roadmap,” Kendrick said.  “Take the time to think about your interests and what’s going to motivate you to keep your routines going.”

Focus on Routines that Can Support You Now and Down the Road

In recovery, you’re always evolving.  Look to add in a practice that supports your evolution.  Journaling, learning a new skill, meditation, and reading are a few practices that are relatively easy to implement and can become lifelong hobbies.

Set Realistic Expectations

Our outpatient teams are always reminding our clients that routines, like long-term recovery, are a life-long practice.

There is a theory that if you commit to doing a task every day for 21 days it will become a habit, and if you commit to continuing that practice for 90 days you have created a routine.  Sometimes it can be hard to envision life 90 days from now. Kendrick and his team suggest starting with what is in reach: tomorrow. 

“Get started, then assess as you go,” said Kendrick. “If getting into the new routine went well for the first week but then dropped off, step back and look at whether you’re interested in what you’re doing and whether it’s benefiting your recovery. If it is, then make small adjustments so the routine becomes easier for you.”

Know That There Will Be Setbacks, and That’s Okay

Clients need to know that forming routines in long-term recovery isn’t easy. According to Kendrick, setbacks are a part of the process. The key is to have a plan for how to deal with them and reestablish the routine you started.

“Habits don’t develop overnight just like the disease didn’t,” Kendrick said. “It’s about consistency over time.”

Switching up the time of day could help check new habits off the list. Try adjusting routines into higher energy times rather than waiting until the last minute or pushing for the first thing in the morning.

Ask for accountability from a family member, mentor, or friend. Tell them about the new routine and talk about the plan.

Establishing a Routine is an Important Next Step in Your Recovery Journey

The GateHouse now has a case manager dedicated to our outpatient services clients; one more resource to help you discover and develop positive habits in recovery. To learn more about our outpatient services, call 717-393-3215 to speak with one of the team members.

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The GateHouse offers outpatient services for long-term addiction recovery to clients throughout Lancaster County, PA. We help our clients access the services and resources they need to return and contribute to their communities. Kendrick and our entire team at The GateHouse would love to help you with your next step in recovery. Reach out to us today!

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GateHouse Transitional Living Earns PARR and NARR Recertification

Thank You to Our Transitional Living Team for Their Hard Work in Achieving This Recognition

Our transitional living team works incredibly hard to make sure that every one of our transitional living recovery houses is giving our residents what they need to live a safe and healthy life in recovery.

Thanks to our team, GateHouse Transitional Living has achieved its recertification from The Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences (PARR) and the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) – the organizations setting the standards of care for recovery houses across our state and the nation.

Recovery Residences Must Meet a Series of Standards to Be Eligible for Certification

Achieving PARR and NARR certification takes the dedication of an entire team to pull off. There are 38 standards spread across 4 domains that a recovery residence must meet to be eligible for national and state certification. The four domains are:

  • Administrative Operations
  • Physical Environment
  • Recovery Support
  • Good Neighbor

Together, these standards check to see that transitional living facilities are operating with integrity, upholding residents’ rights, providing a home-like environment, facilitating active recovery, and much more.

Our Transitional Living Team Surpassed PARR and NARR Standards to Help Us Achieve Recertification

Leigh Chapman

Receiving recertification for all PARR and NARR standards across all eight transitional living residences at GateHouse Transitional Living is a true achievement and not easily accomplished. It took the hard work of our transitional living team made up of Leigh Chapman, Transitional Living Coordinator; Keith Stoudt, Director of Support Services; and Jim Marshall, Facilities Manager.

This was the first time through the recertification process for Leigh Chapman.

“It takes a lot of work and dedication to ensure our transitional living houses are meeting PARR and NARR standards,” Leigh said. “Doing the work to achieve recertification demonstrates that The GateHouse does whatever it takes to provide quality care to our residents.”

Meeting the standards for certification also required our team’s attention to the smallest details.

“I made my way down a long list of maintenance standards to ensure the facilities were ready for certification. I made sure the windows in each facility had screens, that all appliances were cleaned, that there were no fire hazards or leaks in any of the houses,” Leigh said. “It was a big job.”

Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall regularly maintains each of the transitional living houses at The GateHouse and handled the updates and repairs needed at each house to ensure they met PARR and NARR standards.

When asked about his contribution to the PARR and NARR recertification, Jim said, “It fulfills me to be a part of the experience and success.”

Keith Stoudt played a large role in helping The GateHouse achieve recertification in 2020 and was able to use that experience to help us meet the standards again this year.

“Meeting PARR and NARR standards proves that you’re providing the highest quality transitional living homes to your residents,” Keith said. “These standards hold all transitional living recovery houses accountable for operating with integrity. They require that we uphold a culture of empowerment and respect for our residents’ rights so they can actively engage in the beginning stages of their recovery journey.”

Keith Stoudt

Leigh, Jim, and Keith all agreed that the accreditation process took the entire team working together and that achieving the accreditation was only possible because of their dedication to excellence year-round.

“I appreciate and value the fact that all of us here at The GateHouse work together and hold one another accountable to high standards of work ethic that align with our mission, vision, and values,” Keith said.

“With this being my first accreditation, I relied on the team for support and guidance,” Leigh added. “We came together to get the job done. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Thank you, Leigh, Jim, and Keith for your hard work in achieving this accreditation and for your dedication to our clients in recovery.

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When you or your loved one is ready to begin life in recovery, our transitional living homes are here to support you on your journey.

The GateHouse offers substance abuse treatment services for long-term addiction recovery with locations throughout Lancaster County, PA. We create a support system for each of our clients to break the cycle of substance abuse and get them on a path towards recovery. Whether they need a transitional living environment, residential treatment services, or outpatient support, it’s here for them.

We’d love to help you with your next step in recovery. Reach out to us today!

 

 

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The GateHouse Through the Years: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Looking Back at Over Four Decades of Substance Abuse Recovery Services as We Look Towards the Future of The GateHouse

The legacy of The GateHouse was built by a small group of men and women determined to create a support system for members of their community suffering from substance abuse. The group grew from a few founding members to a team that today continues to carry out that mission.

Two members of that team include two of our longest-serving board members: Dr. Kathy Gregoire, LSW, Ph.D., retired professor of social work at Millersville University, and Dr. John Conahan, LCSW, CADC. Ph.D., Associate Professor at Kutztown University.

Both share a unique perspective on the history of The GateHouse, as well as how it’s evolved over the years. And both believe that the common thread between the impact The GateHouse made then and now is rooted in the devotion of the staff and volunteers who serve.

Perseverance and Grit Propelled The GateHouse from a Single Halfway House to the Substance Abuse Treatment Center it is Today

Dr. Kathy Gregoire
Dr. Kathy Gregoire

The founding members of The GateHouse first connected through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Together, they recognized the need for a halfway house in the Lancaster area.

“It was a very grassroots effort. Very hands-on,” said Kathy. “The Board members did all of the work. They painted the house, refurbished it—everything. They were incredibly dedicated.”

Kathy remembers the early days of The GateHouse. She became involved with the organization in 1979, shortly after its founding.

“The staff and team just kept taking steps forward, one thing at a time, and the program grew,” she said. “Their initial focus was alcohol abuse and supporting men and women in AA. Then it evolved to drug abuse and supporting those in NA, Narcotics Anonymous. Later, we incorporated mental health services to take on people with multiple diagnoses such as substance abuse and depression.”

Pioneering a Path for Women to Seek Substance Abuse Treatment

In the 1980s, The GateHouse recognized the need not just for expanded services to treat various types of substance use disorder, but for greater access to care for women across the board. As a result, The GateHouse decided to create a women’s house—a revolutionary step at the time.

As a social worker who made house calls throughout the community, Kathy understood the real need for female recovery services first-hand.

“People didn’t think, or want to admit, that women struggled with addiction, too,” Kathy said. “Before The GateHouse, there were very few treatment options available to women suffering from substance abuse, which led many to suffer alone.”

The GateHouse Eventually Expanded its Services Further to Support Other Client Needs that Weren’t Being Met

Dr. John Conahan
Dr. John Conahan

In 2004, John Conahan joined the board alongside Kathy and the other members. A few years into his tenure, John realized that in order to continue to serve, The GateHouse needed to grow.

“It became clear that we needed to grow our services to sustain ourselves financially and continue to be there for the clients who needed us,” John said. “‘What services should we offer? How big should the organization become? What is a healthy financial growth plan?’. These were the questions I started asking.”

John and the other board members developed a strategic plan, putting systems in place to grow the organization and make treatment for substance use disorder more accessible throughout the community.

First, they worked towards and achieved CARF accreditation, an international accreditation for rehabilitation facilities and service standards.

“The CARF accreditation gave us even more legitimacy which helped us grow,” John said.

Next, John and The GateHouse board started looking at outcome data to learn more about their clients, better understand their needs, and discover what their lives looked like after treatment. As they piled through the data, John said a trend emerged.

“We saw that clients leaving The GateHouse needed transitional living services,” he said. “They needed a safe place to live and continue to get better. So, we bought a home in Lititz and turned it into our first transitional living home.”

The Lititz transitional living home was a success. It grew from one home to a transitional living program that led to The GateHouse opening a second home in Mountville. The GateHouse has since received a number of grants to continue its work and maintain the homes.

John and the board moved next to add additional services including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization. The idea was to further support their transitional living clients in recovery.

“We went into the outpatient business in 2010,” John said. “It’s an area of our model that we’re still growing. So far, we’ve been able to grow it and provide a lot of added support to our transitional living clients and those leaving one of our recovery houses.”

Around this time, John and the board also recognized that growing the organization and fulfilling their mission wouldn’t happen by simply adding more services. For some victims of substance use disorder, cost remained a barrier. Fundraising presented a large, untapped opportunity to help more clients afford treatment services. So, John and the board began fundraising.

“In recent years, we’ve gotten involved with Lancaster County’s Extraordinary Give, applied for grants, and reached out to the community for support to make our services more accessible to everyone who needs them,” he said. “Fundraising has proven very effective for us.”

And most recently, The GateHouse implemented its third residential care facility; a beautiful home in Marietta for women in early recovery. Restoring the home and opening the The GateHouse at Riverview Tower was a collaboration with the state and, so far, it’s made a big impact.

The GateHouse is Building its Future with the Same Devotion it Used to Build its Very First House

The next chapter of The GateHouse legacy is being written now by a deeply dedicated team focused on removing barriers to treatment and treating the whole client.

“There are many services we want to bring in and many more substance abuse victims we know we can help,” John said. “But to do that, we first have to attract more staff who share our mission and passion to serve men and women with substance abuse disorder in our community.”

John and Kathy both believe that by offering opportunities for professional development and shining a light on why The GateHouse is a place people want to work, they can grow a team that can continue the legacy.

A large long-term goal is to expand on the work The GateHouse has already started and provide a full continuum of services to treat the whole client.

“The GateHouse isn’t just a place to stay in early recovery,” John said. “It’s a social approach to delivering our services and other resources our clients need for continued recovery. Our clients often need help with employment, daycare, credit, and housing. Addiction doesn’t live in a vacuum. We need case managers and the resources for continued follow-up so we can also help with long-term, sustained recovery.”

Programs and services that support women suffering from substance use disorder are also a major focus for The GateHouse in the years ahead.

“We’re exploring services that would house women in early recovery with their children,” John said. “There are a lot of hurdles we’d need to navigate to create this type of program. But we know that one of the barriers for women seeking treatment is the lack of safe childcare. If we can remove that barrier, imagine how many more women we can support.”

The GateHouse owes its success to the men and women who have worked hard for more than 40 years to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from substance use disorder.

“Over the years, I’ve felt so proud of the work we’ve done at The GateHouse,” Kathy said. “We’ve had incredibly committed board members and staff who have made good decisions to keep the organization stable, yet always maintained a willingness to take risks to get people what they need.”

John agrees.

“Our services and homes represent the dignity of the people we serve,” he said. “Our mission is to be that bridge back to society and give people a safe place to continue to recover. That’s what we’ve done and will continue to do. There’s a lot of pride associated with that by both the Board and our staff.”

When you and your loved one are ready to discuss a treatment plan for long-term substance abuse recovery, our team will be here ready to support you on your journey. The GateHouse offers services for substance abuse recovery with locations throughout Lancaster County, PA. We’d love to help you or a loved one with the next step in recovery. Reach out to us today!

 

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The GateHouse Receives Grant from the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to Add to its Opioid Treatment Services

We’ve all spent the last year focused on the health of Pennsylvania residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the pandemic, of course, deserves an incredible amount of attention and resources to keep Pennsylvanians safe, other health crises are at risk of being overshadowed; most notably, the opioid epidemic.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health still lists the prescription opioid and heroin overdose epidemic as the worst public health crisis in Pennsylvania, hitting every corner of the state including right here in Lancaster County.

So, when good news knocked on the door of The GateHouse last year, we were grateful to open it and find much-needed funding through a grant from the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs giving them more support to fight back against the epidemic.

Lancaster County Will Rely on The GateHouse to Provide Opioid Treatment and Recovery Activities

Jodi Holland
Jodi Holland

The grant money awarded to The GateHouse provides funds to supplement existing support for opioid and stimulant prevention treatment and recovery activities.

“Lancaster County is putting a lot of resources behind fighting the opioid epidemic,” said Jodi Holland, MPA, CRS, Executive Director at The GateHouse. “Our role in this mass effort is to provide the treatment and recovery activities that will help us all reach our goal.”

With the funds from the grant, The GateHouse will introduce a new program within its transitional living services, giving further support to clients preparing for life after treatment and working toward lifelong recovery.

“Once we’ve finished creating the processes and procedures for the new program, we’ll be hiring a case manager who will be dedicated to the program and the clients involved,” Jodi said.

This Grant Will Allow The GateHouse to Give Focused Attention to Some of Its Most Vulnerable Transitional Living Clients

When you’re living in transitional housing, a lot is happening at once. You’re learning to live in recovery as well as learning the skills needed to transition back into the community. All of these challenges are only compounded by the financial stress of paying for transitional housing if you’re struggling to get back on your feet financially.

“This grant lets us do two very important things for our transitional living clients,” Jodi said. “It lets us increase their interaction with a professional case manager, so they have more one-on-one support. And it reduces the financial stress of paying for it.”

The program will also GateHouse Transitional Living to offer a rent-tier, meaning that individuals in the program will have their rent covered or subsidized while living in one of our transitional living houses.

While in transitional living, a client struggling financially will not only receive help paying for recovery services. They’ll also learn critical financial life skills, including how to budget, pay bills, and manage money, all to help them find success in long-term recovery.

“Every transitional living client works through what we call an individualized case management plan,” Jodi said. “Each case management plan is different and financial life skills are often a focus. As a client, your plan is created specifically for your needs with goals you’re working toward during your stay.”

Once clients complete their case management plans, they leave transitional housing and find long-term, independent housing. But this move isn’t easy, especially for low-income clients and those without a financial safety cushion.

“The move to independent housing is a stressful time for our clients,” Jodi said. “Now through the grant, we’ll be able to make it a bit easier with additional incentives. For instance, if a client meets each of the goals in their case management plan in at least six months, funds from the grant will help cover that client’s security deposit for a new apartment or house.”

Referrals Will Drive Client Participation in the New Program

The services funded through the grant program will operate within the existing referral system – no different than services currently offered by The GateHouse.

“Our centralized intake coordinator and our intake team will work through referrals to fill our program slots and help as many clients as possible,” Jodi said.

The best way to refer a family member or friend is by calling our intake office and getting the intake process started, she said.

“This is an exciting new program, and we’re looking forward to getting it off the ground,” Jodi said. “We’re honored to have been awarded the funds to support this effort and the many clients we serve in Lancaster County who need our services as they begin their recovery journey.”

If you’re interested in referring a friend or family member to our transitional living services, or any of our services at The GateHouse, please call 717-393-3215 and select option 1.

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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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!

Open post signs of addiction

How to Recognize the Signs of Addiction and Find Help for Your Loved One

When you’re not familiar with the signs of addiction, it can be a difficult disease to identify.

Sadly, that’s one of the reasons why someone with a substance use disorder can often hide their addiction from family members for months or even years.

If your loved one is suffering from addiction, there’s a long list of physical, behavioral and emotional signs that are fairly easy to identify once you know where to look.

The Most Common Warning Signs of Addiction

Everyone experiences the symptoms of addiction a bit differently, with some showing more signs than others. Recognizing the signs and knowing what to look for will help you find your loved one the help they need much sooner so they can get on the path to recovery.

Physical Signs

Changes to the Eyes & Skin

The look of a person’s eyes and skin reveals a lot about their health and wellbeing. If you notice that your loved one’s eyes are often bloodshot or glazed over, that could be a sign of drug use. Some substances cause our pupils to constrict. Others cause severe fatigue which can show up as persistent dark circles or bags under the eyes.

Over time, drug use will cause skin–especially facial skin–to look dull, pale, inflamed, or even jaundiced. Consistent injection marks, scabs, or bruises are also a clear sign of drug use.

Insomnia or Hypersomnia

Drugs and alcohol directly impact sleep patterns. Depending on the substance and the person, addiction can make it hard to sleep. It can also cause hypersomnia or oversleeping. Both have negative impacts on alertness and energy levels and are fairly easy to recognize.

Weight Loss

Sudden weight loss is one of the most noticeable signs of addiction. If your loved one loses a lot of weight in a short period of time, take notice of their eating habits. The same is true if their weight keeps fluctuating. Both are signs they may need help.

Other Physical Signs

While changes to skin and eye appearance, sleep habits, and weight are three of the most common physical indicators of addiction, there are many others to look for as well. Your loved one may also suffer from addiction if they exhibit these other physical signs.

  • Memory loss
  • Injuries
  • Ongoing Illness
  • Body odor
  • Unhealthy teeth, hair and nails
  • Slurred words
  • Unexplained sweating, shaking

Emotional Signs

Anxiety and Depression

Signs of depression and anxiety are some of the more common symptoms of substance use disorder. This can include extreme lows as well as manic highs and worry.

Apathy or Low Motivation

Substance use disorder can make a person feel emotionally numb. A lot of times they lose interest in the activities that they used to get excited about. Addiction reduces a person’s drive, ambition, and motivation. If your loved one is typically a highly motivated person but suddenly loses all ambition, this is a strong sign of addiction.

Not Acting Like Themselves

Any major changes in behavior, whatever they may be, can be a sign of addiction as well. Trust your gut. If a behavior your loved one is exhibiting doesn’t seem normal, they may need help from a professional.

These behaviors may include:

  • Irritability
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Aggression
  • And others

Behavioral Signs

Socially Withdrawn

If your loved one went from a socially engaged friend and family member to suddenly withdrawn from social activities, this is a sign that they could be suffering from addiction. Drug and alcohol use disorders cause people to isolate and stay to themselves, which can fuel feelings of loneliness and depression that trigger the desire to use.

Neglectful

When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, nothing is more important to them then using. With every other part of life deprioritized, they can start neglecting responsibilities – everything from meeting financial obligations and going to work to caring for family and keeping their home clean.

Lying and Secrecy

People addicted to drugs and alcohol will lie to cover up their addiction. They’ll likely lie to you, employers, friends and physicians and anyone they want to keep from knowing the truth. Lies and secrecy go hand-in-hand with substance use disorder. This is one of the hardest signs to recognize, but also one of the most telling that your loved one needs help.

How to Start the Conversation When You Discover Your Loved One Needs Help

Approaching a highly sensitive subject like substance use disorder with someone you love can be an extremely difficult conversation to begin. And it gets even harder if they’ve been lying, keeping the addiction a secret, or have been aggressive – all signs that they won’t be receptive to acknowledging or discussing their addiction.

Set the stage for a successful conversation by first taking the following steps.

  • Think ahead to how you’ll introduce the conversation
  • Consult a trusted family member or friend for guidance
  • Choose a comfortable place where you can talk privately
  • Choose a day and time when the conversation won’t be rushed
  • Communicate with empathy and compassion
  • Don’t pass judgement or blame
  • Suggest they get support through a treatment center
  • Listen more than you talk

Recovery Begins with a Strong Support System

Recovery from addiction isn’t meant to happen alone. It’s a life-long process that requires a strong support system of professional counselors, a community of other people also working to recover, and the compassion and love of family.

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. Whether they need our residential extended care treatment, a transitional living environment, or outpatient support, we are here for them. Our outpatient services program also includes initial assessments that help us determine the proper course of treatment. Every step is individualized, so our clients receive the best care for their personal needs.

When you and your loved one are ready to discuss a treatment plan and start the journey towards long-term addiction recovery, our team will be here ready to support you on your way.

The GateHouse offers addiction treatment services for long-term addiction 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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Resilience and Strength as We Begin a New Year at The GateHouse

Few years compared to 2020. The past year forced everyone, including all of us at The GateHouse, to face new hurdles – many of which seemed insurmountable at the time.

Yet, despite its struggles, 2020 showed us how resilient we truly are.

The flip to a new calendar year certainly doesn’t mean that the challenges brought on by the pandemic are fully behind us. But it does provide an opportunity to reflect on the collective resilience we built in 2020 and how that resilience and strength are carrying us all forward into the new year.

Jodi Holland
Executive Director
Jodi Holland

Our Executive Director, Jodi Holland, did just that when we sat down to discuss what lies ahead for The GateHouse in 2021.

Q: What was 2020 like for you, your team, and your clients, especially when the pandemic began in March?
Jodi Holland: Like everyone else, we were thrown into lockdown and had to completely rethink everything about our services. During the first half of 2020, we had to focus on stability and keeping our services operational for our clients.

Addiction recovery is meant to take place in-person with counselors and the support of family and peers. When the pandemic hit and the lockdown began, we were challenged to provide the same services as we did prior to COVID, but while isolating to keep clients and staff safe from the virus. It was the hardest challenge we faced during the early days of the pandemic.

Q: Despite the challenges, 2020 did mark several milestones for The GateHouse. Describe some of those.
JH: Yes, 2020 was a difficult year for us, for sure, but we also celebrated several accomplishments.

I’m proud to say that The GateHouse opened three new houses in 2020, which is a lot of work in a typical year, let alone during a pandemic. Two of the houses are new recovery houses, a part of our transitional living services. The third is a Residential Extended Care house for women in Marietta and we converted our Mountville house to our second male-only location.

We also implemented a new electronic health record, or EHR, system, which is no easy task. We were completely paper-based before 2020 and went cold turkey to an all-electronic system last year. There’s a huge learning curve when a facility makes the switch to an EHR. It’s a big adjustment.

Each of those accomplishments is a testament to our incredible staff and their dedication to our mission. They never stopped working hard for our clients.

Q: Now that we’ve turned the corner into 2021, what are you most looking forward to in the new year as restrictions ease?
JH: Recovery is about connection. But during quarantine, we had to isolate which is the opposite of what we want taking place during long-term recovery.

In 2021, I’m most looking forward to getting everyone at The GateHouse back together in person. Getting our clinicians back to meeting face-to-face with clients and hosting group meetings will be our big focus as soon as we’re permitted to by the state.

We’re also working to get our clients back out into the community wherever possible. We want to help them reconnect with family as soon as it’s safe to do so, help them find employment again, and provide them with as many resources as we can to empower their recovery journey.

Q: What are some of The GateHouse’s longer-term goals that you’ll be focused on in 2021?
JH: From an administrative standpoint, we’re looking at how to strengthen our financial stability. For us, that means keeping houses full. We’re putting significant attention on development and fundraising this year. Building more relationships within the community and working with our current supporters will be a huge focus for us. We’re also looking at adding much-needed services for women and children which we’ll be exploring this year.

Our primary goal in 2021 is to simply get back to normal and continue our mission. We have a lot of work to do to further support our community and, like everyone I think, we have high hopes that 2021 is the year that gets us there.

Q: What from 2020 will you remember most and carry with you into 2021? Perhaps a success or a lesson learned?
JH: When I look back on 2020, I’ll remember how the staff at The GateHouse rose to the occasion. Every single staff member stayed dedicated to our clients and our mission. Whether working from home or in-person as an essential worker, they came to work to serve our clients every day – even at the beginning of the pandemic when we weren’t sure exactly what challenges the virus would present.

They worked to make adjustments to programming and set up virtual zoom calls so clients could still have access to counseling sessions and group outpatient meetings. They made it happen.

I’m extremely proud of our organization. I believe 2020 was a success when you look at all of the progress we made during this challenging year. We were able to continue operations and successfully served our clients in all levels of care. That says a lot about who we are as an organization.

The GateHouse provides long-term addiction recovery services to clients throughout Lancaster County, PA. We help our clients access the services and resources they need to return and contribute to their communities. Our entire team at The GateHouse would love to help you with your next step in recovery. Reach out to us today!

Open post Staying Connected During a Socially Distanced Holiday

Staying Connected to Family & Friends During a Socially Distanced Holiday

Recovery from substance abuse is a life-long journey. The journey isn’t easy, and it can become even more difficult during the holidays. Between holiday parties and family gatherings, the combination of stress and temptation can be overwhelming for anyone trying to stay clean.

This year, however, the holidays will look much different than years past.

For many of us, this year’s holiday dinner party will be replaced by a meal with a few members of our immediate family. For men and women going through treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, this may mean a holiday dinner spent alone.

A socially distanced holiday may certainly make some aspects of the holiday season easier to manage for those in recovery. But it may also give rise to a whole new challenge–isolation.

Together, Addiction and Isolation Can Create a Vicious Cycle

Addiction breeds isolation. And isolation can fuel addiction.

The recovery journey is not a journey to be taken alone. It requires the support of a community of people – family, friends, counselors and peers going through the process together.

When someone suffering from addiction tries to go it alone or experiences a period of isolation during recovery, the likelihood of them relapsing and falling deeper into addiction is far greater.

And yet this holiday season, with travel mandates and quarantine restrictions, our clients in recovery will have no choice but to self-isolate from friends, family, and their peer support groups. A time of year that should bring people together in joy is putting men and women who suffer from substance abuse at greater risk.

Isolation Doesn’t Have to Mean Loneliness this Holiday

Maintaining recovery this holiday season will require inner strength and the support of family and loved ones – even if they’re not in the same room or sitting around the same table.

There are several ways to fend off loneliness this holiday and care for your physical and emotional health and wellbeing as you stay on the path of recovery.

Virtual Calls with Family and Friends

Virtual calls with family and friends have been a saving grace for our clients at The GateHouse throughout 2020. Since the beginning of the first COVID quarantine back in March, technology has helped ward off feelings of isolation while clients faced the natural emotional hurdles that come with recovery.

Over these next couple of weeks, taking the time to FaceTime with a child or talk with a parent over Zoom is one of the best ways to beat isolation and enjoy a truly happy holiday. Seeing family over the screen isn’t the same as hugging them, of course, but it’s a wonderful way to maintain connections and avoid loneliness.

Stay Connected with Outpatient Groups

Our clients’ support systems are made up of more than family members. After residential treatment, they face new challenges as they begin to rebuild their lives, and only someone who has walked that same path can truly understand what they’re going through.

During the holidays when family may not be nearby and when our clients may be eating Christmas dinner alone, leaning on the support of peers from outpatient groups is one of the best ways to feel connected.

Keep in touch with your outpatient groups and meet virtually throughout the holidays. You can even celebrate the holidays together with a virtual group dinner. Connecting with others who understand where you are on your recovery journey and who also feel isolated this holiday will be positive for everyone.

Have a Happy and Healthy Socially Distanced Holiday Season

Isolating over the holidays doesn’t have to be lonely, and it doesn’t have to threaten the success of your long-term recovery. Reach out to loved ones, connect with your support system, and have a happy, healthy holiday.

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The GateHouse offers outpatient services for long-term addiction recovery to clients throughout Lancaster County, PA. We help our clients access the services and resources they need to return and contribute to their communities. The entire team at The GateHouse would love to help you with your next step in recovery. Reach out to us today!

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