At Stepworks, we realize that treatment within the walls of our residential recovery centers is just one of many paths to overcoming addiction. For some, the path of sobriety looks different — and for many, the management of their disease even after residential treatment requires a community of providers. That’s why we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our services through Intensive Health by Stepworks.
Twenty percent of Americans with an anxiety or mood disorder such as depression also have an alcohol or other substance use disorder.
Many of the patients at Stepworks fall into this category. Their substance use disorder is directly linked to their mental health. During a patient’s stay at Stepworks, we work diligently to nurture their physical, behavioral, and mental health. But the work doesn’t end when they leave our facility. That’s why we encourage our patients to remain committed to their mental health as they make progress on their recovery journey.
Our patients have a potentially fatal illness: addiction. At any given time, there are over 22 million people in the United States who have a substance use problem. We must remain open to help those suffering from this deadly disease. We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the steps we are taking during this time of national illness.
Yes. While we are taking extra precautions and implementing safeguards during this time, Stepworks remains committed to being a place of hope for those with substance use disorders. All of our facilities remain open and are accepting new patients.
We are screening all incoming admissions for the following: recent travel to high-risk areas, known exposure to the virus and the presence of cold-like symptoms, especially in the elderly. We will decline any admission who has, in our opinion, a higher than normal risk of having the disease.
Within our facilities, we continue to provide information about COVID-19 to all staff and patients. Throughout the day our Stepworks’ staff sanitize surfaces and make hand sanitizer available to our patients under staff supervision. Masks are provided to any patient or employee who has signs and symptoms of respiratory illness. And finally, if a patient develops a respiratory illness, at their request, they may be given the opportunity to seek evaluation at the local emergency room at their own expense.
In order to keep safety a top priority, we have suspended all visitation for our patients at this time. In place of visitation, patients will be allowed to sign up for extended phone time with their family members. Additionally, Skype or Facetime sessions will be scheduled to allow for our patients and their families to connect.
One of the greatest challenges facing patients suffering from addiction is the tendency to self-isolate. Many addicts become accustomed to being alone and distancing themselves from those that love and care about them. The habit of isolation and the fear of trusting and depending on others is a huge obstacle patients must overcome during their time in treatment.
At Stepworks our therapists use group therapy as a way to reverse those deeply rooted habits of isolation. We asked Stepworks of London’s therapist Chris Mills about both the challenges and successes of group therapy.
“Our clients are coming from a place in their life where they have been isolated by the disease of addiction for so long. We have to work to help them see the benefit of being a part of our group. When we do, they realize they are loved and cared about.”
– Chris Mills, Stepworks Therapist
In group therapy at Stepworks, patients learn that building a community of support and accountability is vital to their success in recovery. So, how does Stepworks build this type of environment for our patients? We have a few tools in our recovery toolbox that we use. These tools allow group therapy to be an experience that will aid clients in achieving their recovery goals.
Even from the start of each group session there is a level of accountability for patients. They are expected to arrive on time, be prepared, and contribute to the activity or discussion for the day. This allows patients to form introductory time-management skills and understand that other people are relying on them to commit time and energy to the group.
It is clearly understood in our group therapy time that what is said in the group room stays in the group room. Our patients who may struggle with trust and vulnerability learn to depend on this time as a safe place to express their feelings and emotions. This safe place helps patients to develop a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
A very important element of group therapy sessions is the valuable statement, “Me too.” When patients hear that their peers are struggling with similar obstacles such as cravings, anger, resentment, or feelings of defeat, it helps them to see they are not alone in this journey. Feeling understood by their peers helps them to process their feelings and motivates them to overcome the challenges they are experiencing.
Seeing others succeed is one of the greatest motivators and positive impacts of group therapy. Watching the recovery journey of their fellow group members helps patients to believe, “If they can succeed, so can I.” The successful actions of a patient that are celebrated and often repeated and the long-lasting effects of positive feedback helps patients begin to understand the impact of the positive choices they make.
At Stepworks we work hard to welcome clients and show them that they don’t have to be alone anymore. Are you looking for a recovery community that can help you or your loved one? Call our Access Center to learn more about our program and the admission process at 1-800-545-9031.
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with your new normal these days? Are the cancelled events, long days at home, and the stress and panic of COVID-19 starting to weigh on your mind?
We realize that the current situation of our world is likely impacting your mental health. We asked Stepworks CEO and founder Dr. Tom Ingram to share why taking care of your body and your brain is so vital during a time like this.
“It is important to practice good self-care as this crisis continues. No, I am not talking about sanitizers and quarantines. Humans are naturally social beings. Too much alone time and too much isolation takes a toll on our mental health. For those battling loneliness and depression already, the next few weeks are likely to worsen the problem.”
Tom Ingram, M.D.
We don’t want you to feel alone in the quest to protect your health and well-being. We asked Dr. Ingram to share 10 tips with us on how we can counteract isolation and strive to make a positive impact on our mental health during this stressful time.
Not texting, Facebook, or email. Having a conversation with real live human beings can help you to feel connected to others in a way that messaging can’t.
Our bodies have wonderful “pick-me-up” chemicals called endorphins. Exercise has been proven to be an awesome tool in treating depression and anxiety.
Social distancing does not prohibit going outside. The advantage of being in Kentucky is that we have lots of wide open spaces. Now is the time to take advantage of that.
It is important to expose yourself to as much light as possible. If it is sunny, go outside or sit in front of a window. Turn on all the lights in your house. Light is important in regulating our moods. Low sunlight is a cause of a type of depression (seasonal affective disorder).
Gas is cheap. Get out of the house and get a change of scenery.
“We used it to talk to our grandkids while we were at sea near New Zealand. Try it out with your friends and family,” said Dr. Ingram.
Get away from the news and constant stream of information. Choose music that uplifts you (bonus points if you move your body while you listen to the music).
Many of you may be working from home during this time. Be sure to set timers for yourself so you remember to move throughout the day.
Do not treat this time as a chance to slack off on your routines and normal structure. Do not sleep, eat, drink or nap too much. A routine helps with consistency and gives a sense of normalcy in chaotic times.
Last, but certainly not least,
Own it. Ask for help. Reach out. If you are in recovery, reach out to your sponsor, or connect with us on our Recovering(me) app. We are here to help you.
President Abraham Lincoln once said, “Happiness is a choice.” Now is the time to think positively. Research has shown that if you act happy your body will become happy. Practice smiling. Practice laughing. Practice being happy…And we want to help you do that.
For the next few weeks, Stepworks will be sharing Dr. Ingram’s tips and insights from our Stepworks therapy team on our social media platforms. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for reminders on how to maintain good mental health during this difficult time.
Stepworks is currently monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and has a plan in place to prepare for and respond to any health and safety issues that may impact the organization. As the situation evolves, our priority remains the health and well-being of our employees and patients.
Because of this, we are suspending all visitation for our patients at this time. Stepworks understands the hardships that this places on our patients and their families, but everyone’s safety needs to be the priority at this time.
In place of visitation, patients will be allowed to sign up for extended phone time with their family members. Additionally, Skype or FaceTime sessions will be scheduled to allow for our patients and their families to connect. Patients will be given time over the next week to reach out to their families to schedule tele-visits and choose a mode of communication for these visits.
Stepworks Facility Extensions
Stepworks of London: 800-545-9031, Ext. 2100
Stepworks of Bowling Green: 800-545-9031, Ext. 2200
Stepworks Woodland Dr: 800-545-9031, Ext. 2300
Stepworks Crowne Pointe: 800-545-9031, Ext. 2400
Stepworks of Nicholasville: 800-545-9031, Ext. 2500
To download a free Skype account, please visit this link:
https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/
At Stepworks we understand that COVID-19 (or coronavirus) has everyone concerned. While information regarding the virus is changing rapidly, we want you to know the steps that Stepworks is taking to minimize the disruption within our facilities and answer a few questions.
First: Are we accepting new patients?
The answer is yes. While coronavirus presents some significant health challenges, the reality is that addiction, or substance use disorder, is a life-threatening disease. In fact, hundreds of people die daily from overdose deaths alone. So, while we are implementing some safeguards for our patients and staff to address COVID-19, we are also committed to providing life-saving treatment services for our patients and families. To put it simply, addiction doesn’t stop because of coronavirus, so neither are we.
One key element to the culture at Stepworks is the fostering of a sense of belonging like being on a team. Some even call it a tribe of sorts—a group of people who work their hardest to see patients triumph over the disease of addiction. That’s why each week key staff gather around the table with patients individually and take time to focus on their personal goals and their unique path to recovery. We call this “treatment team.” But it may feel more like an incredible support team cheering on each of Stepworks’ patients.
Substance use disorders can have long-lasting emotional, mental, and physical side effects. Many of these side effects are very well known, but the lesser-known lack of good nutrition is one we tackle daily in our treatment programs at Stepworks. Regular consumption of alcohol or other drugs deprives the body of essential nutrients, while many other drugs suppress or increase appetite, wreaking havoc on the overall digestive health of people suffering from addiction. Meth users may go days without eating. Marijuana smokers are notorious for binge-eating junk foods.
Across our state and beyond, hospital patients are being treated for life-threatening infections related to injection drug use—but receiving zero treatment for their substance use disorders. Our Stepworks team knew something had to change. We saw the effects of this endless cycle, and it was devastating.
Due to factors like the high likelihood of relapse, continued injection drug use, and generally low compliance of drug-addicted patients, patients have historically been required to receive their entire course of antibiotics while hospitalized. The cost of keeping these patients in the hospital for 30 days and longer is extremely expensive. Meanwhile the disease of addiction, which caused their hospitalization in the first place, remains untreated. Our successful PICC line care program is one of the first of its kind in the country to address this issue.
“This is medical treatment that makes recovery a priority,” says Stepworks Nurse Nicole Smith.
© Stepworks Recovery Centers, LLC
