Melanie Barber speaks about her nephew’s recovery.

On May 2, Phoenix Houses of the Mid-Atlantic hosted a breakfast to raise awareness about its efforts to help men, women, and teens affected by addiction.

Phoenix House board members, supporters, and other guests gathered at the Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington.  Speakers included our Mid-Atlantic Board Chairman Bruce McLeod, Reverend Dr. Scott S. Ickert, and Regional Director Deborah Taylor.

The highlights of the morning were two testimonials from members of the Phoenix House family, David W. and Melanie Barber.  By the time he entered treatment, attorney David W. had already lost a job, his relationship, and his driver’s license as a result of alcoholism.  He called his experience at Phoenix Houses of the Mid-Atlantic “miraculous,” recalling the first time he was able to sit down with a group of people who understood his struggles.  At Phoenix House, he learned to manage his condition and developed a sober community with whom he is still in touch four years later.

Like David, Melanie Barber described Phoenix House as a place that “heals clients’ minds, bodies, and souls.”  Melanie shared the story of her nephew who entered treatment in October 2011 and has now successfully completed residential and outpatient treatment.  “My nephew works with a compassionate, dedicated, smart, innovative, effective team at Phoenix House and with their partners in Arlington County,” she said.  “Phoenix House has a down-to-earth approach that gets results.”  With the help of our program staff, her nephew has learned how addiction affects the brain, how to manage his recovery, and how to set both short- and long-term goals.  “We will be eternally grateful that Phoenix House is saving my nephew’s life,” Melanie concluded.

We thank David and Melanie for sharing their inspiring stories, illustrating that treatment works—and that people can and do recover.  We also extend our gratitude to our board members and supporters who help make our work possible.

Every day, Phoenix Houses of the Mid-Atlantic helps hundreds of people who are suffering from substance abuse in 17 programs in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. To learn more about our programs and services, contact us or call us today at 703 841 0703.

The program honored “women on fire,” who, like the phoenix bird, have risen from their own ashes.  Many women in treatment have encountered hardships such as relapse and recidivism, being labeled as an offender, difficulty coping with daily life, and strained relationships.  The event, however, asked them to shift their view and acknowledge their positive attributes.

Phoenix House Wilmer staff at the Women on Fire Program.

“Every lady has a story to share that can help others overcome obstacles,” said counselor Pam Lyons.  “We are blessed with talented women who are poets, playwrights, singers, actresses, advocates, counselors, and sponsors.  Most importantly, they are agents for change that the world desperately needs.”

The event empowered female clients by recognizing their talents, efforts, and diligence.  Clients recited the poems “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou and “When the Wind Blows.”  Another sang her own rendition of “I Believe I can Fly” and “I Need You to Survive.”  Clients also performed skits focused on their shared experiences, strength, and hope, which allowed them to practice the communications and social skills they’ve learned in treatment.  The program closed as clients reaffirmed their commitment to recovery and recited the Phoenix House philosophy.

Our clients appreciated the opportunity to support one another and stand together as women.  We could not be more proud of the great strides they have made as they work toward lasting recovery.

If you or a loved one needs help for a substance abuse issue, Phoenix House is here for you. Email us or call today at 1-800-378-4435.

I agree with critics that Dr. Drew’s 11% mortality rate—42 cast members and five deaths—is an incredibly high and troubling mortality rate for a treatment provider. Celebrity Rehab is not a typical treatment experience, a factor to consider when evaluating its treatment. As treatment providers, we try to minimize distractions during treatment but they’re always there, whether it’s a divorce or a brand-new relationship, a failing business or a prospering business. It’s plausible that being on a reality TV show was so distracting it prevented someone from fully focusing on treatment. The public nature of Celebrity Rehab treatment may also play a part. Maybe when Dr. Drew’s patients ran into trouble, they didn’t want to admit that they needed help since their recovery was so public.

But if Dr. Drew is doing his part by giving his patients a long-term plan to manage their addiction, and that plan is consistent with their needs and abilities, then it may be unfair to blame him if his patients don’t end up following that plan.

To paint with a very broad brush, there are two main goals of treatment: a) to stop the bleeding and b) to help people gain the motivation, hope and skills to manage their condition on a daily basis. At Phoenix Houses of Florida, we make sure that every treatment experience includes what we call a “continuing care plan,” a prescription for a person to manage his or her condition upon discharge from the treatment center. Relapse prevention starts at Day One, when treatment staff thoroughly assess a client’s needs, abilities and preferences. From assessment to admission to treatment planning to therapy—all of it culminates in a continuing care plan.

Now if a treatment provider sends someone off with the message, “Thank you for your stay! Thank the Lord every day, don’t do any more drugs or alcohol, we now pronounce you well,” that’s not a continuing care plan. Treatment isn’t a cure but instead a guide to managing a chronic condition, just as going to the doctor isn’t a cure for diabetes or hypertension. A continuing care plan may recommend that a person continue with outpatient therapy, go to A.A. meetings or find some other form of fellowship where they can interact with sober people in a healthy way. It includes friends or loved ones who can hold the person accountable for going to meetings or doing drug screenings, and it includes a list of people the person can call if he lapses or feels tempted to.

Most people would find it wrong to blame a doctor for a diabetic patient’s death if the patient received good clinical care but then didn’t follow the doctor’s orders to check blood sugar and take medication. A treatment provider also gives a professional prescription for ongoing care, and then it’s up to the client to follow those recommendations and come back for guidance if needed. The treatment provider gives the tools to manage recovery, but using them is up to the client.

Several months after Mindy McCready finished her stint on Celebrity Rehab, Dr. Drew said he had high hopes for her recovery, but it was up to her: “Like with anybody I treat, it’s really up to them. I never know. If they do the work they’re supposed to do, yes (there can be success). If she does the work it will be great.” When we bring someone into treatment at Phoenix Houses of Florida, it’s a major investment on our part and theirs—one we wouldn’t want to trivialize by airing the drama on a TV show or by creating extra distractions and pressure. Our clients take a courageous step when they enter treatment, and we make sure they leave with a roadmap to stay on track.

Jack Feinberg
VP and Clinical Director,
Phoenix Houses of Florida

Phoenix House offers short-term and long-term residential, outpatient, and detoxification services designed to meet the individual needs of adolescents and adults at various stages of recovery. We are committed to supporting individuals and families overcome addiction and sustain recovery.

Find out more about the programs and services offered at Phoenix House, or call our toll-free number today: 1-800-378-4435.

Students of Phoenix House Academy of Long Island spend time helping out in their local east end community in addition to concentrating on their clinical treatment and academic studies during their stay. Our students gain a sense of achievement, fulfillment, and enhanced self-esteem for jobs well done as they lend a hand at a local animal shelter, a non-denominational church, and help maintain the grounds of their treatment facility in Wainscott. Outdoor recreational activities and teamwork are important to our students as they embark on the road to recovery.

Phoenix House Academy of Long Island, located on Long Island’s East End, serves adolescent males who are struggling with substance abuse. Our Academy model is designed to help young clients prepare for productive, self-sufficient, and drug-free lives. Residents complete treatment while taking part in the Academy’s fully accredited on-site academic program, which allows clients to catch up on their studies or earn credit toward their high school diplomas.

Find out more about the programs and services offered at Phoenix House Academy of Long Island, or call our toll-free number today at: 1-800-378-4435.