During the months spent at Eden Hill, women are able to cultivate initial growth from inpatient treatment into habitual self-care and long-term recovery.
Through our Phase System, Wellness Program and individualized Transition Plans, our guests are best equipped to begin anew with clarity and confidence.
Why Transitional Living?
Substance Use Disorders are destructive, progressive, and far too often, fatal disorders. There is often fear and reluctance to enter treatment as change can be a daunting task. Studies have consistently demonstrated that success in maintaining long-term sobriety increases dramatically for those who spend 90+ days in treatment and sober living. The core reason for this is that the neuro-mechanisms affected by chronic alcohol and drug abuse need time to heal while new learning and reward pathways are developed to promote healthy coping. Returning immediately to the physical surroundings of recent active addiction can both trigger and undermine efforts to stay sober. In addition, there are often aspects of a person’s life that have experienced collateral damage from the effects of substance use disorders such as housing, interpersonal relationships, trouble at work, or legal repercussions.
A slow acclimation back to daily life that allows for the safe navigation and amelioration of these barriers is highly beneficial for long-term recovery. At Eden Hill we utilize the structure of a phased program, intensive group and individual therapy, and case management to address these barriers and develop healthy life management skills. Please see below for more information on our integrative phase system.
Structured Independence
Our Phase System
At Eden Hill, guests move through a Phase system as they progress in their recovery. Phases are built upon a point system measured by each guest’s completion of daily responsibilities, compliance with house rules, and participation in programming.
The goal of Phase 1 is to acclimate to the level of care, develop relationships with the clinical team and peers, identify supports (such as a sponsor) in the local recovery community, and to experience all of the “firsts” post initiation of abstinence through structured support. These “firsts” include scenarios such as the first time driving by the liquor store or the first time getting an upsetting phone call while off-site. Phase one generally lasts around 30 days.
During Phase 2, guests begin the process of strengthening independent recovery management skills by beginning to work on treatment goals such as working/taking classes, partaking in independent offsite activities/hobbies and/or reacclimating to their home environment through approved and planned transitional visits with loved-ones or to their homes for day and overnight passes.
Phase 3 is designed to foster independent recovery skills. A guest may apply for Phase 3 if they have employment, substantial volunteer, or educational commitments. This increasing freedom is part of our model of Structured Independence as the goal of phase 3 is to develop an individualized schedule that is created to develop and practice balance between career, recovery, family/friends and self-care.
Phase 4 is available to guests who chose to stay longer than six months, are successfully balancing their phase 3 schedule, working/volunteering/enrolled in classes and are deemed ready by the clinical team at Eden Hill to reduce their group therapy sessions to shift their focus to more independent recovery management and goal setting.
Day-to-Day Activity
In addition to the robust clinical and recovery support programming available at Eden Hill, the experience of slow integrative exposure to real life scenarios is one of the benefits of transitional living. Through the use of the phase system, guests are able to go out into the community and slowly increase healthy sober activities that they would normally do at home or are things they would like to do going forward. This transitional approach prepares our guests to be able to navigate everyday life occurrences they might find triggering. The goal is that by discharge, our guests have learned appropriate and effective skills to overcome these triggers and barriers to recovery while in the safe environment of Eden Hill. Translating these learned skills for challenging events (including everything from going to the grocery store where alcohol can be purchased, to preparing a meal at home without that alcoholic beverage or joint) can be the difference between recovery and relapse.
Guests are welcome to explore our beautiful area, go to the gym, meet up with sober individuals in the community, run errands and, once in Phase 2, work, volunteer and request day and overnight passes. As a transitional living home, we are not here to monitor every single action a guest takes, but to offer support and guidance as each individual begins to take increasing responsibility for their own life. Guests utilize an app on their cell phone to share their locations with staff for added accountability and support.
Wellness at Eden Hill
Each night of the week a different guest will be asked to prepare a meal for community dinner. The process involves scheduling and planning in advance, making the effort to create something you and fellow guests will enjoy and using ingredients that nourish the body. Cooking meals requires time management, preparation and genuine effort. It means accommodating the health restrictions of others and creating something that benefits everyone in the house. These skills all lend themselves to techniques and behaviors to support recovery. In addition, some people have the history of intoxication while cooking, so this activity at Eden Hill offers the opportunity to create new associations with the task.
Monday mornings all guests participate in a private yoga and meditation class at a local yoga studio. No experience is necessary to enjoy this class and the instructor will tailor their classes to the needs and capabilities of each guest. We also have yoga mats available at Eden Hill for women to continue their own Yoga practice at the house.
During our weekly Goals Meeting, guests are asked to identify at least three personal sober goals. Many of these goals are related to recovery, health, activities of daily living, relationships and career/educational aspirations. In the next section there is information about activities that guests have pursued outside of the house.
Wellness Outside of the House
Guests are encouraged to participate in activities outside of the house and work with our team to develop a plan to continue such activities as they transition out of Eden Hill. Many women rediscover a passion for art, cooking, music, reading, writing and much more. Women with substance use disorders are exceptionally bright, talented individuals who, in sobriety, regain the interest and commitment it takes to pursue their passions.
Some examples of activities we have helped guests pursue include
- Horseback Riding - English or Western Lessons available at local stables
- Volunteer opportunities in the area such as Little Guild of St. Francis Animal Shelter, Geer Retirement Community or at one of the local libraries
- Outdoor activities such as hiking in the Berkshires, swimming in the local mountain lakes or skiing one of the local ski resorts in the winter
- Outside Yoga and also Pilates Classes
- Going to see Independent Films at theaters throughout Litchfield and Berkshire County
- and more
Eden Hill helps residents maintain a consistent schedule with programming throughout the day.
We provide 24/7 care by trained professionals who go above and beyond for each woman.
