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Family Services
Chemical Dependency affects millions of people directly or indirectly everyday.
People with addiction often turn to St. Joseph's because they feel they
have ruined their lives and have no idea how to start repairing the mess. They
are not the only ones affected. Family members also reach a point of desperation.
By the time families come into contact with St. Joseph's they are not
only depleted emotionally, they are often on the brink of financial ruin. Whether
it's you with chemical dependency or a loved one of yours who is struggling
with addiction, we can help. From a family member:
"Our stay at St. Joseph's turned out to be the best thing that
Tim and I have done for ourselves as far as Bob is concerned.
We must admit, we have never been exposed to anything that
even comes close to this approach to treatment and we are
veterans of several programs."
Over the last 25 years St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment and Recovery
Centers, has developed a unique and highly regarded family services model that
positively changes lives. We continue to provide an unparalleled opportunity
for those affected by chemical dependency to become educated about addiction
and to learn skills for improving lives. Our program, the first residential
service of its kind in New York, is truly transformational for many people
and consistently receives a 95% satisfaction rating. This comment from a family
member is quite typical:
"St. Joe's is truly a magical place...I can walk away from this
weekend with my life having been changed forever."
Goals of Family Services
Family Sessions is a program for clients, spouses, parents, siblings, partners
and children over the age of 10. The program gives clients and families the
opportunity to participate in an intensive, therapeutic process with highly-skilled
professional counselors in an inviting and comfortable setting away from the
demands of their day-to-day lives. For many, it is the only such educational
and healing opportunity they have ever experienced. The service is unique in
that it offers:
1. empathy and understanding for the family member so that they leave feeling
empowered rather than guilty
2. a three-day residential program (most other family services offer a short
program lasting just a few hours)
3. an approach that goes beyond education and provides intervention and therapy
All Inpatient clients attend one Family Session during their stay. Those family
members who are unable to attend participate by sending detailed letters. The
service consists of four elements:
1. Educational Sessions that provide information about the disease and self-care
strategies
2. Group Therapy to help people realize they are not alone with their experiences
and feelings and they can set healthy boundaries for themselves. For children
this is often the first time they have openly talked about their experience,
which provides them with a huge sense of relief. In the past, their parents
thought they didn't understand and usually hadn't given them permission
to talk about it.
3. A Structured Intervention which provides family members with the support
and guidance needed to share how the addiction-related behaviors have impacted
their relationship(s).
4. Informal Interaction with other family members. While this aspect may seem
inconsequential, we believe that it is a vital element for success. When family
members share intimate information with one another they are more apt to trust
and bond. This bonding can deepen during the non-structured time that families
spend together. These relationships then serve as a source of support long
after the service ends.
Family members and/or significant others often experience much pain and stress
from trying to deal with chemical dependency. While in attendance, they are
encouraged to recognize any adjustments they've made, develop positive
changes for themselves, and learn new coping strategies.
"I came here with my family not knowing what to expect,
nervous, anxious and apprehensive. I leave here comforted,
convinced and at peace with myself in knowing that all the
residents here are in the best hands they can possibly be."
Yet another purpose of Family Session participation is to promote for clients
their increased understanding of addiction as a "Family Disease",
to address their denial and to help them take responsibility for past behaviors.
How Family Services operates
Soon after arriving at St. Joseph's, each client meets with a Family
Counselor to sign releases permitting communication with their loved ones.
Invitations are then extended from the Family Department for family members
to participate in Family Sessions. Please note, to attend persons must be 10
years of age or older.
Due to space limitations we are able to accommodate two people on behalf of
each client. Those who have been most impacted by the client's disease
and/or with whom the resident may be eventually residing are given priority.
When loved ones receive our correspondence they are encouraged to confirm their
reservation as soon as possible. If more than two want to attend those names
go on a waiting list. Anyone who has been placed on the waiting list is notified
of final confirmation approximately one week prior to the onset of Family Sessions.
It is our desire to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend and we encourage
calls to determine space availability.
Preparing a list for the Intervention
Family Sessions are an important part of each In-patient client's treatment.
Chances for successful recovery are greatly increased when family members participate.
The sessions include a time when the client is told by loved one(s) what changes
they were aware of as the client's alcohol/drug use worsened and how
they were affected. To help loved ones prepare their list, please click on
the following link: "Guidelines for Sharing". Loved ones may choose
to draft their list prior to coming and bring it with them.
If a loved one finds it impossible to attend Family Sessions, they are encouraged
to participate by sending a letter to be read aloud in a group therapy setting
to assist in their client's recovery. For more specific information about
writing that letter, please click on link: "Guidelines
for Sharing".
If you are unable to attend and are sending a letter instead, please
post by addressing the letter to:
Family Department
St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers
159 Glenwood Drive
Saranac Lake, New York 12983
or
FAX to 518-891-7614
or
Email:
Our Family Services Agenda
After arriving between 6:00 and 6:30 PM (on a Sunday or Friday depending upon
the session) the Family Sessions begin with an orientation at 7:00 p.m. The
Sessions conclude before lunch on the last day (a Wednesday or Monday morning
respectively). Lodging and meals are provided during the program. (Please note
no dinner is provided on the first evening. If traveling by bus please consider
purchasing a meal along the way or packing a lunch.)
To best address the issues concerning the disease of addiction, full-time participation,
from beginning to end, is required and loved ones are expected to be alcohol
and drug free five days preceding and throughout the program, to help ensure
their safe abstinence all while in attendance. As we are a tobacco-free facility,
abstinence from tobacco products is also strictly enforced.
The Family Sessions take place in the Paschal Family Building which is separate
from our main facility yet on the same campus. Although loved ones reside in
the Family building, they enjoy their lunches, dinners, and some visits/activities
in the main center with their respective client.
The Family Sessions schedule is very full, beginning early each day and continuing
into the evenings with meetings and assignments.
What to Bring
Please bring modest, casual clothing (be aware of appropriate logos/lettering)
sufficient for three days and note that no laundry facilities are available.
Summer days get warm but nights in the mountains are cool - so bring sweaters
and long pants. In winter, boots are a necessity. If a child is attending,
please allow him/her to bring a favorite book, toy or game.
Transportation
An Adirondack Trailways bus arrives in Saranac Lake via Albany / New York at
5:30 PM. Our local airport is the Adirondack
Regional Airport (SLK) in Lake Clear, New York. Please make arrangements through your local travel agent
and notify us of your travel plans. Please click on our "Site Locations" page for more
information about how to get here.
Cost of Family Services
Family Sessions are provided as part of the whole program but donations are
graciously accepted to help defer our costs.
Why should you choose us?
We are proud of our outstanding service and are gratified to be recognized
in professional communities for our success. The Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities noted in its independent assessment of St. Joseph's
that the Family Services are "exemplary"
"Our son has been in treatment for the past 5 weeks at
St. Joseph's and this is his 7th or 8th treatment experience.
We have taken part in 2 family weekends at other facilities...
they were difficult experiences but seemed beneficial at the
time... Last week... we came away with a renewed hope for
mankind, and filled with wonder and hope regarding your
facility. We have never had an experience such as this, even
though we have been to so many treatment centers over the
past 6 years. I have never felt so much love, concern, genuine
empathy and understanding. We have never seen a program
which operates in the manner of St. Joseph's. It seems as if
you have all the answers and solutions for which we have been
searching."
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