MOUNT VERNON — Healthcare in the United States is trending more and more toward a holistic approach that includes an emphasis on long-term care and support. In the area of substance abuse, recovery housing plays a vital role in helping individuals rebuild their lives and find a sense of purpose.
On Thursday, the community got a peek at the county’s first long-term permanent recovery home, set to open in the next few weeks. As a house-warming gift, community members brought cleaning supplies and household items to the two-story home at 419 Wooster Rd.
“For folks who are dealing with addiction, recovery is a process, and it’s a life-long process. It doesn’t stop when an individual leaves treatment,” said Kathryn (Saylor) St. James, president and CEO of Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio. “Sometimes it’s difficult to return to the same community [they came from]. There are a lot of things that could trigger an individual back into addiction. This [home] provides the next step in recovery.
“It’s a step toward complete independence, and it also gives a chance, particularly when you are new in recovery, to live in a very supportive environment,” she added.
Owned by Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties and operated by BHP, the home supports four residents and one live-in house manager. The house manager moved in on Monday. BHP is in the process of selecting the other four residents.
“They have to have gone through a treatment program in order to be eligible to move in,” said St. James of the residents.
Although participation in a formal or faith-based drug or alcohol rehab program is not required, St. James said it is encouraged. The women are expected to pay rent and follow house rules such as no alcohol or drug use, doing chores, and maintaining a sober environment. MHR offers short-term rental assistance for women entering the home who can not yet meet the rent requirement.
“We try to help with daily living skills for individuals who don’t have them, such as doing laundry, grocery shopping, how to apply and interview for a job,” she said. “Addiction disrupts that growth process. A lot of women have to reinvent themselves.”
The house manager functions, as St. James puts it, “in some ways like a house mom.” She makes sure the house runs smoothly and is cared for, makes sure the residents do their chores, and helps connect the residents to resources if needed.
“The house manager has been through recovery herself for a much longer time frame,” said St. James. “She has more experience in her recovery.
“With shared experiences, they can really support each other, and the stable environment gives them a chance to practice skills they’ve not had the chance to pick up before getting into addiction,” she explained.
“What I hope it will mean is a safe, secure, stable home environment so that they can continue their recovery process,” said house manager Nadine Wysinger. “I really want a sense of peace when they walk in the door. A safe, secure environment where they don’t have to worry about finding someone OD’d or that they will OD.
“Substance abuse is just a symptom,” she continued. “Most addicts use because they don’t want to feel. In recovery, you’re starting to feel again. You have to get in touch with your emotions without running off to use, and that’s difficult to do.”
There is no time limit on the length of time a resident can live in the home.
“You live there as long as you want, but the average length is about 18 months,” said Emily Morrison, communications coordinator for MHR. “After 18 months, they are usually on their feet and congregant living isn’t what they want.”
Morrison said women can be recovering from any type of addiction, including medication-assisted treatment, while they are in the home.
“So there are no access-to-care problems,” she said.
When a resident does move out, the house manager, along with the other residents, will interview applicants and decide who moves in.
“It becomes a group effort who they are bringing in,” explained St. James. “The atmosphere in the house needs to be comfortable. Because we want the house to be successful, we are looking at what’s the best fit of people.”
“We’re not going to like each other every day, but as every dysfunctional family does, we will work through it,” said Wysinger. “Because this is just the beginning of the journey.”
MHR bought the house for $180,000 using state capital dollars and a 25 percent match from MHR. The entire cost of the home is supported by state grant funds and supplemented by the MHR board.
St. James said the home has received incredible support from the community.
“This really is a needed step for many people, and I have to say that at BHP, we are thrilled to be a part of it,” she said.
