When you make the decision to get the help you need for an addiction, it’s important to know what layers of support will be provided during your treatment and recovery. Many professional treatment centers offer an advocacy services program. These programs provide personalized one-on-one support from a substance abuse advocate, so that the transition through each phase of treatment and recovery happens as smoothly as possible. Substance abuse advocates support the client and the client’s family. Find out more about what an advocacy program looks like by inquiring with an addiction treatment program, like the one at The Arbor.
What is a substance abuse advocate in addiction recovery?
A substance abuse advocate or recovery advocate is a professional who engages with clients enrolled in a professional addiction treatment program. Their role is to assist the client with access to resources, treatment, and developing skills to re-enter society armed with the tools to succeed in their job, school, and relationships.
A substance abuse advocate’s responsibilities can include:
- Supporting clients in recovery by offering emotional support, helping them navigate treatment options, and securing a sponsor
- Ensuring clients maintain consistent participation in 12-step recovery
- Connecting clients and their families with mental and physical healthcare, as well as financial, educational, and community resources
- Providing practical support to families while their loved one is in recovery
- Raising awareness by educating the broader community about addiction and recovery resources
- Assisting clients with daily living skills once they’ve exited formal treatment
A recovery advocate is usually a professional in the field of addiction and recovery and may have had a personal experience with addiction themselves. In some cases, an advocate can be a community member who feels called to serve others and is passionate about helping people overcome addiction with as much support as possible. On a broader scale, advocates can also work at the local, state, and federal levels to help advocate for more systemic change in policy.
Advocacy program
An advocacy program encompasses multiple phases of support. Each phase focuses on recovery, health (both physical and mental), relationships, school & employment, and independent living skills. At The Arbor, the advocacy program has three main phases.
Phase 1: The initial transition
Even if a client chooses to engage in only some aspects of the advocacy program, everyone will begin at phase 1. At this phase, an advocate meets with a client to complete an assessment and develop an advocacy plan. The client and advocate will meet once a week to ensure the plan is on track.
Phase 2: Building a foundation
The next phase begins once more structure has been created with life, work, family, and other obligations. Advocates meet with clients every other week and also stay in touch with family to provide progress updates and offer support.
Phase 3: Growing, stretching, and maintaining
In this final phase, consistency is the goal. Clients have put their recovery skills into practice and are equipped with tools to succeed after they leave the structure of a treatment program. Advocates meet with clients monthly and provide updates and support to families as well.
Each phase of the program builds on another so that once clients have completed all phases, they are well equipped to live their newly sober life healthily and productively.
Enroll in an advocacy program for addiction recovery at The Arbor
An advocacy program is just one of the many support options at The Arbor. Each client is assigned an advocate, and then either participates in our complete advocacy program or chooses specific program elements they’d like to utilize.
The Arbor offers a holistic approach to our clients, ensuring that the entire person is treated—mind, body, and soul. Call The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 or fill out our inquiry form to get started.
Find out more about treatment options today and get the support you need for yourself or a loved one.