The ILT Program – Putting Recovery Into Action

The Serenity House Independent Living Treatment (ILT) programs provide affordable transitional housing for men and women in early recovery from substance abuse and chemical dependence, or for those who have recently completed a more structured treatment program and need a safe and sober environment to help strengthen their recovery.

Research has shown that the longer an individual remains in a structured recovery setting, the greater the chances they will have at maintaining long-term sobriety. At Serenity House, the ILT program has offered hundreds of individuals the opportunity to develop a comprehensive relapse prevention plan, explore long-term housing options, address any outstanding financial issues, repair relationships, and expand their support network.

A quality improvement plan is being developed specifically for the men and women in the ILT programs. This plan identifies several areas where clients would be encouraged to think of their recovery as much more than simply going to support meetings, working a 12-step recovery program, and abstaining from alcohol or drug use. One area of interest would focus on exploring career and educational opportunities that are consistent with the client's skills, interests, abilities and values. Shortly after being admitted into the ILT program, clients would be required to:

	Complete an interest and skill self-assessment
	Reflect on previous work experience and identify connections between addictive behavior and
	occupational problems
	Create or update a resume using a strength based approach focusing on newly proven job skills,
	dependability, accountability, and responsibility
	Contact a career counselor at the College of DuPage to explore ways to develop and implement a
	satisfying career path

Many clients in early recovery have a difficult time measuring their progress and can overlook the value of what a dependable employee can bring to the work place. Several weeks ago, one of the groups participated in an exercise that illustrates one way progress in recovery can be measured. Eleven participants were asked how long they had been clean and sober, a figure which averaged out to approximately one year each. Assuming each employee worked 2,000 hours each year, this group could collectively offer an employer 22,000 productive hours of on the job performance. The group was then asked how many days each member had called in sick or not shown up. The cumulative total was all of three days , or 24 hours. Anyone who runs a business can attest to the value of being able to count on employees who show up on time and ready to work.

The road to sustained recovery is aided by expanded career and educational choices. Participating in the ILT programs at Serenity House has made many of these opportunities and more come true for those willing to work towards putting their recovery into action.