SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - With new details about the death of 16-year-old Alexis Rasmussen, Dr. Susan Wiet talked to ABC 4 about how to prevent teen drug abuse.
Dr. Wiet says the best way to prevent drug abuse is to talk to your teenagers about substance use.
She says use the resources like your pediatrician, school counselors and child psychologists for direction, if needed.
Click on link below to watch the interview.
Psychiatrist talks about teen drug abuse
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Odyssey House featured on KCPW
What is social enterprise? And how can local entrepreneurs make a living and contribute to society?
Guests:
•Fraser Nelson, Community Foundation of Utah
•Kali Stoddard, Odyssey House
The Community Foundation of Utah, Morgan Stanley Bank and Zions Bank are hosting a seminar on social enterprise with Carla Javits, CEO of REDF and a national leader on philanthro-capitalism, as key note. The event is Thursday, Nov. 10, 9-10:30 a.m. in the Zions Bank Founders Room, One South Main Street, Salt Lake City. Click here for more information.
Click here to listen to the interview:
http://kcpw.org/blog/cityviews/2011-11-08/city-views-110911-election-round-up/
Guests:
•Fraser Nelson, Community Foundation of Utah
•Kali Stoddard, Odyssey House
The Community Foundation of Utah, Morgan Stanley Bank and Zions Bank are hosting a seminar on social enterprise with Carla Javits, CEO of REDF and a national leader on philanthro-capitalism, as key note. The event is Thursday, Nov. 10, 9-10:30 a.m. in the Zions Bank Founders Room, One South Main Street, Salt Lake City. Click here for more information.
Click here to listen to the interview:
http://kcpw.org/blog/cityviews/2011-11-08/city-views-110911-election-round-up/
Odyssey House Marketing Director featured in Deseret News
Social enterprises' helps people overcome barriers to employment
Published: Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 6:16 p.m. MDT
By Marjorie Cortez, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — More American businesses need to be about the "double bottom line," says Carla Javits, a national expert in social enterprise.
Javits, chief executive officer of the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, said "double bottom line" means enterprises that employ people with high barriers to employment and self-sufficiency can also turn a profit.
REDF invests in nonprofit-run businesses. The venture philanthropy organization, based in California, is partnering with six nonprofit organizations that create pathways for people to go to work with appropriate supports. The clients are people who have been incarcerated, have had substance abuse issues, are mentally ill, have poor educational attainment or poor employment histories.
"There's a need for this 'transition,' if you will, so people are ready to get into the private job market and do well," Javits said.
"Social enterprise" is a fairly new concept in Utah, says Fraser Nelson, executive director of the Community Foundation of Utah.
"There isn't enough of this going on in Utah and people don't know how to do it," Nelson said.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, Javits will offer a presentation on social enterprise in the Founder Room of Zions Bank, 1 S. Main. Her presentation begins at 9 a.m. Registration is required. Go to www.utahcf.org for more information.
Javit's presentation is sponsored by the foundation, Morgan Stanley Bank and Zions Bank.
Javits will share REDF's extensive studies how this model creates high social and financial returns.
But is also builds self-esteem in people who, long before the economic downturn, were "frozen out" of the world of work, Javits said.
"A paycheck is critical. Everyone needs that. Work tends to impact a lot of things. It's a social network. It gives people a sense of value, a purpose or meaning to their lives. It makes it worthwhile to get up in the morning," Javits said.
Employers derive benefits, too.
Odyssey House of Utah, a nonprofit that has provided substance abuse treatment services in the Salt Lake Valley for more than 40 years, places clients who have gone through its vocational training program at a handful of businesses where they gain work experience and earn a paycheck.
The nonprofit provides transportation and Worker's Compensation coverage. The worker/clients continue to live at the residential treatment center, where they undergo regular drug testing and get support for issues they may encounter in the working world.
"These folks are really stable. We know they're sober. They're staying in healthy space at night. They're not out on the town or anything like that," said Kali Stoddard, Odyssey House spokeswoman.
The opportunity to work not only helps clients build their resumes so they can find work once they complete substance abuse treatment, it gives them the opportunity to pay for their own treatment instead of relying on parents or government funding.
"Then, they're fully invested," Stoddard said.
To the American sensibility, having a job to go on Monday morning is a matter of human dignity, Javits said.
But for people who have poor employment histories, substance abuse, mental illness "nobody wants to give you a chance. But we know that it's a lot easier to get a job, if you have a job. That's the point. We've got to give people a chance," Javits said.
Published: Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 6:16 p.m. MDT
By Marjorie Cortez, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — More American businesses need to be about the "double bottom line," says Carla Javits, a national expert in social enterprise.
Javits, chief executive officer of the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, said "double bottom line" means enterprises that employ people with high barriers to employment and self-sufficiency can also turn a profit.
REDF invests in nonprofit-run businesses. The venture philanthropy organization, based in California, is partnering with six nonprofit organizations that create pathways for people to go to work with appropriate supports. The clients are people who have been incarcerated, have had substance abuse issues, are mentally ill, have poor educational attainment or poor employment histories.
"There's a need for this 'transition,' if you will, so people are ready to get into the private job market and do well," Javits said.
"Social enterprise" is a fairly new concept in Utah, says Fraser Nelson, executive director of the Community Foundation of Utah.
"There isn't enough of this going on in Utah and people don't know how to do it," Nelson said.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, Javits will offer a presentation on social enterprise in the Founder Room of Zions Bank, 1 S. Main. Her presentation begins at 9 a.m. Registration is required. Go to www.utahcf.org for more information.
Javit's presentation is sponsored by the foundation, Morgan Stanley Bank and Zions Bank.
Javits will share REDF's extensive studies how this model creates high social and financial returns.
But is also builds self-esteem in people who, long before the economic downturn, were "frozen out" of the world of work, Javits said.
"A paycheck is critical. Everyone needs that. Work tends to impact a lot of things. It's a social network. It gives people a sense of value, a purpose or meaning to their lives. It makes it worthwhile to get up in the morning," Javits said.
Employers derive benefits, too.
Odyssey House of Utah, a nonprofit that has provided substance abuse treatment services in the Salt Lake Valley for more than 40 years, places clients who have gone through its vocational training program at a handful of businesses where they gain work experience and earn a paycheck.
The nonprofit provides transportation and Worker's Compensation coverage. The worker/clients continue to live at the residential treatment center, where they undergo regular drug testing and get support for issues they may encounter in the working world.
"These folks are really stable. We know they're sober. They're staying in healthy space at night. They're not out on the town or anything like that," said Kali Stoddard, Odyssey House spokeswoman.
The opportunity to work not only helps clients build their resumes so they can find work once they complete substance abuse treatment, it gives them the opportunity to pay for their own treatment instead of relying on parents or government funding.
"Then, they're fully invested," Stoddard said.
To the American sensibility, having a job to go on Monday morning is a matter of human dignity, Javits said.
But for people who have poor employment histories, substance abuse, mental illness "nobody wants to give you a chance. But we know that it's a lot easier to get a job, if you have a job. That's the point. We've got to give people a chance," Javits said.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Parents with Children Program
The Odyssey House Parent’s Programming began almost 14 years ago with the opening of the Mother’s with Children Program in response to the growing number of addicted mothers with young children. Odyssey House has a strong history of effectively treating adults with addiction but children’s needs are highly unique, requiring a different set of interventions and skilled clinicians. This prompted the development of the Children's Services Center. Together these programs offer substance abuse treatment for the parent, parenting and family skills training, and therapeutic interventions for the children. The hallmark of these services is the ability to keep families together in a safe environment, giving them the time to heal and embark upon a new and healthy life together.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Success Stories
This is a recent story from a graduate of the Adult Residential Program at Odyssey House. Through the methodologies that Odyssey House has employed for over 40 years residents gain a strong sense of self, confidence and the skills and strength to continue to be a contributing member in society.
"For as long as I can remember I have searched for something or someone to make me feel whole, through Odyssey the search has ended with me. I have learned to be strong in what I believe in and stand on my own two feet. I don't need a man to hold me up. I can do it for myself. I have built a great relationship with my children and learned to have solid boundaries with my family. I am a strong, beautiful, and hard working woman. I will not let anything or anyone stand in the way of what I want out of the life I have built in these past two years."
"For as long as I can remember I have searched for something or someone to make me feel whole, through Odyssey the search has ended with me. I have learned to be strong in what I believe in and stand on my own two feet. I don't need a man to hold me up. I can do it for myself. I have built a great relationship with my children and learned to have solid boundaries with my family. I am a strong, beautiful, and hard working woman. I will not let anything or anyone stand in the way of what I want out of the life I have built in these past two years."
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Odyssey House of Utah was proudly accredited by The Joint Commission on February 11, 2011. The dedication of the accreditation team payed off! A big thank you to all staff and clients for your long hours and diligence to take our facilities and programs to the next level. Key players in this effort were Emily Capito (Director of Operations), Kali Mower (Development Coordinator), Emily Lewis (Quality Assurance Coordinator), Rob Adams, Bradley Hieb, Caitlin Szalay, Spencer Larsen, Tony Parra, Scott Young (Facility Managers), and Dani Plowthow (Director of Nursing).
Through the 3 day survey process, the surveyors repeatedly complimented the programs, staff, and clients. They specifically noted how impressed they are with our Therapeutic Community and how we have adapted the model to meet each of the populations' unique needs. Further, they spoke very highly of our clinical aptitude, treatment planning, and documentation. In the exit interview with the surveyors, they indicated that we were far ahead of the curve when it comes to our efforts in creating a culture of safety and quality.
Through the 3 day survey process, the surveyors repeatedly complimented the programs, staff, and clients. They specifically noted how impressed they are with our Therapeutic Community and how we have adapted the model to meet each of the populations' unique needs. Further, they spoke very highly of our clinical aptitude, treatment planning, and documentation. In the exit interview with the surveyors, they indicated that we were far ahead of the curve when it comes to our efforts in creating a culture of safety and quality.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Mother's with Children Success Story
Kristin:
I have continued to grow as a person. For the first time in my life I like myself. I am proud of the person I see when I look in the mirror. I am no longer ashamed of where I come from and what I have been through. I thank God everyday for giving me another chance to do things the right way for myself and my children. I wouldn't be the mother I am today and look forward to being in the future without this program.
I have continued to grow as a person. For the first time in my life I like myself. I am proud of the person I see when I look in the mirror. I am no longer ashamed of where I come from and what I have been through. I thank God everyday for giving me another chance to do things the right way for myself and my children. I wouldn't be the mother I am today and look forward to being in the future without this program.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tips for parents to recognize possible drug use
As children grow up they take up new fads—but sudden and extreme changes in your child may signal drug use.
Be alert if your child displays major changes in some or most of these areas:
Physical Changes:
• Changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times or unusual laziness.
• Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
• Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
• Smell of drugs on breath, body or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Runny nose; hacking cough.
• Needle marks on body.
• Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
• Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
• Irregular heartbeat.
Personality Changes:
• Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Losses track of time
• Changes in friends
• Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
• Loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
• Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.
• Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
• Silliness or giddiness.
• Paranoia
• Excessive need for privacy.
• Secretive or suspicious behavior.
• Chronic dishonesty.
• Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
• Change in personal grooming habits.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Next Steps:
These changes often signal that something is going on—and often that involves alcohol or drugs.
•You may want to take your child to the doctor and ask him or her about screening your child for drugs and alcohol. This may involve the health professional asking your child a simple question, or it may involve a urine or blood drug screen.
•Get treatment referrals from trustworthy agencies or individuals—your doctor, local hospital, state or local substance abuse agencies, other parents whose children have been in drug treatment, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
•Examine your child's mental health—a child with emotional or social problems may use drugs for self-medication.
•Don't deny that there is a problem—your child needs your help and parental support
•Some of these signs/symptoms also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, gang involvement, or suicide. Be on the watch for these signs so that you can spot trouble before it goes too far.
Contact Odyssey House concerning any questions you may have at 801-322-3222 or www.odysseyhouse.org under the contact us page (maybe we should have an e-mail dedicated to admission questions- info@odysseyhouse.org)
Be alert if your child displays major changes in some or most of these areas:
Physical Changes:
• Changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times or unusual laziness.
• Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
• Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
• Smell of drugs on breath, body or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Runny nose; hacking cough.
• Needle marks on body.
• Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
• Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
• Irregular heartbeat.
Personality Changes:
• Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Losses track of time
• Changes in friends
• Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
• Loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
• Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.
• Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
• Silliness or giddiness.
• Paranoia
• Excessive need for privacy.
• Secretive or suspicious behavior.
• Chronic dishonesty.
• Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
• Change in personal grooming habits.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Next Steps:
These changes often signal that something is going on—and often that involves alcohol or drugs.
•You may want to take your child to the doctor and ask him or her about screening your child for drugs and alcohol. This may involve the health professional asking your child a simple question, or it may involve a urine or blood drug screen.
•Get treatment referrals from trustworthy agencies or individuals—your doctor, local hospital, state or local substance abuse agencies, other parents whose children have been in drug treatment, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
•Examine your child's mental health—a child with emotional or social problems may use drugs for self-medication.
•Don't deny that there is a problem—your child needs your help and parental support
•Some of these signs/symptoms also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, gang involvement, or suicide. Be on the watch for these signs so that you can spot trouble before it goes too far.
Contact Odyssey House concerning any questions you may have at 801-322-3222 or www.odysseyhouse.org under the contact us page (maybe we should have an e-mail dedicated to admission questions- info@odysseyhouse.org)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Addiction Professional Magazine features Odyssey House Utah!
The innovative Fathers with Children program received great honor last week when Brad, a successful client-turned-case manager was featured within the respected publication. You may click here to read about Odyssey House Utah and the issue in its entirety. The article is on the back-inside cover.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Profile of Change: Meet Sarah
This week's story features Sarah, a client of the Adolescent Residential Program. It is always heartwarming to see an adolescent successfully turn their life around and learn to live a healthy life. Her story prior to entering treatment is like so many others...*
Meet Sarah...
Before coming to Odyssey, my life was complete chaos. I spent all of my time chasing after my next high, whether it was sex, drugs/selling drugs, or stealing. My coping skills to manage my emotions were cutting myself, getting high and/or drunk, having sex with someone, or engaging in other high-risk behaviors. I was failing at school. I was constantly fighting with my family and running away from home. I would lie, cheat, steal, manipulate, or perform to get what I wanted. In treatment I have learned that I am worthwhile, I can have a successful future, and there is more to life than the streets. After fourteen months of doing the hard work, my future consists of sobriety, safety, education, success, and being a part of my family.
--Sarah, 17
Salt Lake City, Utah
Odyssey House Client
*Some elements of story were changed to promote client confidentiality
Meet Sarah...
Before coming to Odyssey, my life was complete chaos. I spent all of my time chasing after my next high, whether it was sex, drugs/selling drugs, or stealing. My coping skills to manage my emotions were cutting myself, getting high and/or drunk, having sex with someone, or engaging in other high-risk behaviors. I was failing at school. I was constantly fighting with my family and running away from home. I would lie, cheat, steal, manipulate, or perform to get what I wanted. In treatment I have learned that I am worthwhile, I can have a successful future, and there is more to life than the streets. After fourteen months of doing the hard work, my future consists of sobriety, safety, education, success, and being a part of my family.
--Sarah, 17
Salt Lake City, Utah
Odyssey House Client
*Some elements of story were changed to promote client confidentiality
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Profile of Change: Meet Jarad....
This week's story features Jarad, a client of the Adult Residential Program. His inspirational story is a true testament to his hard work, dedication, and willingness to surrender. It is clients like these that make our program work, as they pass along their knowledge and strength to others...
Meet Jarad...
My life was complete chaos and it was heading nowhere due to my severe drug addiction. My life was completely unmanageable. I had burned all my bridges and used and manipulated everyone that I came in contact with, unfortunately the people that I hurt the most were the people that I loved and cared for the most.
I had been using cocaine and opiates it started off innocent in the beginning and it progressed into every day use and it was too late to just stop. It fueled the way that I felt about myself. I had no self worth or inner strength, I thought to myself everyday that this is all I know and I wasn't worth anything better and I was never going to accomplish anything. After a few arrests, a year in jail and countless probation violations the community had enough with me and the judge gave me one last chance in lieu of spending up to ten years prison and that was to complete the inpatient program at Odyssey House.
I arrived at Odyssey House on May 31st 2007. I was scared and didn't know what to expect. I had a really hard time at first and didn't want to be here, I really wanted to give up on myself.
I knew when I got here that this was going to be one of the hardest things that I will ever do mostly because I felt that I wasn't ready to change, I didn't think that I could follow all the strict rules and hold myself and other people accountable for there actions. When I finally decided that I was going to follow the rules and do the work to change I realized that this is what I needed. I needed to do a lot of work towards my self esteem through talking about why I feel the way I do in therapy group. I gained a lot from all the people that I became friends with knowing that they care about me for who I am not what I have or can get.
I gained a lot from the vocational training program because I would look back at what I accomplished and know that I have a lot of talent and do amazing things if I want it bad enough. Vocational training taught me how to get up and be responsible and go to work everyday, it gave me the opportunity to work with the community and develop some people skills. It also taught me how to communicate effectively, and gave me skills I can use to make a living when I leave Odyssey.
I love what this place has given me. It has made my life so much better I am a positive person in society and have a new outlook on life and all the things that I can accomplish with all my new friends by my side, I have met so many people here that I know will keep me sober and be honest with me when I?m showing signs of relapse. My family has a huge part to play in my sobriety and I can finally be the son and the brother that I want to be."
--Jarad, 24
Salt Lake City, Utah
Odyssey House Client
Meet Jarad...
My life was complete chaos and it was heading nowhere due to my severe drug addiction. My life was completely unmanageable. I had burned all my bridges and used and manipulated everyone that I came in contact with, unfortunately the people that I hurt the most were the people that I loved and cared for the most.
I had been using cocaine and opiates it started off innocent in the beginning and it progressed into every day use and it was too late to just stop. It fueled the way that I felt about myself. I had no self worth or inner strength, I thought to myself everyday that this is all I know and I wasn't worth anything better and I was never going to accomplish anything. After a few arrests, a year in jail and countless probation violations the community had enough with me and the judge gave me one last chance in lieu of spending up to ten years prison and that was to complete the inpatient program at Odyssey House.
I arrived at Odyssey House on May 31st 2007. I was scared and didn't know what to expect. I had a really hard time at first and didn't want to be here, I really wanted to give up on myself.
I knew when I got here that this was going to be one of the hardest things that I will ever do mostly because I felt that I wasn't ready to change, I didn't think that I could follow all the strict rules and hold myself and other people accountable for there actions. When I finally decided that I was going to follow the rules and do the work to change I realized that this is what I needed. I needed to do a lot of work towards my self esteem through talking about why I feel the way I do in therapy group. I gained a lot from all the people that I became friends with knowing that they care about me for who I am not what I have or can get.
I gained a lot from the vocational training program because I would look back at what I accomplished and know that I have a lot of talent and do amazing things if I want it bad enough. Vocational training taught me how to get up and be responsible and go to work everyday, it gave me the opportunity to work with the community and develop some people skills. It also taught me how to communicate effectively, and gave me skills I can use to make a living when I leave Odyssey.
I love what this place has given me. It has made my life so much better I am a positive person in society and have a new outlook on life and all the things that I can accomplish with all my new friends by my side, I have met so many people here that I know will keep me sober and be honest with me when I?m showing signs of relapse. My family has a huge part to play in my sobriety and I can finally be the son and the brother that I want to be."
--Jarad, 24
Salt Lake City, Utah
Odyssey House Client
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Journey of Healing....
The story for this week is an adult who graduated the program and has completely turned their life around. They now live a live drug free and are very grateful to Odyssey House. We are, as always, grateful for their willingness to share...
"A Journey of Healing"
B.M. Salt Lake City, Utah
I feared growing up and responsibility. I never saw myself being able to achieve a life of meaning. I had so much pain from my older brother telling me that I wouldn't amount to much, and drugs made me believe that. I had to develop a new image of myself and new self-confidence. This began with me being able to look people in the eyes. I hurt a lot of people and had no idea how my actions had impacted them. I can honestly say today, that I have the ability to live life on life's terms. In my past, I was never able to do that. That was a major reason for my drug use. I still have struggles today, but I know that as long as I stay sober, they will pass. I know many people that are willing to support me and that I can rely on them.
Today I am a role model. Integrity and sobriety are high on my priority list. I am also able to work through my desire to always get things when I want them - I know that I need to work for them and it is sometimes a slow process and that I need to be patient. I am so grateful that I can live this new life. Some people never get this lucky. I learned so much at Odyssey House.
B.M.
22, F
Salt Lake City, Utah
"A Journey of Healing"
B.M. Salt Lake City, Utah
I feared growing up and responsibility. I never saw myself being able to achieve a life of meaning. I had so much pain from my older brother telling me that I wouldn't amount to much, and drugs made me believe that. I had to develop a new image of myself and new self-confidence. This began with me being able to look people in the eyes. I hurt a lot of people and had no idea how my actions had impacted them. I can honestly say today, that I have the ability to live life on life's terms. In my past, I was never able to do that. That was a major reason for my drug use. I still have struggles today, but I know that as long as I stay sober, they will pass. I know many people that are willing to support me and that I can rely on them.
Today I am a role model. Integrity and sobriety are high on my priority list. I am also able to work through my desire to always get things when I want them - I know that I need to work for them and it is sometimes a slow process and that I need to be patient. I am so grateful that I can live this new life. Some people never get this lucky. I learned so much at Odyssey House.
B.M.
22, F
Salt Lake City, Utah
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
"Odyssey House has been a great help in my life!"
This week's story is from a graduate of the Adult Program that has gone on to live a successful, productive life. He continues to "give back" by helping our organization secure grants. We are proud of him and acknowledge him for all of his hard work! Here is the story in his words....*
Odyssey House has been a great help in my life. In August of 2003 I was in jail for the first time in my life, for drug abuse. I was only there for a day, but it started to get my wheels turning about what I was going to do with my life, for the first time in years. In September of 2003 I checked myself into Odyssey House of Utah to try and get my life back on track. Odyssey is a drug rehab, serving 3 distinct centers, the Women & Children’s, Adult, and Adolescent center. All I wanted to do was quit using drugs, but in their program, I was given more than I could have ever hoped for. I was given all the tools I needed to stay clean, but above and beyond that, I learned to live a functional, positive life, hold a job, gain a sense of self-esteem and the ability to rebuild that which I thought was destroyed – my relationship with my family. Without writing 150 pages, I can’t tell you everything that Odyssey House gave me, but I can say that now 5 years has passed, and I am graduating from the University of Phoenix this year with my BS in Human Service, I have bought my first home, and I am getting married in September. This is my life now. I can assure you it would not have been my life without them.
Odyssey teaches many of the same rules for life, that my employer tries to instill in it’s members. We all have the ability to be good people. Everyone deserves respect. Everyone has the right to be treated fairly. We all have the ability to be honest, productive members of society. An open, honest, environment will help people get well, and truly bring out the best in people.
Tomorrow, I will have been working at my job for 4 years. This is the longest I had ever held a job before. I love my work, and know I will be working here for a long time. Without Odyssey House, I know that I would not only have never gotten a job where I have one today. I know that I would not have been able to keep it even if I had, but more importantly, I wouldn’t have been alive to ever apply. I know that the way life was going, I was lucky enough to live long enough to get into treatment.
-JE, Salt Lake City, UT
*Some elements of story were changed to promote client confidentiality
Odyssey House has been a great help in my life. In August of 2003 I was in jail for the first time in my life, for drug abuse. I was only there for a day, but it started to get my wheels turning about what I was going to do with my life, for the first time in years. In September of 2003 I checked myself into Odyssey House of Utah to try and get my life back on track. Odyssey is a drug rehab, serving 3 distinct centers, the Women & Children’s, Adult, and Adolescent center. All I wanted to do was quit using drugs, but in their program, I was given more than I could have ever hoped for. I was given all the tools I needed to stay clean, but above and beyond that, I learned to live a functional, positive life, hold a job, gain a sense of self-esteem and the ability to rebuild that which I thought was destroyed – my relationship with my family. Without writing 150 pages, I can’t tell you everything that Odyssey House gave me, but I can say that now 5 years has passed, and I am graduating from the University of Phoenix this year with my BS in Human Service, I have bought my first home, and I am getting married in September. This is my life now. I can assure you it would not have been my life without them.
Odyssey teaches many of the same rules for life, that my employer tries to instill in it’s members. We all have the ability to be good people. Everyone deserves respect. Everyone has the right to be treated fairly. We all have the ability to be honest, productive members of society. An open, honest, environment will help people get well, and truly bring out the best in people.
Tomorrow, I will have been working at my job for 4 years. This is the longest I had ever held a job before. I love my work, and know I will be working here for a long time. Without Odyssey House, I know that I would not only have never gotten a job where I have one today. I know that I would not have been able to keep it even if I had, but more importantly, I wouldn’t have been alive to ever apply. I know that the way life was going, I was lucky enough to live long enough to get into treatment.
-JE, Salt Lake City, UT
*Some elements of story were changed to promote client confidentiality
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
"From the hospital to healing..." The scary reality of overdose
This weeks story is a story very common among adolescents who elect to abuse heroin once painkillers become unattainable....
I woke up in the hospital and was told that I had overdosed on heroin; my friends had left me in the bathroom of a shopping mall where I easily could have died if I had not been found. My home life was good and my parents were supportive but I chose to look to my friends for advice and thought thatmy friends were all I had and they let me down. I started using drugs at age 12 and by age 15 I would go to any extreme to get my drugs even if it meant stealing. After the overdose I was referred to Odyssey House for treatment and am very close to graduation. I had not been to school since the ninth grade, but now I have a 3.8 grade point average, will graduate from Odyssey Academy with a high school diploma and start college in the fall. No other treatment program seemed to work for me. Odyssey House has given me a new hope for the future. I have changed my life.
CF, Holladay, Utah
I woke up in the hospital and was told that I had overdosed on heroin; my friends had left me in the bathroom of a shopping mall where I easily could have died if I had not been found. My home life was good and my parents were supportive but I chose to look to my friends for advice and thought thatmy friends were all I had and they let me down. I started using drugs at age 12 and by age 15 I would go to any extreme to get my drugs even if it meant stealing. After the overdose I was referred to Odyssey House for treatment and am very close to graduation. I had not been to school since the ninth grade, but now I have a 3.8 grade point average, will graduate from Odyssey Academy with a high school diploma and start college in the fall. No other treatment program seemed to work for me. Odyssey House has given me a new hope for the future. I have changed my life.
CF, Holladay, Utah
Monday, March 23, 2009
Weekly Story... Stay Tuned!
Hi all,
This weeks story will be shared with you tomorrow, on Tuesday! If you would like to hear of a story from any individual in the future based on their age or sex, please let me know. We feel that it is important to hear stories from users from various backgrounds and ages.
See you tomorrow!
This weeks story will be shared with you tomorrow, on Tuesday! If you would like to hear of a story from any individual in the future based on their age or sex, please let me know. We feel that it is important to hear stories from users from various backgrounds and ages.
See you tomorrow!
Monday, March 16, 2009
"Since I came to Odyssey" - A Profile of Change
Hi all,
Another Monday and, as promised, another Profile of Change. This week's contributor is someone who has nearly completed all of the residential levels of our program and is right on the brink of moving into transitional living. She has made great strides and is very proud of her success. Here is her story...
Since I have came to Odyssey House I have opened up and talked about things that I swore to myself I never would. I have learned that helping people means holding them accountable and standing my ground even if they do get mad at me. I have also learned that it is ok for me to say no and stand up for myself, that I am worth it.
When I look back to before I came to Odyssey House I couldn’t even look myself in the eyes. I always tried to cover up what was really going on with me and who I really was. Now when I look in the mirror I say positive things about myself and more often then not I believe them.
I have learned so much about myself and why I do the things that I do. I have always tried to hide the abuse that happened in my past. I told myself that it wasn’t a problem and if I gave myself time then I would get over it. When I was using I wouldn’t let myself feel all the pain that I kept inside. If I started to feel it I would use more and more, because I felt like it would take all my pain away. Now I know that in order for me to move on and let go of the past, I have to let myself feel the pain and work through it. I also know that it will never hurt as much as it did when it was happening.
I have also learned how to be assertive and stand up for myself. Before I came here I never felt like I was good enough or worth enough to stand up to others. Now I know that I am worth it and I care about myself to much to let others hurt me.
I have also learned how to reality test things and how to hold others accountable for what they have done, instead of trying to take responsibility for them. I have also learned that I can not change my family. I have to do what I need to for me, so that I can have a healthy life.
I am beginning to build a healthy relationship with my dad, and I am learning how to set appropriate boundaries with my mom. I have graduated high school and right now I am attending a local college in Utah. Which are two things that I never thought possible before now.
I am proud of the changes that I am making and the changes that I have made in my life and I am finally doing it for me.
Another Monday and, as promised, another Profile of Change. This week's contributor is someone who has nearly completed all of the residential levels of our program and is right on the brink of moving into transitional living. She has made great strides and is very proud of her success. Here is her story...
"Since I came to Odyssey"
CW, 17, Salt Lake City, Utah
Since I have came to Odyssey House I have opened up and talked about things that I swore to myself I never would. I have learned that helping people means holding them accountable and standing my ground even if they do get mad at me. I have also learned that it is ok for me to say no and stand up for myself, that I am worth it.
When I look back to before I came to Odyssey House I couldn’t even look myself in the eyes. I always tried to cover up what was really going on with me and who I really was. Now when I look in the mirror I say positive things about myself and more often then not I believe them.
I have learned so much about myself and why I do the things that I do. I have always tried to hide the abuse that happened in my past. I told myself that it wasn’t a problem and if I gave myself time then I would get over it. When I was using I wouldn’t let myself feel all the pain that I kept inside. If I started to feel it I would use more and more, because I felt like it would take all my pain away. Now I know that in order for me to move on and let go of the past, I have to let myself feel the pain and work through it. I also know that it will never hurt as much as it did when it was happening.
I have also learned how to be assertive and stand up for myself. Before I came here I never felt like I was good enough or worth enough to stand up to others. Now I know that I am worth it and I care about myself to much to let others hurt me.
I have also learned how to reality test things and how to hold others accountable for what they have done, instead of trying to take responsibility for them. I have also learned that I can not change my family. I have to do what I need to for me, so that I can have a healthy life.
I am beginning to build a healthy relationship with my dad, and I am learning how to set appropriate boundaries with my mom. I have graduated high school and right now I am attending a local college in Utah. Which are two things that I never thought possible before now.
I am proud of the changes that I am making and the changes that I have made in my life and I am finally doing it for me.
Monday, March 9, 2009
"Story of My New Life" - A Profile of Change...
Odyssey House Profile of Change - RC, 16 years old
As promised, each Monday we will provide to you a real story* as told by either a program graduate or current client. This week's resident is a 16 year old male that has now achieved honor roll status with his grades for three consecutive semesters and has just advanced to a new level. He provided the following story that depicts his change and growth....
*Some elements of the story may have been changed in order to ensure client confidentiality.
"Story of My New Life"
3-3-09
I stood in the doorway at Odyssey. I stood there thinking for a minute. Then I walked on through the Odyssey doorway ready to change my life around.The first day it was scary for me because I did not know what to do. At first I was not willing to do the work. I was not following the rules, and being disrespectful to staff. Then after the first month, I was doing better.
I remember walkting through those doors and thinking about running, but now I don't think about running anymore. Now I am a sophomore (4th level out of 6 in the program), and I am doing better with the things like negative peer groups, respect, lying and lots more. I want to be there for my son when he talks and walks. I also want to stay sober and be with my family and have a great life with them.
As I start my new life I walk and think every day of my life, and say to myself what is it going to take for me to start doing things right? I think what kind of life do I want for myself and for my son and family? As I sit and think I finally know what I want in life. I want to be somebody that is always happy for what I do best at. I want to be able to help people out when they need it. I want to be there for my brother and be a positive role model for all of them, so that they don't end up in prison or dead. Now I know that there are a lot of different things to do in life and in Utah instead of using or being around bad influences. We all can do something different like go fishing, camping, or being with your family.
Now I can look at myself and be happy for who I am and for what I do. Now I can tell my family how good and great I am doing here, and tell people that I am doing a ngreat job in school. As I am looking at how great I am doing in school, reading, math, and in this program, I know I am going to do great in the real world. If I work my butt off this year I can be done with school in the 11th grade. I can tell people that I finished with school in the 11th grade. Before I got here I wasn't doing well in school. Now I know how to read, and write.
When I walked in the doorway I did not know who I was. Now, look at myself, it's like I am a new man and a whole new person. When I finish Odyssey House I will leave here with a lot more tools, and skills. I can be a lot happier and a lot more respectful, and be happy for all the changes I have made since walking through those doors on that cold winter day in Utah. Now I know what I want to do with my life and how to use the tools that I learned from Odyssey House. I walked through the doorway with my old bad life. I am walking out of here with a new lifestyle.
______
-RC, 16 years old, 3-time honor roll since admission
Salt Lake City, Utah
As promised, each Monday we will provide to you a real story* as told by either a program graduate or current client. This week's resident is a 16 year old male that has now achieved honor roll status with his grades for three consecutive semesters and has just advanced to a new level. He provided the following story that depicts his change and growth....
*Some elements of the story may have been changed in order to ensure client confidentiality.
"Story of My New Life"
3-3-09
I stood in the doorway at Odyssey. I stood there thinking for a minute. Then I walked on through the Odyssey doorway ready to change my life around.The first day it was scary for me because I did not know what to do. At first I was not willing to do the work. I was not following the rules, and being disrespectful to staff. Then after the first month, I was doing better.
I remember walkting through those doors and thinking about running, but now I don't think about running anymore. Now I am a sophomore (4th level out of 6 in the program), and I am doing better with the things like negative peer groups, respect, lying and lots more. I want to be there for my son when he talks and walks. I also want to stay sober and be with my family and have a great life with them.
As I start my new life I walk and think every day of my life, and say to myself what is it going to take for me to start doing things right? I think what kind of life do I want for myself and for my son and family? As I sit and think I finally know what I want in life. I want to be somebody that is always happy for what I do best at. I want to be able to help people out when they need it. I want to be there for my brother and be a positive role model for all of them, so that they don't end up in prison or dead. Now I know that there are a lot of different things to do in life and in Utah instead of using or being around bad influences. We all can do something different like go fishing, camping, or being with your family.
Now I can look at myself and be happy for who I am and for what I do. Now I can tell my family how good and great I am doing here, and tell people that I am doing a ngreat job in school. As I am looking at how great I am doing in school, reading, math, and in this program, I know I am going to do great in the real world. If I work my butt off this year I can be done with school in the 11th grade. I can tell people that I finished with school in the 11th grade. Before I got here I wasn't doing well in school. Now I know how to read, and write.
When I walked in the doorway I did not know who I was. Now, look at myself, it's like I am a new man and a whole new person. When I finish Odyssey House I will leave here with a lot more tools, and skills. I can be a lot happier and a lot more respectful, and be happy for all the changes I have made since walking through those doors on that cold winter day in Utah. Now I know what I want to do with my life and how to use the tools that I learned from Odyssey House. I walked through the doorway with my old bad life. I am walking out of here with a new lifestyle.
______
-RC, 16 years old, 3-time honor roll since admission
Salt Lake City, Utah
Monday, March 2, 2009
Hello Monday!
Mondays always mark the beginning of another week of changing lives... I'm going to try and share a success story with you each Monday starting Monday, March 9th. It is important for the clients of Odyssey House Utah to express themselves and their motivation for remaining clean and sober. Thanks for lending a listening ear... or a reading eye!
For more information, visit our homepage or feel free to Digg our Odyssey House Utah Squidoo Lens!
For more information, visit our homepage or feel free to Digg our Odyssey House Utah Squidoo Lens!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Looks like people are already Diggin' the Youtube video!
It has been up for only a couple of days, and yet someone has Dugg the video! Check out the Digg on Odyssey House of Utah!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Odyssey House of Utah on YouTube!
Odyssey House Utah now has a presence on your favorite video site. We noticed that many of our Odyssey House colleagues accross the country have begun to use the site, and we wanted to follow suit! We will upload success story videos once they are completed, however, until then you may see many of the lives touched by us in the Odyssey House youtube video.
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