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."
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
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
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