When you’re considering a stay in a residential recovery center, either for yourself or for a loved one, it’s a good idea to consider the organization’s recovery model—that is, how it approaches the recovery process. This will give you an idea of what the programming will emphasize and how much support residents can expect in those areas.
Lightway Recovery was started by people in long-term recovery who noticed that there simply weren’t enough options available for women in Georgia, especially when it comes to long-term care that addresses mental, physical, and spiritual needs. These dimensions comprise the basis of the Lightway recovery model. Our approach to recovery emphasizes customized support in each of these interrelated areas, which we believe are vital to establishing and maintaining wellness.
Supporting Residents’ Mental Wellbeing
Our trained peer recovery coaches [link to new article on peer support] work one-on-one with residents throughout the week, augmented by group support multiple times a week. Recovery coaching is central to our recovery model, because it provides encouragement and accountability to those in early recovery. Our coaches are people in successful recovery who love to share the tools and resources that have worked for them and are constantly learning about the newest evidence-based recovery practices. Additionally, our residents have access to clinical mental health care through our community partners.
Addressing Physical Needs in Recovery
Residential recovery has inherent benefits, providing safe housing for persons in recovery. For example, Lightway Recovery is a premium, private recovery center and is staffed around the clock, so someone is always available at a moment’s notice to address residents’ needs. Our staff also oversee routine screenings and provide safe medication storage and tracking of residents’ medication usage and intake, as needed. A nutrition coach plans three meals a day for residents in our phase one program, and transportation is provided for all program requirements and appointments. On-site activities include exercise, recreation, and life skills classes, which provide a foundation for healthy living.
Spiritual Development at Lightway
As a faith-based recovery residence, Lightway Recovery also emphasizes the spiritual dimension of recovery. For residents, this includes things like guided morning prayer, journaling, meditation and solitude, and Bible study opportunities. Residents are not required to have established spiritual beliefs but should be open to engaging with faith-based recovery concepts. Recognizing that spiritual development takes place in community, we also plan structured outings for our residents to highlight the joy of recovery and create meaningful social experiences apart from substance use. Visits to faith communities for worship take place on Sunday mornings to help residents get established with local churches and forge a sustainable spiritual practice. When appropriate, alternating Sunday afternoons include family visits, after families have completed a required education curriculum.
Recovery for the Entire Family
Why is a curriculum required for family members and support persons before they can visit a resident at Lightway Recovery? Family and relationship dynamics play a critical role in long-term recovery, which is the reason we place high importance on recovery tools for those in the resident’s primary network. This means that a resident’s familial and relational support systems will be working alongside and supporting their growth at Lightway Recovery and afterwards. Online curriculum is even available for families and support individuals who cannot attend in-person because they live far away.
We also connect families to support groups designed for them. Family support groups are available through Navigate Recovery Gwinnett’s Safe Harbor and other locations.
Continuum of Care for Mind, Body, and Spirit
Addiction is a chronic condition, yet recovery is possible, especially when individuals have the opportunity to engage with a spectrum of care. Like many other chronic health conditions, it’s important to consider the needs of the whole person, and every person is unique. At Lightway Recovery, our goal is to not just graduate people from our programs, but to see them continue their lifelong recovery journey and thrive in everyday life.
Interested in learning more about Lightway Recovery? Explore our residential recovery wellness center for women in Georgia.