We are constantly striving to improve our treatment methods and improve outcomes for our patients. We have introduced a groundbreaking approach to residential treatment discharge: The Discharge Panel.
The Challenge
Most people who work in this field have identified a critical issue in addiction treatment. Many patients leave residential treatment without the necessary intrinsic motivation to succeed in outpatient care. This often leads to non-compliance with Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and, sadly, relapse.
Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal drive to engage in a behavior or pursue a goal because it is personally rewarding, interesting, or aligned with one's personal values. Unlike extrinsic motivation, which comes from external rewards or pressures, intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual.
In the context of addiction recovery, intrinsic motivation is the genuine desire to maintain sobriety and improve one's life, not because of external factors like court orders or family pressure, but because of a deeply personal commitment to change.
We use various extrinsic motivational factors like Contingency Management Therapy and accountability measures. We know that these alone are insufficient. When it comes to recovery, having intrinsic motivation makes all the difference in the world.
Feeding motivation is a core part of treatment. Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based best practice widely used in the field to encourage the development of intrinsic motivation for recovery. The Discharge Panel Concept encourages the development of intrinsic motivation by shifting the responsibility for readiness to step-down to a lower level of care from the AOD Counselor to the patient.
Here's how it works:
1. Setting Clear Expectations
From day one, patients are introduced to our Treatment Map. This outlines the behaviors that are associated with the successful completion of residential treatment. This includes demonstrating a deep understanding of their triggers, support systems, and personal motivations for recovery. It involves a demonstration of personal responsibility taking and the willingness to be transparent and honest in relationship with others.
2. The Application Process
As patients begin to demonstrate more healthy behavior, and as they begin express and apply fundament recovery skills, their AOD Counselor invites them to begin the discharge application process. The patient completes a comprehensive application that addresses seven essential areas of recovery. It gives the patient the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the addiction process, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, interpersonal relationship skills, and more.
3. The Discharge Panel
At the heart of this process is the Discharge Panel. Composed of key clinical staff from both residential and outpatient programs, this panel reviews each patient's application and conducts a discharge interview. The patient meets with the panel, with the support of their AOD Counselor, to have an open and honest conversation about the patient’s understanding of recovery, their personal goals for a life in recovery, and their specific plans for how they will seek out support for recovery outside of a residential treatment program.
4. Ensuring Readiness
The Discharge Panel is not a “Parole Board.” It serves as a group of collaborative partners who help the patient celebrate the advances they have made in treatment. Because the Discharge Application has already been processed with their AOD Counselor, most applicants experience the profound affirmation and validation of a board of experts who have been attentive to their story.
From time to time the Discharge Panel may determine that the patient is not ready for discharge. In this case the panel provides the patient with specific, well-focused recommendations for additional treatment goals the patient can work on with their AOD Counselor.
Why This Matters
By implementing the Discharge Panel Concept, we're ensuring that:
1. Patients are truly prepared to step-down to a lower level of care.
2. The transition from residential to outpatient treatment is smoother and more successful.
3. We are addressing the root causes of relapse after discharge from residential treatment.
Looking Forward
This approach to the discharge process significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes for our patients. By fostering intrinsic motivation and ensuring a comprehensive preparation for life after residential treatment, we're setting our patients up for lasting success.