How do I know if residential is right for me?

Recovery from addiction depends on more than just not using alcohol and other drugs. The decision to enter residential treatment depends on more than just whether you are using alcohol and other drugs. Each person admitted into Harbor House will participate in a comprehensive intake assessment based on the ASAM Level of Care Placement Criteria (American Society of Addiction Medicine). The assessment includes evaluation of withdrawal potential, biomedical conditions, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive conditions, readiness to change, relapse potential, and recovery/living environment.

The results of the ASAM assessment are used to create person-centered individual treatment plans based on personal needs, goals and objectives that consider a person’s age, gender, race, ethnicity, language, literacy, spirituality, culture, trauma history and co-occurring physical and mental health issues.

How long will I have to stay?

Clients are advised to stay a minimum of 30 days with an option to stay up to 90-180 days. Each person’s length of stay will be determined at bi-weekly treatment team periodic staffing meetings. The treatment team will meet with each client periodically to discuss changes in the ASAM dimensions as well as the progress a person makes toward reaching individual goals and objectives. The treatment team will make a clinical recommendation to each client during these period staffing meetings that will indicate the length of stay.

Does Harbor House treat co-occurring disorders for people with substance use disorder and mental health condition (depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, etc.)?

During the admissions process, each person should make staff aware of any mental health condition already known to exist. The Medical Director will determine after his personal evaluation of a client whether the person can be admitted to the facility, or if the person needs to be referred to a different facility to treatment services. Harbor House can provide maintenance therapy treatment and medication management for many types of mental health disorders depending on the severity of the symptoms. Each person should bring their medications and/or a list of current medications for mental health conditions. The most important thing a person can do is be fully honest and upfront about any conditions so staff can do their best to ensure the best care if available.

What does the program consist of?

The program offers a minimum of 20 hours of group therapy and education per week, 1 hour of individual one-on-one counseling per week, recovery support meetings, step work according to the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and family sessions for those interested in family therapy. In addition, for those who are appropriate, medication-assisted therapy and intense trauma services are also offered.

What’s a typical day like at Harbor House?

Your weekdays will begin each day at 6:00a.m. You’ll have the next two hours to handle your assigned chores, clean up your living area, eat and have private time to do daily meditation and reflection. The remainder of the morning will consist of psychoeducational groups and therapeutic films. After lunch, you will attend group discussions and participate in evaluating one of your peers. In the late afternoon, you will have a few hours to relax, exercise, socialize with your peers and to work on assignments. Most evenings are devoted to attending Alcohol Anonymous meetings and/or completing recovery assignments. At least once a week, one of your fellow clients will tells his/her life story – focusing on their experience, their strength and their hope. On weekends, you will be able to wake up a little later and have more free time to work on assignments and engage in leisure activities. Recreational therapy will be offered by a trained professional on Saturdays.

What if I need to take medicine daily for a medical condition?

Any medication prescribed by a licensed physician that is necessary for your well-being will be kept in a secured medication room. You will receive your necessary medication at set times during the day according to your prescription and the schedule of activities.

What is the average age of clients at Harbor House?

The age of clients ranges from 18 to 65+ years with most clients between the ages of 25-45 with an average of 30.

Do I have to attend AA or other 12 Step group meetings?

Harbor House believes in the power of peers and will include in-house peer-led 12-Step recovery group meetings as well as voluntary weekly outside meetings. These meetings will allow you to connect with others in recovery and learn how they manage life on life’s terms while staying sober. 12-Step programs provide continued support for you to build on the lessons learned in treatment and continue living a sober and fulfilling life based on help others. Selecting a home group and a sponsor is essential to your continued life-long journey of recovery– treatment is only the first step.

How do I report a complaint?

Harbor Houses encourages you to be an active participant in your treatment services. If you feel that you are not satisfied with the services provided and your client rights have been violated, you have a right to file a complaint.
The following steps outline the procedures for making your complaint known and to have your needs met. Follow the steps in order until you feel your complaint has been addressed to your satisfaction. First, discuss your concern(s) with your assigned therapist immediately and request a client grievance form to be submitted to the assigned therapist, CT Manager, or Clinical Operations Director at your discretion. Second, request a meeting with the Clinical Operations Director within five (5) days of your first report of complaint. Third, request a meeting with the Assistance Executive Director or Executive Director within three (3) days of the meeting with the Clinical Operations Director.

If you do not receive a satisfactory response from Harbor House administration, you may file a complaint with the MS Department of Mental Health.
Mississippi Department of Mental Health Office of Consumer Support
DMH Helpline: 1-877-210-8513
601-359-6298 (Jackson area)