Understand
recovery park homes model
inspired by
rat park
This short explainer video, by Johan Hari, gives an overview of the spark behind
recovery park homes
addiction is a symptom
of the disease of trauma & disconnection
The most complete way to understand addiction is through the lense of sociology, not pharmocology. In short, social circumstances make or break a person's ability to make sense of the world and their place in it. When a person experiences trauma and/or disconnection from others, the psyche begins to crash, and with it goes the ability to find meaning, self-worth, and connection, creating extra vulnerability and susceptibility to unhealthy coping skills, like addiction.
the solution:
meaningful connection through a healthy leisure lifestyle
According to symbolic interactionism theory, informal and casual interactions, most often in the form of healthy rec and leisure, are equally, if not more effective than formal intervetions like treatment and therapy, in helping people re-create meaningful connections. In fact, it has been said that one cannot find lasting recovery and happiness without a healthy leisure lifestyle, which is the day-to-day pursuit of interests, creation, and authenticity where awareness, meaning, and connection are found.
lack of healthy rec & leisure
leads to relapse, re-offense & recidivism
Resarch has found that the lack of healthy leisure and recreation outlets is in the top 8 for most major criminogenic factors. In other words, without rec and leisure education and opportuniites, populations affected by trauma relapse, re-offend, and recidivate. Unfortunately, rec and leisure remain greatly overlooked and under-implemented in our behvioral health systems, in part because they are seen as nonsensical or lavish or rewarding for people with 'bad behavior' or who keep 'messing up.'
However, rec & leisure are essential components to meaningful & sustainable healing & recovery, especially for trauma survivors!
recovery park homes model
the nuts & bolts of the
The evidence-informed recovery park homes model amplifies the recovery experience by creating space & opportunities within shared recovery residences (sober living) where people can not only gather for support & connection, but where they can also participate in meaningful recreation & leisure activities & outings together.
Key Components of the Model
1. Residents live in a shared housing model where interaction & connection are pioritized & promoted.
2. Dwelling spaces, including bedrooms & kitchens, etc. have a casual leisure, even vacation-esque ambiance: decluttered with props, decor, and furnishings that set an uplifting, comfy, & relaxed vibe
3. Formal recovery supports & services are promoted & encouraged but also take place off-site. Residents' living spaces are considered sacred & are preserved for casual & informal connections & intrinisically rewarding & organic leisure experiences.
4. A variety of interactive recreation-based activities, both on and off-site, are co-created and consistently implemented with our residents (recreation activiites & outings are most commonly facilitated by a contracted vendor who is licensed in both addiction counseling & recreation therapy; see www.AREtherapy.com).