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Outpatient

Summary

The crisis of addiction, homelessness, and mental illness in America is a deeply intertwined "tri-morbidity" where each factor feeds the other in a destructive cycle. Various economic factors are the primary driver for the increase in homelessness over the years, but it is impossible to ignore that many individuals’ facing homelessness suffer from severe mental health conditions or substance use disorders that make maintaining housing nearly impossible without some kind of intervention. For many, the hopelessness and struggle of living on the street can create or worsen already existing psychiatric symptoms. This can lead to "self-medication" with common drugs like fentanyl or methamphetamines, which further isolates and complicates the problem. While others become homeless because of some kind of addiction or mental illness that originated due to other factors.

Addressing this epidemic is why Carpe Vitam Institute exists. The goal is to help, heal and restore. Carpe Vitam Institute accepts anyone that wants to begin again. This program is tailored for people that struggle with addictions, but all people benefit from the program. From 18 to 99 years old, beginning again is always a choice. We agree with the “Recovery-First" approach, that mandates treatment as a condition aid, but also believe in helping people before they even need recovery. Many cities are not properly equipped with psychiatric beds and longterm rehabilitation facilities, which means the local jail or the sidewalk becomes the default solution for the most vulnerable. Breaking the cycle requires more than just a roof; it demands an integrated system of care that treats mental health and addiction as chronic medical and spiritual conditions rather than moral failings or a result of poverty.

Looking for On-Campus Housing? We also offer separate, fully managed Residential Programs for individuals and families requiring a safe, sober living environment directly on our campus. [Click Here to Learn About Our Residential Programs]

OBJECTIVE

To provide people the ability to get free from addiction without the shame and guilt that typically accompanies recovery. This is a curriculum that guides men and women through the necessary avenues to get free. It is not just a rehabilitation program; it is a ministry that allows people to build, or rebuild, a life to be proud of. Each person is assigned a life coach that will encourage, motivate and focus them. Rehabilitation is just the beginning. The finish is a new life with purpose. The effectiveness of the program is completely up to the person asking for the help.

HOLISTIC APPROACH

People do not mess up their life in one day or over one “wrong turn.” It is usually a multitude of “wrong turns” and decisions that have built up over a lifetime. Same goes for building a life. It takes more than a day, and usually lasts a lifetime. The decisions made do not just affect the person making the decision. It affects the people around them as well. People sometimes suffer due to no fault of their own. Regardless of the cause, each person is responsible for their own healing and journey. Carpe Vitam focuses on everything in a person’s life, not just the addiction. Recovery is more than just physical; it is spiritual, emotional and mental as well. True healing only comes when the whole life is in balance. That is our goal.

BIBLICAL APPROACH

The Bible supports the concept of healing as a holistic process that restores the spirit, mind, and body. Seemingly physical conditions are, in many cases, actually spiritual. The spiritual, physical and mental are interconnected. Central to this approach is the understanding that God is the true healer. Recovery needs to include a combination of prayer, the support of an understanding faith community, and experienced medical care. Scriptural principles emphasize that while physical treatment is good and necessary, true "wholeness" comes through repentance, the forgiveness of sins, and finding peace in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Outpatient Program starts as the basic 10-12 week program in tier 1. If you would like to go deeper in your recovery you have the option to choose Tier 2 or 3. Ask your coach to set you up with either program and subscribe here.

Syllabus

Introduction

The Outpatient Program is 9 months (broken into 4 quarters), it is a challenging yet crucial period, focusing on:

Detoxification and Withdrawal: The first few weeks is often the most physically intense as the body eliminates toxins, and withdrawal symptoms peak. It is crucial to meet with a physician and psychiatrist to see if there are any medications, vitamins or supplements that can alleviate the symptoms. There is a list of common vitamins and supplements in the packet, it is recommended to discuss these and any others with your doctor and/or psychiatrist.
Adjusting to Life Without Substances: The brain needs time to adapt, leading to potential emotional fluctuations and difficulties handling simple situations. It is important to get connected with a therapist as soon as possible. The therapists at Carpe Vitam Institute specialize in addictions, as well as issues men specifically struggle with. It is recommended to use the therapists on campus, but we do have a list of therapists on the Resource Page if a different one is desired,
Building a Support System: Surrounding oneself with positive influences is essential to combat cravings and prevent isolation. Each day should involve some kind of support, such as church, NA/AA meetings or speaking to your coach or pastor.
Developing New Routines and Habits: Each day a schedule should be written out until healthy habits are established. There are example schedules in the packet, but each day should be written out by you. Practicing self-care and setting boundaries is a healthy start to recovery.
Managing Emotional Shifts: Expecting a rollercoaster of emotions, including feelings of euphoria (sometimes called "pink cloud syndrome") and struggles with anger, anxiety, and depression, is important.
Understanding Relapse Factors: Recognizing and avoiding triggers, as well as developing coping mechanisms, are vital for long-term sobriety.

Expectations and goals

The expectation is to give 100%, and do not give up. Perfection is not a requirement, but determination is. If you are doing better today than you were yesterday, then you are succeeding. The goal is to take it one day at a time. Every day is going to have unexpected challenges and situations happen. Remember to keep going. The hardest part about the first quarter is establishing new habits and sticking to a schedule. It is advised to stay on campus for the first quarter, if not longer, for this reason. For some that is not an option, which is why we offer outpatient options with full access to the facility. Some outpatient participants already have resources, like a therapist or a gym membership for example, if those are better options to fulfill the requirements, than use them. However, all options need to be approved with the assigned coach beforehand.

There is a list of what needs to be done each quarter. It is advised to follow the schedule that is provided as closely as possible in the first quarter. Most of the schedule can be done on campus, but it can be flexible depending on individual situations. It is important to stay busy and focused, especially in the first quarter. If you have any questions, please reach out to your coach, for anything.

Course materials

Required materials

· Bible

· Notebook

· Pen (s)

· ID Badge

· Physical Books for the reading assignments (NO AUDIO or E-BOOKS)

· Workbooks for Schedule, Food Log, Morning Journal, ADL’s, Mind Mapping and Reading Assignments, Sunday Assignment, Educational Courses, and Podcast.

Optional materials

Vitamins and Supplements (After consulting with a medical professional)