Detox & Residential Treatment Client Receives Peer Support, Encouragement & Compassion
Pioneer Human Services operates the Ituha Stabilization Facility in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island and the North Sound Behavioral Health Treatment Center (NSBHTC) in Everett. Julie Moore, certified peer specialist at Ituha, shared a few stories on the power of recovery and being able to witness the joy that accompanies it – both from the client and the staff’s perspective!
Pictured from left: David Stridel and Julie Moore, certified peer specialists at Ituha Stabilization Facility
JAKE CHANGES PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE
Jake came to Ituha and was really struggling with his alcoholism. At one time he shared that he had experienced 12 years of sobriety, but then he relapsed. After years of sobriety, Jake went to a wedding and decided to celebrate with the wedding party with one special glass of Champagne. However, with just the one glass, he immediately lost control over his drinking and fell into a destructive relapse.
Jake’s first visit to Ituha for detox was in December of 2023. When he was discharged, he refused treatment and was back one week later to get help. Even though Jake was willing to go through detox many times (he was admitted to Ituha five times), he was not ready or willing to go through the treatment he needed – no matter how the staff explained the need and encouraged him.
Finally, after much persuasion, he agreed he would go into residential treatment. However, after he completed the treatment program, he relapsed and went straight back to drinking immediately.
Jake was difficult for the staff to work with as he was very negative about participating in treatment and his recovery. He refused to follow through on the steps he needed to take to succeed in his recovery.
Julie Moore shared, “We worked with Jake providing compassion and support and we really encouraged him, but he was pretty grumpy and never smiled. When we discussed his recovery journey, he made it clear that he was not interested in treatment, AA, or any sober living situation – but we never gave up.”
Then, Jake finally started to realize the dire need to engage in his treatment and change his frame of mind. He agreed to go again to residential treatment, but this time he was admitted to the NSBHTC in Everett that Pioneer operates. The center provides treatment to adults who have been diagnosed with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Jake began engaging in the program and working on his recovery with staff.
The NSBHTC team worked with Jake on his struggles with alcohol and triggers that led him to relapse. He learned coping skills and how to build and accept support services around him.
Erin Stewart, case manager at the NSBHTC stated, “We really focused on Jake’s perspective. Jake started to take responsibility for his choices and acceptance for where he was. In doing so, he found freedom from his hurt and his shame. Jake did the work, we just provide the tools and the space to practice. Jake is the perfect example of how changing your perspective will change your life.”
Julie commented, “I was in Everett on a tour of the NSBHTC and ran into Jake near the end of his stay in the program. He saw me and a big smile came over his face. He actually looked happy and asked me for a hug! What a transformation – he was finally accepting and working on his recovery journey.”
Today, Jake is doing great and living in a clean and sober house in Bellingham, WA that NSBHTC staff helped set-up for him. He is fully engaged in life and his recovery process. The Ituha and NSBHTC staff consider him an absolute miracle!
TOM & FRANK CHOOSE SOBRIETY
Another wonderful story that was shared by Julie at Ituha is on two best friends (Tom and Frank) who once again were drinking the night away in a bar and getting very intoxicated. This was a pattern that they had been living out for years and they unfortunately enabled each other. However, this night was different. Disgusted with their drinking, Tom and Frank both decided that they were sick and tired of living this way.
They decided to get sober and were both admitted to the Ituha Stabilization Facility. They struggled through the detox process, but with the help of professional and compassionate staff who encouraged them, they made it through. Tom and Frank also really supported each other through the entire detox process.
When they completed the detox process, Tom and Frank were provided with available support services and went on to become active members of Alcoholics Anonymous. Today, they are both celebrating over seven months of sobriety.
“We are so happy for both of them. And, Frank comes to visit Ituha staff and clients on a regular basis. He even donated a shelter canopy for any client experiencing homelessness. Frank also comes in now with the AA panel that he and Tom are active in to share their experiences, strength and hope with current clients. That’s what I call giving back,” commented Julie.