As parents we care about what our kids are up to. Whether it’s who they are hanging out with, or how much screen time they have during the week, what we do plays a big part in who we become. That’s why structure and routine play such pivotal roles in the healing and recovery process. At Sustain Recovery, the daily schedules for adolescents in their extended care programs are meticulously designed to foster stability, personal growth, and holistic well-being. Let’s dive into a typical day in the life of an adolescent in Sustain’s extended care programs and explore how these structured routines support their journey towards recovery.
The day begins early at Sustain Recovery. Adolescents wake up at 7:00 AM, followed by time for personal hygiene and a healthy breakfast. This initial routine helps instill a sense of responsibility and prepares them mentally and physically for the day ahead. Morning meditation and daily goal setting is from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and provides a calm and focused start, encouraging mindfulness and intention-setting.
Mornings are dedicated to a blend of therapeutic and educational activities. From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, teens participate in group therapy sessions or attend school. These sessions, led by Masters-level clinicians, include a variety of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and art therapy, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health and substance use issues concurrently.
Lunchtime is not just about eating but also about community building. Adolescents engage in community cooking, lunch, and chores from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This shared responsibility fosters teamwork and teaches life skills. The afternoon continues with more structured activities like 12-step work, sponsor calls, and educational sessions from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. These activities aim to reinforce recovery principles and personal development.
Evenings at Sustain Recovery are a mix of daily reflection and personal relaxation. Dinner and chores are from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM and then followed by 12-step meetings, which provide peer support and an opportunity to share experiences. The day concludes with a review of the day through 10th step work and meeting process reviews, ensuring that adolescents end their day with a sense of accomplishment and clarity. Lights out at 10:30 PM marks the end of a productive and structured day, making sure everyone gets adequate rest for the next day.
We get sober so we can enjoy life. Weekends follow a slightly different schedule to reflect the fun and joy of a life in recovery. Saturdays feature community outings, physical activities, and sober social events, providing a balanced approach to recovery that includes fun and relaxation. Sundays often involve local hikes or surfing, along with deep cleaning and free time, offering a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses both physical activity and personal space for reflection.
For adolescents transitioning out of residential care, Sustain Recovery’s partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program offer continued structure and support. PHP schedules include diverse activities such as equine therapy, mixed martial arts, and adventure therapy, ensuring a dynamic and engaging recovery process. IOP schedules focus on psycho-education, life skills, and group therapy, providing a robust framework for sustained recovery.
The structured daily schedules at Sustain Recovery are designed to provide adolescents with a balanced and thorough approach to recovery. By integrating clinical expertise with everyday activities, we hope to ensure that each teen has the support and guidance necessary to thrive both during and after their time in the program.
For more detailed information on the specific schedules and programs, give us a call. We’d love to hear from you!