Recovery is personal. Two people may have used the same substance and experienced similar consequences, but their needs will not be identical.
The principles below apply to anyone in recovery. Our own accommodation is currently for men, but the approach is not specific to gender. It is shaped around the person in front of us.
At Open Hands Coventry, accommodation provides a stable base. It is not the whole programme. Every resident follows an individual, structured recovery programme shaped around their needs, circumstances, risks, abilities and progress.
The programme begins by looking at the person's situation rather than concentrating only on the substance they used.
This may include:
The resident and their support worker then agree clear and realistic goals. Progress is reviewed regularly, with goals and support adjusted as the resident becomes more stable and independent.
OHC provides an abstinent recovery environment. Residents are expected to remain free from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs.
Relapse prevention involves more than telling someone not to drink or use drugs. Each resident needs to recognise their own warning signs, which may include isolation, resentment, boredom, dishonesty, poor sleep or contact with people associated with previous substance use.
The aim is to identify changes early, discuss problems honestly and take action before they become a crisis.
Peer support is central to OHC. Residents live alongside people who understand addiction through experience and can recognise many of the difficulties that arise in early recovery.
Residents are encouraged to support one another, participate in house meetings and use suitable mutual-aid or recovery support. This may include AA, NA, CA, SMART Recovery or another appropriate source of support. Our article on the Helper Principle explains why helping another person can also strengthen the recovery of the person giving that help.
There is no rigid requirement to attend Twelve Step meetings. What matters is that each resident takes an active part in their recovery and develops dependable support beyond themselves.
Much of this happens informally, with one resident who is a few months further on sharing what helped them with someone who is still finding their feet. It costs nothing and the benefit works both ways: helping someone else to stay sober can also strengthen a person’s own recovery.
Addiction can gradually remove structure from daily life. A recovery programme helps restore ordinary routines and responsibilities.
Depending on the individual, this may include:
These may appear to be simple activities, but they help rebuild reliability, confidence and independence.
Many people affected by addiction have experienced trauma, loss or prolonged instability. This may influence how they respond to authority, conflict and relationships.
A trauma-informed approach means listening before making assumptions, explaining expectations clearly and treating people with dignity. It avoids humiliation, threats and unnecessary confrontation. Read more about OHC’s person-centred, trauma-informed approach.
This does not mean removing boundaries or accepting harmful behaviour. Shared recovery accommodation still requires clear expectations. The aim is to combine accountability with respect and to encourage specialist help when trauma requires professional treatment.
Unresolved practical problems can threaten recovery. Residents may receive help with benefits, debt, official correspondence, digital access, healthcare and housing matters.
As stability develops, attention turns towards greater independence. This may involve rebuilding family relationships, using a gym, volunteering, entering education or training and considering future employment.
Residents who achieve sufficient stability may progress to second-stage supported accommodation, with support continuing as they take on greater independence.
An individual recovery programme is not something done to a person. Staff, volunteers and peers can provide guidance, encouragement and practical help, but the resident must participate.
Accommodation provides safety and stability. Recovery develops through what happens within that stability: daily decisions, honest relationships, increasing responsibility and the gradual rebuilding of a workable life.
Recovery First offers practical guidance for the first 30 days. You can also explore our complete recovery resources or read how OHC works.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this approach to recovery, you can read more about referrals or contact us for a confidential discussion.
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