Testing the Work

Beta by definition is “something in development and currently being tested.” Phase IV is our testing phase, where our staff take a step back and watch him. In this phase, we are making direct, daily contact as well as drug testing him, but we do not have curfews at this phase nor does he have to perform chores, journaling, or any of the minimum requirements of Phase III. Throughout the entire program, he has been working to this point, maintaining benchmarks such as saving money, staying sober, keeping a job, showing up on time, and being a man of his word. Phase IV is where their experience is fine-tuned and life is experienced as it will be beyond Balance House. We sit back and watch what he does when it is up to him. The key things we are focusing on are: is he getting enough sleep?, keeping his space clean?, showing up for work?, and is he paying his rent on time? We are also ensuring if there is a relapse, it is caught quickly so we can bypass the need for more detox and more treatment, virtually starting over. Rather, depending on the severity of the relapse, he would either end up in the relapse track in Phase I, II or III, where we will be able to do a relapse autopsy, immediately getting him moving forward again. Just as time is vitally important to one’s recovery, time is also crucial to potential relapses. And, of course, replacing the shame, guilt, fear, and feelings of being a failure with simply gathering the information the relapse offers and doing things differently next time.

During the 3 to 6 months he is in our final phase, we recommend continuing to see a therapist weekly and, if he wishes and it is necessary, he will still see our Medical Director once per month, or more if needed. Our ultimate goal is that he will hold his head up high, be proud of who he is and not feel the need to call his parents for help on a deposit for an apartment or a plane ticket home. Our belief is where he goes from Balance House is completely contingent upon what he saves and plans. Doing for himself is what creates his self-worth, self-esteem, and more importantly, how he builds the life he is not too interested in losing.