Catherine Cosgrove
Director of Sobriety Foundation and Creator of The Sobriety Home Treatment Method
The Sobriety Home Method was developed over three decades ago by founder Catherine Cosgrove, whose experience working with private, government and correctional systems would lead to envisioning a new approach to rehab. One which would prove to be a significant departure from the traditional addiction treatment modalities of the time.
The Sobriety Home Method: Redefining Addiction Recovery
The Sobriety Home Method was developed over three decades ago by founder Catherine Cosgrove, whose experience working with private, government and correctional systems would lead to envisioning a new approach to rehab. One which would prove to be a significant departure from the traditional addiction treatment modalities of the time.
Working closely with inmates requiring 90-day treatment, Catherine and the people who would later become her team witnessed firsthand the limitations of the rigid 28-day abstinence programs that were augmented only with mandated 12-step meetings.
Programs which focused solely on what the substance was and forced abstinence without ever addressing the underlying psychological, emotional and co-occurring factors often left individuals trapped in a cycle of rehab & relapse.
Driven by the desire for change, Catherine and her team began to draft their plans for a new standard in addiction recovery. They believed that for rehab to stick, there needed to be a deeper understanding of the “WHYS” of addiction, shifting the focus from the substance to the underlying triggers and habits associated with it.
The concept for the Sobriety Home Method was born.
At its core, the Sobriety Home Method would be based on CBT and evidence-based psychotherapies. However, it would also embrace holistic healing modalities, incorporating a diverse array of therapeutic modalities tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
By incorporating techniques that institutions ignored, like Yoga, Mindfulness, Meditation, Journaling, working out, swimming, hiking, forest bathing, breath work, tai-chi and even laughter therapy, her treatment plan would leave no stone unturned in its quest to empower residents with the tools needed for sustainable sobriety.
Size Matters
They knew at the start that keeping attendance numbers low was key to ensuring their residents were given the attention from her staff to feel at home and recover from the full spectrum of issues that surround addiction. Their new program would provide a balanced, intelligent, empathetic, and engaging safe space for healing.
By challenging the stigma of addiction and outdated paradigms, this method would offer a more compassionate and engaged approach to healing. With a focus on personalized care and evidence-based practices, their approach would represent a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom from addiction.
Addressing the Gap: Sobriety Home Method's Approach to Post-Treatment Engagement
A more comprehensive and supportive approach was needed.
Catherine and her team also saw there was a distinct lack of follow-up and engagement for people once they returned to their lives before rehab.
Sadly most individuals were just told to continue attending 12-step meetings and abstain. But without any structured support or guidance, they just left them to navigate their recovery journey alone once they left the treatment facility. Catherine and her team doubted this approach would lead to a healthier and sober life for them.
Aftercare 30 years later still going strong
Today one of the key components of our Aftercare is that meetings and treatment follow-up plans are tailored to address the unique needs and challenges of each person. Daily Meetings are held over Zoom and include Alumni Friends & Family meetings, and sponsored SMART Recovery meetings that are open to everyone, not just graduates and their families are held twice weekly. The aftercare program emphasizes building and maintaining a supportive community, providing individuals with a sense of belonging and camaraderie as they navigate their recovery journey together.
It is just another way that Searidge, Sobriety and Heritage Treatment Centres can provide ongoing support to help Alumni build fulfilling and meaningful lives in recovery.