Addiction Recovery Professionals
The HERO House is a recovery residence for college students in early sobriety. Our community offers support and guidance to meet the individual needs of our residents. We do not provide treatment onsite; however we can recommend local treatment professionals who have much experience working with the young adult population.
FAQ
Do you work with dual-diagnosed clients?
Yes, we do work with the dually diagnosed population. We have built quality relationships over the years with other treatment professionals such as psychiatrists and therapists who specialize working with dual-diagnosed clients. We are not a treatment facility; residents are referred out for any clinical services.
What type of clients do you work with best?
Our most successful clients are ones who are motivated to make a commitment to their recovery as well as their academic endeavors. Successful clients more often than not have previously completed a primary treatment program, achieved 30 or more days sober, and have accepted their addictive disease. The HERO House residence provides a structured environment; however, the residence requires some self-motivation from within to create their own structure such as school, employment, and service work.
What are the qualifications of your staff?
The HERO House is very proud of the diversity within the staff. Our staff includes professionals from the counseling, addiction, and higher education arena. 85% of the staff is in recovery. Our Atlanta recovery coaches have completed Terrence Gorski’s relapse prevention training and have become certified Relapse Prevention Specialists. All of our Program Directors as well as the Executive Director have advanced degrees.
What type of structure does the HERO House provide?
The HERO House provides much structure upon admission into the community and then encourages each resident towards more independence as they progress through the program. The HERO House structure includes morning check-ins, daily workshops such as meditation, reflections, service work, etc., a weekly life skill seminar, weekly women’s group, weekly individual coaching, and weekly community meetings. Each residence has a live in house manager who holds residents accountable to their curfew and the chore system. We require residents attend a minimum of four 12-step meetings per week, obtain a sponsor and work the steps. The HERO House provides a weekly Big Book study onsite and offers guidance to outside meetings and fellowship.
Age range?
18-26 is our typical age, but we accept anyone looking to go back to college or begin a college career.
Are residents allowed to attend school? Job?
In order for an individual to be eligible for our program they must have intentions of entering into a college or university program. Residents are only allowed to take 1-2 classes their first quarter or semester at school. The HERO House does not dictate which school a resident attends; our intention is to help guide them towards their passion.
Residents are required to work for a minimum of ten hours per week. If a resident chooses not to work, they must make a commitment to a service project of a minimal of ten hours per week.
How often do you drug test the residents?
The HERO House works with an outside lab company who administers the drug tests. Tests are given randomly 3-4 times per week.
What is the policy on transportation?
Residents are responsible for their own transportation. While on entry level, residents are not allowed to drive and are reliant upon peers and community. A resident generally completes entry level within 2-4 weeks.
What is the average length of stay?
Typically HERO House graduates are with us 9-12 months, but some stay longer and some not as long. It really depends on the individual.
Are residents allowed home visits?
Yes, one per month
What is the policy regarding aftercare recommendations?
The HERO House requires a resident to comply with their discharge plan from previous treatment facility to ensure best quality care. The HERO House staff can provide referrals and assistance with making an initial appointment.
How can professionals help during the admissions process?
We try to make the transition for each resident as smooth as possible; therefore, collaboration with referring professionals is important. In order to help with the admission process, referring parties can email or fax a biopsychosocial assessment, TB test results, and discharge recommendations. We strongly encourage door-to-door transfers, but do not require. Individual progress reports are provided to referring parties on a monthly or as needed basis.
Do you collaborate with other treatment professionals?
The HERO House strongly believes quality of care includes all treatment providers. We provide individual progress reports to the resident’s outpatient team such as a psychiatrist or a therapist to ensure continuity of care.
What is the success rate of the HERO House?
Eighty percent of HERO House graduates are in recovery today according to our last assessment.
Are clients allowed to be on medication at the HERO House?
Yes, the residents are allowed to take prescription medications; however, some restrictions do apply.
Expectations for a successful graduation?
A graduate of the HERO House is able to balance ones recovery with their academics, as well as other life responsibilities. In order to graduate, a resident must successfully complete 3 quarters or 2 semesters of school, work the twelve steps with their local sponsor, and obtain Level 3 status with the HERO House.