ORC’s Frontline Pathway To Recovery Program

Encountering highly stressful and life-threatening situations is part of the job description for military members and firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders. If your own life hasn’t been saved by one of these professionals, you know someone’s whose has, and we all owe our freedom as Americans to the brave service of our military.

However, this type of work certainly can take its toll. Compared to the general population, veterans and first responders have a higher risk of experiencing trauma and developing certain mental health issues and substance use disorders. 

Ohio Recovery Center’s Frontline Pathway to Recovery program was designed and is run by medical professionals, addiction treatment specialists, and peers in recovery attuned to the needs of these populations.  

Veterans and first responders experiencing complex trauma, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues alongside substance use can achieve recovery and reestablish self-empowerment and a feeling of safety in the world through our evidence-based program.

Elements Of Our Veterans And First Responders Program 

Although there are commonalities among veterans and first responders with substance use and mental health issues, each client in our program receives an individualized, whole-person treatment plan, with solutions personalized to their unique recovery needs and goals discovered through psychiatric evaluation and assessments.

We offer an integrated dual disorder treatment (IDDT) model, or one that provides simultaneous treatment of addiction and mental health issues—an approach that is proven to deliver the best results.

Comprehensive Care

For many program participants, receiving medical support during drug or alcohol withdrawal will be the first step to recovery. ORC’s medical and clinical staff will monitor your withdrawal symptoms, vital signs, and emotional state to make sure that you are safe and as comfortable as possible during this process. Similar stabilization services are also available for clients facing a primary mental health disorder.

Once you have stabilized, you will transition into the residential portion of the program, where you will continue learning about your substance use disorder and mental health and receive practical tools for symptom management and overall well-being.

Multidisciplinary Care Team

Many people facing addiction or a dual diagnosis find that having support from a range of professional care providers benefits their recovery. At ORC, this includes nurse practitioners, mental health specialists, peer support professionals, licensed fitness instructors, and more, all with experience in working with veterans and first responders, for a comprehensive, whole-person approach.

Evidence-Based Treatment

“Evidence-based” simply means that science has shown that a specific treatment method is effective in helping people achieve the desired results. When it comes to addiction and dual diagnosis recovery for veterans and first responders, ORC offers many proven-effective treatment options, including:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• exposure interventions
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• individual and family psychoeducation (FPE) 
• cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
• acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• motivational interviewing (MI)

Through the Frontline program, you will also have access to pharmacotherapy and medication management services, also proven to aid in recovery. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is another evidence-based option available to clients with opioid or alcohol use disorder.

Alternative Approaches

Recreation opportunities and wellness activities can be just as essential as traditional treatment methods when it comes to lasting recovery. These options build and support overall health and well-being, help create a daily routine, and provide interaction with peers outside of the formal treatment setting.

ORC’s Frontline Pathway to Recovery program includes: 

• extended gym time
• fitness classes
• nutrition counseling
• massage therapy
• art, sound, music, movement, tapping, and other expressive therapies
• outdoor recreation, such as the use of hiking trails, a sand volleyball court, a baseball field, a fire pit for cookouts, etc., on campus

Recreation rooms also provide opportunities for activities like karaoke, ping-pong, and movie nights.

Case Management

Your case manager will work with you throughout your time at ORC to help make sure that the appropriate resources are in place to support your success in recovery. This includes providing assistance with retaining your job or finding a job during treatment, scheduling primary care or other appointments, obtaining educational opportunities, and more.

Alumni Program And Other Peer Support

You will also have access to 12-step facilitation and other peer support options at ORC, including our alumni program, which provides opportunities to keep the momentum of your success going once you have completed treatment. Our alumni coordinator plans fun social outings and activities, such as holiday parties and golf tournaments, where you can reconnect with peers and ORC staff. Alumni meetings are available virtually to make them more accessible, and we can often connect clients with other alumni in their area for local support. Some alumni also return to ORC to share their experiences with current program participants, providing hope and inspiration.

Learn More About Our Frontline Pathway To Recovery Program 

To learn more about Ohio Recovery Center’s Frontline program for veterans and first responders, please call us today—we are here to answer your questions!