Developed in 2009, this intense and dynamic group allows members to find their way past some of their past impulses and actions and do something extra to maintain sobriety. Those with personal experience are able to recognize group members in danger of relapse, and through use of their own experiences, identify with and support those who need it.

Members explore feelings, thoughts, and actions associated with relapse. Finding clues and symptoms associated prior to substance use, allow group members to develop a defense against relaps

The Seeking Safety Group was formed as a program response to the realization that many of Granada’s clients live with PTSD. The combination of living in early recovery and with PTSD makes these clients especially susceptible to relapse. The Seeking Safety Group hopes to provide the group members with tools with which they can address their PTSD and maintain a sufficient time both safe and sober, that they might develop a lifelong program of independent living in gratitude and hope.

The Guidelines of the Seeking Safety Group:

1. Assist each client in establishing and maintaining a sense of safety.

2. Integrate a program of safety and early recovery.

3. Learn the essential principles:

   • Safe and sober thinking

   • Actions

   • Relationships

   • Access to and use of staff, support, and guidance

4. Understand and principles the essential principles of this integrated program.

5. Develop a serious commitment to an ongoing and evolving use of regular, therapeutic, support processes.

The Granada House Women’s and Men’s Support Groups take on a dual role. For the newcomer, it is the mandatory meeting that provides clear understanding of the rules of the house; the foundation from which participants can build as they move along the road to recovery. Participants engage ‘old-timers’ in addressing questions and concerns within the house.

After initial instructions, the facilitator steps back as members answer questions with and for each other. The meeting is open to the give and take of information exchange, helping participants gain self-esteem in the process. Misinformation can be quickly corrected by the facilitator, who then redirects the meeting to a positive ending.

The group plays another role as well. The final four weeks prior to graduation, the ‘old-timers’ have an opportunity to reinforce all that has been accomplished on the road to sobriety in the previous five months. It acts as a refresher course, on what has been learned, and the tools they now have in their possession. Anxiety and stress at the new road ahead can be brought to the surface, and participants are encouraged to connect with Granada House staff to get the help they need to move confidently forward.

During each week of their stay, residents of Granada House receive individual counseling to discuss drug and alcohol, medical, legal, psychological, and family histories.

Counselors are looking for residents to progress in the following areas: 

• Developing a program of recovery

• Participating in group and individual therapy

• Psychological and social progress

• Adherence to appointments (medical, dental and other)

• Acting as an advocate and role model, counselors guide residents through early methods of recovery and provide them with an opportunity to discuss parts of their lives that may be hindering their progress. 

Our counselors use the Stages of Change model to determine residents’ readiness to change maladaptive behavior. They then use Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based interventions to encourage healthy changes. Counselors are persuasive and empathetic to residents, helping them achieve contented sobriety, and happier, more productive lives.

Radiance Spirituality is designed to help residents answer some of the fundamental internal questions they face: Who am I? Where am I going? Why am I here? This group is interactive and facilitated by a graduate of the Granada House Program. Participants find a sense of belonging through shared experience of struggle of belief and the interconnectedness of each human soul. 

Radiance Spirituality enables participants to consider, discuss and find some of the internal spiritual answers they seek. These meetings open hearts and minds to discussion on questions that all humans face, bringing a sense of community and deeper connection with the sense of self essential. Attending this group provides knowledge which supports understanding and maintaining sobriety and balance in resident lives, which will lead to long-term growth and peace of mind.

Positive parenting is a universal challenge. Recovery from addiction and alcoholism compounds this challenge. This eight-part series focuses on the intersection of addiction or alcoholism treatment and recovery and positive approaches to discipline, giving parents tools for fostering self-esteem, strengthening parents’ ability to listen to their children and understanding their children’s feelings, and helping parents develop confidence in their ability to parent effectively..