RAINBOW’S END RECOVERY

As the founder and director of Rainbow’s End Recovery, I have been very blessed to count many former clients in long-term recovery. Those who have earned multiple years of sobriety are successful because they had support in the form of aftercare programs and AA. What concerns me is that about 25% of my clients live in Blaine County where there is no structured aftercare. Peer support found in AA is only one dimension of a good recovery program after achieving sobriety in a Residential Treatment program (RTC) such as RERC or the Walker Center.

When the client, who is used to a counselor or therapist guiding him in group, returns home to Blaine County, there are no services available to continue that type of treatment at Partial Hospitalization (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient (IOP). PHP is a structured program, usually five days per week and at least five hours per day, that is more intense that a one-on-one meeting with a therapist. It is the first step down from residential treatment and clients usually attend PHP in conjunction with AA meetings. IOP is the next level of treatment where a group meets a couple times per week for three hours and attends AA. These programs are designed to help prevent relapse.

Ipray that I never forget how I felt in the picture on the left. eighteen months ago, I was hopeless and felt just as worthless. I prayed that I wouldn't have to wake up to live another day. My unresolved trauma throughout my life had become too much. I was at the height of my alcoholism, drinking a fifth a day and in so much emotional and spiritual pain.

In Blaine County, there are private counselors and therapists who will work with the recovering alcoholic or addict, but there are no services offering group counseling. The discussion generated in group is as important as the lesson being communicated by the moderator.

Blaine County is fortunate to have numerous AA meetings, but would benefit greatly from structured aftercare programs to build on the treatment people received in RTC. Unfortunately, I do not have the resources to provide this service but will wholeheartedly support anyone who does.

Nancy Del Colletti, Owner and Director of Rainbow’s End Recovery Center

I was given a choice and an opportunity eighteen months ago, and hoping it was a way out. I left for rehab at Rainbows End Recovery Center in Idaho. thirty four days later and the journey had only just begun. The last year and a half has been the hardest, most beautiful, most rewarding, and most peaceful of my life. I have gained a love and an understanding for not only myself, but for those around me as well. I am blessed in my professional and personal life to help those still suffering today with their addiction. I have meaningful and honest connections with the people around me today. I am capable of handling even the worst situation with more love and more grace today. I am a work in progress, with the hope every day to be a better me than I was the day before. I have a beautiful and ever growing and changing relationship with a higher power of my own design and I have more blessings and more hope than I could have ever dreamed, even on my best day 18 months ago.

Mission Statement

The Wellness Connection was developed to provide timely information on mental health issues, such as addiction, depression, grief and trauma, and showcase the community nonprofit services. We will highlight the services of a different nonprofit organization each month to give the community a better understanding of the broad scope of services offered. We will present stories of hope and encouragement as well as essays on related topics. We welcome your feedback. Contact us at RERCjournal@gmail.com

I wish I could give even just a glimpse of the hope and love I have discovered on this journey. I continue to do the next right thing, let go of things I cannot control, and exist for just one day at a time. Thankful every day for the opportunity to have lived this life.

Resources

Rainbow’s End Recovery Center www.rainbowsendrecoverycenter.com | 208 879-2267

Jenna H.

Men’s Second Chance Living www.msclhouse.org | 208 481-0182

“988” is the nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 12 Step Group Meetings, Mental Health Group Meetings The Sun Club www.sunclub.org

Rainbow s End Recovery Center www.rainbowsendrecoverycenter.com | 208 879-2267

Men’s Second Chance Living www.msclhouse.org | 208 481-0182

The Crisis Hotline www.thecrisishotline.org | 208 788-3596

NAMI www.nami-wrv.com | 208 481-0686

12 Step Group Meetings, Mental Health Group Meetings The Sun Club www.sunclub.org NAMI www.nami-wrv.com | 208 481-0686

The Advocates For Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault www.theadvocates.org | 208 788-4191

Advocates For Survivors of Domestic

St. Lukes Mental Health Services www.stlukesonline.org 208 788-2134

Publisher Nancy Colletti, Executive Director, Rainbow’s End Recovery Center

Editor In Chief Claudia Cabot Mohr, BA, MFA

Contact us: rercjournal@gmail.com

Creative Direction

The Suicide Hotline | DIAL 988