Who’s eligible for the Primary Care Residential Treatment Program?

You are eligible if you are 18 years of age or older and have an addiction or dependency issue.

How is the treatment program organized and how long is each phase?

The first phase is referred to as the Primary Care Treatment Program and it usually lasts for 42 days. The second phase, referred to as the Secondary Care Treatment Program, lasts from 60 to 90 days. The third phase is referred to as the Extended Residential Treatment Program can last from six to twelve months. Phases One and Two are available to both men and women; Phase Three is only available for male clients. The actual length of stay may vary as it is based on each clients’ needs and on their individual clinical progress. The men and women have separate Aftercare programs; individuals can begin to attend Aftercare about two weeks before they complete Phase One.

What is it that makes Harbor House different from other facilities?

Harbor House has been helping the men and women of Mississippi overcome chemical dependency and other addictions since 1973. Harbor House is organized as a nonprofit corporation and has grown considerably since its inception. We have earned the trust and respect of the community and a reputation for providing high quality, affordable and compassionate care based on the proven successes of 12- step recovery programs. Our facilities and programs are licensed by the State of Mississippi Department of Mental Health and we are staffed by well qualified and dedicated individuals many of whom have advanced degrees and specialty certifications in the field of addiction treatment. In recognition of the high standards that we maintain, we continue to receive generous funding from governmental entities such as the State of Mississippi Departments of Mental Health and Rehabilitation Services, the City of Jackson, Hinds County, foundations and private donors. This funding helps Harbor House to provide comprehensive holistic care to a large number of individuals with limited incomes. The various phases of treatment that Harbor House offers provide clients with long-term treatment options; long-term treatment is highly correlated with extended sobriety.

Harbor House Brochure.pdf

Do I need Primary Care Residential Treatment?

For some, primary care treatment is a last resort; a place to go when all else fails. However, for most clients it is a place where you can begin to experience the benefits of sobriety and start the healing process. Primary residential care will allow you to work on personal issues for a significant amount of time without the distractions or interruptions of daily life. You will be encouraged to look at all areas of your life, get to the root of issues, evaluate relationships and patterns of living and behavior and reprioritize and restructure your life to begin a healthier, more fulfilling future. It requires you to be brutally honest with yourself and with others. At Harbor House, all of this takes place in a supportive, nurturing, and healing environment. You’ll learn valuable skills to help you safeguard and strengthen your sobriety one day at a time. Research demonstrates that long-term sobriety is related to extended residential treatment.

It doesn't matter why you are now seeking help. What’s important is that you are prepared to start treatment and break the nonstop cycle of addiction. Recognizing that you need professional help and the support of people just like you is a tremendous step. You are very courageous. Regardless of the beliefs of some people, chemical dependency is a treatable disease. It affects a person biologically, psychologically, spiritually, emotionally and socially. You are not the only one impacted by chemical dependency; the whole family is affected as well. The people that are important to you are an integral part of the healing process. With your consent, your family will have the opportunity to learn about chemical dependency and support you in your efforts to work a good recovery program. They will also be given the opportunity to begin the healing process themselves; just as you have been given that same opportunity.

Primary Care Residential Treatment can help you overcome addiction. It can purge years and years of abuse, neglect, depression, hopelessness, shame and fear. Treatment can give you the opportunity to live again if you are hungry enough, if you want what sobriety has to offer. You can achieve long-term sobriety. You might now be fearful, but realize that you are not alone on this journey.

Does Harbor House treat dual diagnosis (a separate psychiatric condition, such as clinical depression or a bipolar disorder, in addition to a dependency issue)?

Harbor House does not have the resources to treat psychiatric conditions. However, it is not unusual for individuals with a chemical dependency problem, to also have one or more mental health diagnoses. Sometimes the mental health problem is directly related to chemical dependency. Clients with a dual diagnosis are not excluded from admission to Harbor House. Prior to admission, the Treatment Team will refer clients with mental health conditions for a medical evaluation by a Harbor House physician. The results of that evaluation will determine if Harbor House is an appropriate placement for the client.

What does the program consist of?

Group therapy, one-on-one counseling, education about the disease of addiction, aftercare planning and step work according to the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

What’s a typical day like at Harbor House?

Your weekdays will begin each day at 6:00a.m. You’ll have the next two hours to handle your assigned chores, clean up your living area, eat and have private time to do daily meditation and reflection. The remainder of the morning will consist of lectures and films and group discussions. After lunch, you’ll attend group discussions, lectures and films and participate in evaluating one of your peers. In the late afternoon, you’ll have a few hours to relax, exercise, socialize with your peers and to work on assignments. Most evenings are devoted to attending Alcohol Anonymous meetings and/or completing recovery assignments. At least once a week, one of your fellow clients will tells his/her life story – focusing on their experience, their strength and their hope. One weekends, you’ll be able to wake up a little later and have more free time to work on assignments and engage in leisure activities. Authorized family members and friends are able to visit on Sunday afternoons from 3:00p.m. to 4:30p.m.

What is the Family Program?

Family members and/or significant others are encouraged to attend the Family Program. It is available to all families and friends of active clients at Harbor House. It focuses on information and education about the disease of addiction and is held at the South Jackson campus on Thursday evenings (for a total of six sessions). The major goal of the Family Program is to provide families and friends with information and education that allows them to understand the disease of addiction and what they can do to begin the process of recovery. Families are affected by addiction in many ways and they suffer many consequences; their own recovery is essential for their welfare and for that of the client. Families in the Program can sign up for a formal family conference.

The Family Program covers the same six-week curriculum as that of the educational program for clients. At the start of each session the topic for the evening is introduced, followed by a film, a brief lecture and a discussion circle that includes the clients whose families/friends are in attendance. The last fifteen minutes of the Program allow for clients and families to visit and continue their discussion together in small groups. The films provide information on the medical aspects of addiction, the stages of recovery, the signs and symptoms of relapse, spiritual advice on the dangers of enabling, behaviors associated with denial and client testimonials about relapses associated with cross addictions.

HH Family Program Brochure.pdf
HH Transitional Program Brochure.pdf

What if I need to take medicine daily for a medical condition?

Any medication prescribed by a licensed physician that is necessary for your well-being will be kept at our nursing station. Patients will receive necessary medication at set times during the day according to the schedule of activities.

What is the average age of patients at Harbor House?

While we have a community comprised of a core group of young adults (about one-half are under the age of 30), all ages are represented within the treatment milieu, ranging from 18 to 60-plus.

Do I have to keep going to AA or other 12 Step group meetings?

Attendance at 12-Step recovery group meetings will provide you with fellowship, support and guidance. It will allow you to build on the lessons learned in treatment and continue living a sober and fulfilling life. Selecting a home group and a sponsor is essential to your continued abstinence. Recovery from addiction is a life-long journey – treatment is only the first step.