What is the MOM manual?
An information guide/booklet for members in TLU. Describes the program expectations, rules, terms, and culture
A group therapy setting where members are encouraged to share their emotions, experiences, and thoughts
What are the Phases in the TLU?
Phase 1- Orientation Phase (Purple)
Phase 2- Primary Phase (Green)
Phase 3 - Community Building Phase (Blue)
Phase 4- Aftercare Phase
What are push-ups & pull-ups?
Pull-Up: feedback on another member's actions or attitudes that go against TLU rules or norms
Push-Up: Acknowledgement of another member's good deed or progress within the community
What is Static Group?
A group where members share their assignments and receive feedback
Give 2 examples of Major Rules in the TLU
Non-consenual physical contact, possessing contraband, refusing to comply with TLU interventions and programming, buying or selling items, breaking confidentiality, rough housing, gambling, vandalism, theft
What is a Therapeutic Living Unit?
TLU is a substance-free environment for people who have had problems with addictive behaviours who are willing to learn to live together in a healthy way.
Give 2 examples of Fundamental Rules
Assault, possession/use of an intoxicating substance, threats, sexual misconduct, intimidation, any written or verbal acts of discrimination
Give 2 examples of Norms within the TLU
No swearing, be on time for all programming, no food or drink in meetings or formal community activities, no sub-grouping, breaking dress code, keep noise level down
Steps of a Pull-Up
1. Verbal pullup given directly to member
2. If behaviour continues after verbal, a written pull-up is provided. Member must be aware of the written pull-up
3. Written pull-ups are places in box and read at evening meeting
4. If the same behaviour occurs within 30 days, another written pull-up can be completed. After 30 days, the process returns to a verbal pull up first
What is 'Narrative Redevelopment'?
People tend to develop certain beliefs about themselves based on past experiences and actions- they create a story about themselves (narrative)
Narrative Redevelopment is retelling your story and making sense of how your past shaped how you feel about yourself
What is 'Responsible Agency'?
Responsible Agency means changing thinking and being more responsible for one's own day to day actions.
The individual is responsible to themselves and their change for the better
What is 'Recovery Capital'?
Recovery Capital are the resources and strengths members draw on to start and maintain recovery from addiction
Includes physical, emotional, social and cultural aspects
What do we mean by 'Social Learning'?
Community as Method approach. The community becomes they way to connect and learn
Why is 'Belonging' an important concept in the TLU?
Belonging is a basic human need. People tend to feel better about their recovery, or their lives in general, when they have a sense of belonging
"The opposite of addiction is connection"
Difference between a mediation meeting and a mediation group?
Mediation meeting occurs between members who are experiencing conflict or miscommunication. Those members, plus a lead member or staff are present in the space.
Mediation group occurs if a mediation meeting was unsuccessful or the concern requires more support from community. Multiple members present, along with staff.
What is an accountability group & statement?
Group: when there is a member who is displaying concerning behaviours and attitudes, a group will occur to provide feedback about the behaviours and attitudes (or breaches in norms & rules) that are not helpful to the individual or community
Statement: An opportunity for a member to take ownership of their behaviours in front of the community. There is an outline of how to do so, and the statement is read at evening meeting.
What do we mean by "Blind Spots"?
There are things you do not know about yourself, but others can see.
You are not aware of your blind spots, but others can let you know when they appear. We are confronted with new information about ourselves
Example: body language or tone of voice
Explain the following Key Components of the TLU:
Structured Day
Peers as Role Models
Awareness Training
Structured Day: Ordered, routine activities counter the normally disordered lives of members. Structure helps to learn time management, planning, creating goals, and general accountability
Peers as Role Models: Social Learning. All members are role models or TLU values and expectations
Awareness Training: All therapeutic and emotional interventions involve raising a member's awareness of themselves and their impact on their social environment
Give 4 examples of TLU-specific language
Co-Signing
Sub-Grouping
Right Living
War Stories
Principles Before Personalities
Describe Community as Method
The community is the engine of change- use the community to change yourself
For a TLU to be successful there is an expectation of all members to participate in social living, mutual responsibility and right living (all components of community as method)
What is "Principles Before Personalities"?
Using principles like honesty and integrity to guide you through certain situations. Standing calmly on principle instead of dragging personality and judgment into a situation
We cannot say that lying, stealing, and cheating is wrong and then lie, cheat and steal
What is Right Living?
Involves following community rules, abstaining from substance use and self-defeating behaviours, regularly attending community activities, and displaying pro-social behaviours (manners, honesty, etc.)
"Right Living refers to an understanding that a particular lifestyle and behavioural choice lead to positive physical and mental health, and a prosocial outlook on life"
Give 3 examples of Right Living
Focusing on the here and now
Truth, honesty, and integrity
Respect for self and others
Reliability and Responsibility
Good work ethic
Acceptance of social responsibility
Work within the TLU is used to introduce attitudes that develop ability, shape behaviour, create a sense of belonging, and teach job skills.
Encourages mutual support and self-improvement