Community Living
The investment a member must have in the program to see results.
Answer:
What is "you get back what you put in"?
Meaning:
The extent of personal and lifestyle change depends on how bought-in each member is to the program. Can be used to encourage participation and mutual self-help.
Like playing pretend, but for adults.
Answer:
What is "Act as if"?
Meaning:
A basic TC concept that encourages members to behave or think how they should instead of how they have been.
Karma, in common parlance.
Answer:
What is "what goes around, comes around"?
Meaning:
We will get what we deserve, for better or for worse. This maxim is meant to help individuals cope with the inevitable injustices of life. It gives them a chance to let go.
Situation:
A member comes to overwhelmed and says, "There is too much to balance."
Answer:
What is "keep it simple"?
Meaning:
Focus on the basics or one thing at a time. Complete rehabilitation or habilitation is complex but trying to do too much is a set up for failure.
Situation:
A member comes to you upset and says, "I came here to focus on my recovery, not other people."
Answer:
What is "You can't keep it unless you give it away"?
Meaning:
We can only maintain what we have when we give it away. Recovery is not only a possession but something we can gift others. Members need each other in the TC to work through the recovery process.
An iconic line from a royal lion.
Answer:
What is "remember who you are"?
Meaning:
While our program is about change, it can also be beneficial for members to look inside themselves and examine their core traits and potential. It encourages members to stand up for themselves and affirm their feelings.
Also an economic principle.
Answer:
What is "There is no free lunch"?
Meaning:
Nothing is truly free. In our program, this is best modeled by having members pay their rent not with money, but with participation and effort.
Situation:
A member comes to you and says, "I had no idea how difficult this program would be."
Answer:
What is "no gain without pain"?
Meaning:
If recovery involves a complete change in lifestyle and identity, there will be pain. However, if we do not do the work, we do not reap the rewards.
Situation:
A member comes to you frustrated that they didn't phase up this week.
Answer:
What is "growth before status"?
Meaning:
Progress comes before a position or status. Members must demonstrate they can handle new responsibilities.
In other words, keep your side of the street clean.
Answer:
What is "do your thing and everything will follow."
Meaning:
When a member is focused on what matters the most to their recovery instead of outside distractions, it is easier to cope with additional stressors. Especially those that arise from community living.