Young Adult Collegiate Drug and Alcohol Recovery

Foundation Phase 90 Days

A structured program designed to develop a foundation to support a healthy, successful, sober life rooted in 12-step principles.

Recovery – Students begin to learn, speak, and incorporate 12-step principles working through the steps immediately with a qualified sponsor selected by staff. Daily meeting attendance is required. This phase has a high accountability and structured environment that allows the students to practice 12-step principles in a safe and sober community. Completion of the Foundation Phase requires 90 days drug and alcohol free.

Academics – Students are eligible to start an online class during the Foundation Phase. Academic time is included in the daily schedule. Students work with the Education Coordinator to enroll, access tutoring, and complete their classes successfully. High school classes and college preparation are also available online.

Family Communication – Families receive regular updates on their student’s progress as well as coaching on developing and maintaining a new relationship with their loved one. Al-Anon is recommended and encouraged.

Family Workshop – There will be one workshop held during the Foundation Phase. This workshop gives the family an opportunity to get to know the staff and philosophies of Burning Tree West. We partner with the families to help them establish boundaries with their loved one during the recovery process.

Life Skills – Daily work ethic, accountability, personal hygiene, food preparation, time management, and problem-solving skills are developed through the experience of their daily activities.

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Sober University Semester I

Students are challenged to implement 12-step principles daily while pursuing their academic and career goals.

Recovery – Students continue working the steps with their sponsor, and attend weekly group therapy. Required activities include five 12-step meetings off campus, home group participation, and a service commitment. Students are supported in applying the 12-step principles in their daily lives.

Education/Work – Students are encouraged to take 12 credit hours and maintain a GPA of 2.75 while attending the University of Arizona or Pima Community College. If students are not enrolled full-time in college courses they may work full-time and attend school part-time. BTW staff will assist the students through the process of getting familiar with the school environment, assessment testing, class selection, registration, study skills, time management, and tutoring. The Education Coordinator collects the syllabi, and secures quarterly evaluations directly from professors. Through the assistance of the Burning Tree West program, our students average above a 3.0 GPA. Students are coached on writing resumes, pursuing careers, and acquiring employment. Money management is acquired through budgeting with a bi-weekly stipend of $250.00 for a total of 3 months during Semester I.

Accountability – All students submit weekly activity schedules listing school, 12-step meetings, work, and social time. They are required to attend three community meetings, and two in-house meetings per week. The students will face life skill challenges of budgeting, time management, household duties, academic success, and maintaining healthy social relationships with the support from the BTW coaching staff.

Family Workshops – There will be a second workshop held during Semester I. This workshop focuses on specific issues faced by individual families.

Sober University Semester II

Students have an opportunity to grow toward becoming autonomous & self-supporting while being in a safe and sober community.

Recovery – Students will continue abstaining from drugs and alcohol while progressing in their education and career aspirations. They will be actively involved in carrying the message to others, as well as becoming role-models to those in the Foundation Phase and Semester I. Students are required to attend three off property 12-Step meetings, and two campus meetings per week.

Education/Work – Students in Semester II will continue pursuing their academic goals, or maintaining employment with the encouragement of the BTW staff and community. They will continue to work closely with the Education Coordinator to maintain their GPA, course load, and academic plan.

Life Skills – Students will continue to have support practicing the skills they acquired at Burning Tree West through balancing recovery, education, health, work, and a social life. This semester empowers the student’s independence by mirroring a self-sufficient life with the benefits of a sober community.

Family Workshops – The Third family workshop held during Semester II will focus on the family as it will move forward. This creates an opportunity for loved ones to set intentions and boundaries for the future.