The Spirit of Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions About…

Treatment

How long are your waiting lists?  Our residential treatment wait lists are typically 2-4 months long, and sometimes longer.   Our detox unit and outpatient programs usually have either a short list or no waiting list. 

Does someone have to hit “rock bottom” before they can benefit from treatment?   Not necessarily.  Although many people we serve have hit what could be considered “rock bottom,” people come to us in all kinds of circumstances and for any number of reasons.   Some people come to us truly wanting to get better, some are unsure about making changes, and others don’t want to give up alcohol or drugs. 

 In other words, you (or a loved one) don’t have to delay calling us or another treatment program until you’re 100% motivated and you’ve lost everything.   

What’s the difference between your programs and 12 Step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous?   Our programs have paid staff who provide substance abuse treatment and related services.  12 Step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are self-help programs for people who want to quit drinking or using.

What is your success rate?  Approximately 75% of those entering our residential treatment programs complete the residential phases successfully, and approximately 40% complete our outpatient or aftercare treatment programs successfully.  In general, the longer someone stays in some form of treatment, the better their odds of leading a productive, substance-free life.

Beyond that, it depends on how you define “success” – and how quickly you expect to see changes in yourself or someone else.  You may want to consider something our executive director told the Kentucky Post not too long ago: 

“Recovery is not a one-time event.  It usually takes more than one or two interventions for people to start dealing with it.  When they finally get well, it’s not just the last counselor or last agency that made the difference.  It’s the spouse, the friend, the cop on the street.  It’s all the people who were preaching the gospel along the way.  You plant the seeds and water them.  You never know when a seed is going to sprout.”

Employment

Do I have to be in recovery to be a substance abuse counselor at Transitions?  No. 

What are the requirements for being a substance abuse counselor at Transitions?  Counselors in our treatment programs must have at least a bachelors degree, preferably in a related area such as psychology or social work.  Counselors eligible for certification are required to work toward becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in Kentucky or toward the appropriate credential in Ohio. 

Is there a strong demand for substance abuse counselors?  Absolutely – especially for counselors with experience and/or a masters degree in counseling or social work.  And because a large number of counselors and adminstrators in our field are expected to retire in the next 10-15 years, we expect the demand for counselors and supervisors will grow even more.