Jeremiah's Inn

Social Model programs have the following characteristics:

The basis of authority is experiential knowledge. Peer-counseling, staff, and volunteers collectively provide an experiential learning process. Program participants learn from one another as they live their way into recovery.The primary therapeutic relationship is between the person and the program, rather than between the person and the individual therapist. Recovery services are realized through the entire community of staff, volunteers and program participants. Everyone gives and receives help. From the Program Director to the newest program participant, everyone has a contribution to make toward program operation. Within the community of a social model recovery program, the principles of honesty, open-mindedness and willingness guide the program operation. Social model programs should provide and maintain an environment that promotes recovery. Basic elements of this environment can be found in a clean, homelike atmosphere. A social model program is a “safe place”; safe from violence, alcohol and other drug use. Addiction is viewed as being centered in the reciprocal relationship between the individual and his or her surrounding social unit, rather than centered in the individual.
ith acknowledgement to: Social Model Alcohol Recovery: An Environmental Approach, T. Borkman & S. Shaw, Bridge Focus, 1990.