Why do CSTL clients decide to stay at CSTL for much longer than the typical Sober Living Environment (SLE) programs? First and foremost, we do not have timetables for how long our clients can stay in our program. Our clients choose to stay longer to maintain their sobriety. Over 50% of our clients have been with CSTL for over a year, 25% over three years, and 17% over five years. These numbers are much higher than the average stay at other SLE programs.
Why?
Our founder Don Troutman created an “Intentional Living” approach versus a classic SLE model as described in the previous post. He also created a “for the peers, by the peers” organizational’ structure.
Our peer-driven organization has contributed to the client experience, long-term retention rates, and sobriety of our clients. Don’s vision of the combination of an Intentional Living structure and peer-driven organization has resulted in being the oldest (Celebrating 35 years in 2024) and the largest SLE type (134 beds) company in the greater Sacramento area.
The following is a summary of why we believe based on our experience a peer-driven organization can be very effective in the recovery space.
Peer-driven companies can be particularly successful in the addiction recovery space due to several reasons. First, the peer-driven approach often creates a strong sense of community and understanding among individuals facing similar challenges. This shared experience fosters empathy, support, and a non-judgmental environment, which are crucial elements in addiction recovery.
Additionally, the peer-driven model emphasizes personal connections and relationships, providing a robust support system for those in recovery. Peer support can be more relatable and inspiring, as individuals often find encouragement and motivation from others who have successfully navigated similar struggles. Our entire management team has personally experienced our program and can relate that experience to our clients.
Moreover, the decentralized and collaborative nature of peer-driven organizations allows for a more flexible and adaptive response to the diverse needs of individuals in recovery. This can lead to more effective and tailored interventions, increasing the overall success rates of addiction recovery programs.
In summary, the emphasis on community, shared experiences, and personalized support makes a peer-driven approach well-suited for the complexities of addiction recovery, contributing to the overall success and longevity of CSTL!