The Invisible House

Most of the people who come to live in a Launch Pad are looking and hoping for two kinds of structure. The obvious one has a roof that doesn’t leak, walls for some privacy and protection from the weather and the facilities to eat, bathe, etc.

But another structure, not visible to the eye, is just as important. If our residents didn’t want it, they would live somewhere else. And addicts/alcoholics who don’t want this less obvious structure should live somewhere else!

The “structure” described here is an array of ideas, places, things and schedules of events. The abstract structure we provide includes the attitudes and communications of housemates, 12-step meetings, Launch Pad System group and individual sessions, house meetings, the rules of the house, and the process by which a new resident is met and accepted, and oriented.

The prospective resident has been scared, hurting, locked up, running, confused, or any combination of these things. They (or someone for them) contact a Launch Pad Admissions Counselor. They are provided with information about the Launch Pad purpose, expenses, rules and availability of space.

What To Expect

Depending on available space and responses to the first exchanges of information, the person is accepted and assigned to a house, or told of other options.

The abstract structure started to be evident with first contacts, and now becomes more obvious as the staff, managers, and other house residents are introduced.

The management staff will diplomatically meet, inform and help, if necessary, friends or relatives, on their way. While emotional and financial support certainly help, stretching out that support can turn into a problem when a person is trying to learn or re-learn self-care.

12 Step Meeting Requirements

Within a few hours of arrival the new resident will be offered a chance to go to a meeting (NA or AA). It is a requirement of residents that they attend at least one meeting per day during their first 30 days. Choices are usually offered, but occasionally a manager may direct attendance in specific meetings or events.

Regular meeting attendance will be monitored, and attitudes and behavior noted. If willingness and participation are lacking, the client will be counseled to more sincerely pursue recovery, or find other accommodations.

Integrating with other clients

After the new client adapts to the structured environment the normal day will include discussions and camaraderie with recovering peers, an educational or employment period, attendance and participation in a 12-step group, contact with a sponsor, communications with a network personally developed, house meetings or Launch Pad System sessions, any needed appointments with service agencies, and planned or spontaneous social outings. Social outings are things like picnics, dances, basketball, beach trips, fishing or visiting coffee shops before or after meetings. One-on-one social activities, like dating, or leisurely wandering, are prohibited during the first 30 days.

All residents must return to the house at 7 p.m., or have approval from the manager to be out. Final curfew is 11 p.m. The agreements, rules, meetings, standard communications processes and monitored behaviors become life support systems for learning a new way of being. Within two or three weeks most residents find this aspect of “shelter” a comfortable, but invisible, protection from an otherwise challenging emotional terrain. During the first few weeks and months of abstinence isolation and emotional stress are primary stumbling blocks for recovering people. In this structured environment many can find answers and solutions needed to launch a new life.