FAQs

 Frequently Asked Questions

General Information:

  • Coordination of care is when everyone involved in your child's treatment works together as a team. This includes doctors, therapists, support groups, and you as a parent. It means:

    1. Making sure everyone knows what's going on with your child's care.

    2. Sharing important information between all the people helping your child.

    3. Working together to create the best plan for your child's recovery.

    4. Making sure your child gets the right care at the right time.

    Think of it like a coach coordinating players on a sports team. The coach (care coordinator) makes sure all the players (healthcare providers) work together smoothly to help the team (your child) win the game (achieve recovery goals).

    1. A team approach: Doctors, therapists, schools, and other support services all work together, with your family at the center.

    2. Clear communication: Everyone shares important information about your child's health and needs, so nothing falls through the cracks.

    3. Personalized care plan: A plan is created that fits your child's unique needs and your family's preferences.

    4. Support for parents: You'll get help navigating the healthcare system, finding resources, and understanding your child's care.

    5. Empowerment: You're an essential part of the team, and your input is valued in making decisions about your child's care.

    6. Ongoing support: Care coordination doesn't stop after appointments. It includes follow-ups, helping you access services, and adjusting the plan as your child's needs change.

    7. Reducing stress: By having someone help manage appointments, paperwork, and communication between providers, you can focus more on your child and less on logistics.

    Think of care coordination as having a knowledgeable friend guiding you through your child's healthcare journey, making sure you have the support and information you need every step of the way.  That friend is Collective Roots.  We coordinate the care so you can focus on healing.

  • A certified recovery mentor (CRM) is someone with lived experience of mental illness, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders who has been trained to support others facing similar challenges. They use their personal recovery experience to provide support, empathy, and guidance to individuals struggling with mental health or substance use issues. 

  • A peer recovery coach is a certified professional who has overcome their own substance abuse and addiction, and now provides personalized support to others in their recovery journey. They focus on setting realistic recovery goals, developing action plans, and offering non-clinical support based on their own experiences. 

  • A facilitator is like a friendly guide for our group sessions. They:

    1. Lead our meetings and make sure everyone feels comfortable.

    2. Encourage everyone to join in and share their thoughts.

    3. Keep the mood positive and help solve any disagreements.

    4. Help you think about things in new ways and learn helpful tips for tough situations.

    5. Work with you to plan fun activities and give you chances to be a leader.

    Think of the facilitator as a supportive coach who's there to help you and your peers get the most out of each session. They're not there to lecture, but to guide conversations and activities that help you grow and learn together.

  • What's relapse prevention all about?

    Relapse prevention is like having a plan to stay on track and avoid going back to using substances. Here's what it includes:

    1. Knowing your triggers: Figuring out what situations, people, or feelings might make you want to use again.

    2. Learning healthy coping skills: Finding new ways to deal with stress, boredom, or tough emotions without turning to substances.

    3. Making a personal plan: Creating a step-by-step guide to stay sober, with strategies to use when things get tough.

    4. Setting achievable goals: Making realistic plans for your recovery journey, so you can see progress and stay motivated.

    5. Getting support for mental health: Addressing any other issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma that might make recovery harder.

    Relapse prevention is like building a safety net to help you stay strong on your recovery journey. It's about learning the tools you need to handle challenges and live a healthy, happy life.

  • It’s easy! Call Robin at 360-910-2870 or email: robin@collectiverootsapg.org

    Families or youth are welcome to self-refer. 

  • We welcome volunteers who are passionate about supporting youth and families! There are many ways to help, including:

    • Leading activities or art projects

    • Teaching life skills like math tutoring or communication skills

    • Serving on our board of directors

    We also accept in-kind donations of materials for activities, such as art supplies, food for cooking contests, musical instruments, games, and outdoor equipment.

    Not sure how you'd like to contribute? We’d love to brainstorm with you! Contact Robin at 360-910-2870 or email: robin@collectiverootsapg.org to learn more.

Family and Recovery Support:

  • Outcomes when families are involved include:

    • Better recovery: When families are involved, teens are more likely to complete treatment and stay sober.

    • Open communication: Family therapy helps everyone talk to each other better, building trust and understanding.

    • A supportive home: Family involvement creates a home where your teen feels supported in their recovery journey.

    • Staying on track: When families are involved, teens are more likely to stay motivated and stick with their recovery plan.

  • Supporting a teen in early recovery can be challenging, but with the right approach, parents can play a crucial role in their child's journey. Here are some key ways to support your teen based on the Alternative Peer Group (APG) model:

    1. Encourage positive peer connections: Help your teen build relationships with sober peers who are also in recovery. APGs provide a safe environment where teens can connect with others who understand their struggles and support their sobriety.

    2. Participate in family therapy: Engage in counseling sessions with your teen. Family involvement is a critical component of the APG model and can improve communication, rebuild trust, and address underlying issues.

    3. Support prosocial activities: Encourage your teen to participate in fun, sober activities. APGs often organize events like concerts, exercise classes, and weekend trips that show teens they can enjoy life without substances.

    4. Learn about recovery: Educate yourself about addiction and recovery. Understanding the process can help you provide better support and recognize potential triggers or warning signs.

    5. Create a supportive home environment: Establish a stable, drug-free home that reinforces the lessons learned in treatment. This includes setting clear boundaries and expectations while offering emotional support.

    Remember, recovery is a long-term process. The APG model emphasizes ongoing support, often lasting 18 months to 4 years. Be patient and consistent in your support, and celebrate small victories along the way.

  • In an Alternative Peer Group (APG) recovery support group for teens, you can expect:

    1. A welcoming community: Your teen will join a group of peers who are also working on their recovery. This creates a supportive environment where they can feel understood and accepted.

    2. Fun sober activities: APGs organize engaging events like concerts, exercise classes, and weekend trips. These activities show teens that they can enjoy life without substances.

    3. Peer mentorship: Recovering young adults often serve as role models and mentors, showing teens that long-term recovery is possible and rewarding.

    4. Skill-building: Groups focus on developing important life skills, such as managing emotions, setting goals, and resisting peer pressure.

    5. Family involvement: Many APGs include family therapy and education, recognizing that family support is crucial for teen recovery.

    6. Long-term support: Unlike short-term programs, APGs often provide support for 18 months to 4 years, acknowledging that recovery is an ongoing process.

    Remember, every teen's journey is unique, but these groups aim to create a positive, recovery-focused environment where your teen can grow and thrive.

Alternative Peer Group (APG) Program and Activities:

  • Collective Roots APG and their partners organize diverse activities to meet the interest of the youth in treatment.  Some past activities include:

    • Kayaking at Scappoose Bay

    • Snowshoeing at Mt. Hood

    • Coffee and Dessert at Rimsky Korsakoffee House

    • Skating at Oaks Park Roller Rink

    • Pizza Making Contest

    • Halloween Haunted House

    • Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

    • Milk Carton Boat Races at Westmoreland Park

    • Soulflags art center

    • Family night at the Rage Room

  • An Alternative Peer Group (APG) helps your child in several ways:

    1. Provides a supportive community of recovering peers, fostering a sense of belonging.

    2. Offers fun, sober activities that demonstrate a fulfilling life without substances.

    3. Promotes personal growth and development of healthy coping skills.

    4. Integrates recovering peers and prosocial activities into evidence-based clinical practice.

  • What's special about our APG?

    1. Friends helping friends: We use the power of positive friendships to help each other recover.

    2. A community approach: We're more than just therapy. We're a whole community that supports you.

    3. Family involvement: We include the whole family in the recovery journey, because everyone's support is important.

    4. Long-term support: We keep the support and fun activities going even after regular treatment ends.

    We believe that recovery is about more than just stopping substance use. It's about building a supportive community, involving families, and providing ongoing support to help young people thrive.

  • The APG model utilizes group activities and community support as a means for change. This approach helps young people build positive relationships with peers and adults, creating a supportive network that encourages healthy choices and lasting recovery. Unlike traditional therapy, APGs focus on building a community where youth can grow and thrive together. 

  • How APGs help teens recover:

    • Friends helping friends: APGs give your teen a supportive group of peers who are also working on staying sober. It's all about positive friendships!

    • Fun without drugs: APGs show teens that being sober can be awesome by doing all sorts of fun activities together without any substances.

    • Learning life skills: APGs help teens learn how to handle their emotions and set goals, so they can build a great life in recovery.

    • Support from people who get it: APGs have young adult staff who are in recovery themselves, so they can really understand what your teen is going through and offer encouragement.

  • What makes us special?

    1. Long-term support: We're not a quick 90-day program. We stick with you for 1.5 to 4 years because real change takes time.

    2. Complete care: We bring together all parts of recovery in one place. It's like a one-stop shop for getting better.

    3. Family focus: We don't just help the youth - we work with the whole family. Parents are a big part of the recovery process.

    4. Youth-centered: Our program was created for young people. We understand what teens really need.

    5. Proven approach: This model has been around for 50 years because it works better than traditional methods.

    6. Ongoing support: We're here for the long haul, providing continuous care as you grow and change.

    We're not just treating addiction; we're building a community of support. We help young people and their families thrive.

  • APGs create a safe and supportive space where everyone feels welcome, no matter where they are in their recovery. Leaders work hard to build a positive community that helps prevent negative influences and supports each member's unique needs. This means that whether you're just starting out or have been on the recovery path for a while, we'll meet you where you're at and help keep the goal of abstinence top of mind while surrounding you with a supportive group that understands and encourages you every step of the way.

Program Details:

  • We've had about 30 kids come through our program. Typically we’re serving around 10 at one time, though our aim is to serve 15 youth at a time in the future.

  • At Collective Roots APG, we’re dedicated to keeping teens safe and supporting their recovery through an abstinence-based program. Our proactive, interventive approach is key to helping families reduce the time teens spend using substances—saving lives in the process.

    We understand the challenges of early recovery and provide comprehensive support, including crisis planning, timely interventions, and connections to essential services. Our goal is to stabilize families and foster long-term recovery by empowering them with tools and resources, like free access to life-saving Naloxone.

    At Collective Roots APG, we don’t just promote abstinence—we actively guide families through crises, connect them to vital support systems, and create a stable environment for healing. With a focus on harm reduction, holistic care, and transformative experiences, we’re redefining recovery as a journey of hope and enthusiasm.

    Join us in building a brighter future for teens and their families.

  • We currently offer programming three days a week:

    • Tuesdays & Thursdays: Teen support groups from 7:30-8:30 PM. Teens are welcome to drop in as early as 4 PM to hang out, grab a snack, do homework, or connect with staff. 

    • Fridays: Fun activities from 7-10 PM. Our space opens at 4 PM for a safe place to relax after school. Activities vary—sometimes we host them at our drop-in space, and other times we head out into the community for events.

    We also have occasional weekend activities, especially for the entire family.

  • Recovery is a journey, not a quick fix. While some programs offer short-term solutions, we believe in providing long-term support for lasting change. Here's what you can expect:

    • Our program isn't a typical 90-day treatment. We're here for the long haul.

    • Full recovery often takes between 18 months to 4 years. This might sound like a long time, but it allows for real, sustainable change.

    • This timeline isn't just about your child – it's about the whole family. It takes time for parents to learn, practice, and become comfortable with new tools and strategies.

    • Every family's journey is unique. Some may need more time, others less. We'll work with you to ensure your family gets the support you need for as long as you need it.

    Remember, recovery is a process. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support that leads to lasting success for your child and your entire family.

  • Measuring success in early recovery for youth involves assessing not just abstinence from substances but also positive changes in their overall functioning.

    Positive change can include:

    • improved relationships school engagement

    • emotional regulation

    • coping skills

    • a sense of personal responsibility

    We use a combination of self-reported measures, clinical observations, and family feedback to measure success. We acknowledge that recovery is a process with ups and downs and feel it should be measured on a spectrum, rather than a binary "success/failure" scale.