Recovery Matters a safe, structured, and supportive recovery journey 

In September, people across the country came together to recognize National Recovery Month, an observance held annually to promote evidence-based treatment, celebrate individuals in recovery, and honor service providers. Regional Health Systems, a member of Regional Care Group, supports this mission through its Recovery Matters program, providing addiction treatment and recovery services to individuals in our communities. 

Michael Barrera, MS, LCAC, director of recovery services for Regional Health Systems, notes that Recovery Matters helps adults begin their recovery journey in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

“Our goal is to address substance use disorders while focusing on the whole person, including their physical health, mental health, and social needs. By providing comprehensive treatment and recovery support, we help individuals build the skills, stability, and confidence needed for long-term recovery,” Barrera said.

Every person can have unique circumstances, which is why Regional Health Systems works to remove barriers to treatment through individualized care plans, medical and behavioral health services, care coordination, and connections to community resources. Recovery Matters serves as an urgent treatment option for patients who seek care through the Crisis C.A.R.E. Unit while battling substance use.

“We strive to create a supportive environment where individuals can focus on recovery while addressing the responsibilities and challenges they face outside of treatment,” Barrera said. “By helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild healthy, productive lives, the program directly supports our mission of providing comprehensive, community-based care.”

Warren Fournier, MD, assistant medical director for Regional Health Systems, indicates that the Recovery Matters program offers positive services for all adults, especially for pregnant women and women with children.

“Pregnant women and women with children are considered high risk and high priority. Our medical team specializes in detoxification management that targets the reduction of medical complications of withdrawal during pregnancy and focuses on the safety of the fetus,” Fournier said. “Our medical staff also maintains active consultation with high-risk obstetricians in our area, and pregnant women are set up with ongoing OB-GYN aftercare before discharge.”

Graduates of Recovery Matters are able to receive stepdown services through an intensive outpatient program, aftercare groups, and individual services such as medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric medication management, and individual therapy. 

According to Regional Health Systems, the program has an 82% completion rate, with most people getting back on track within the first 28 days.

“Some individuals may require additional time based on their specific needs and recovery goals,” Barrera said. “There is no single path to recovery. Each client enters treatment with their own experiences, challenges, and strengths. This personalized approach allows us to meet people where they are and provide the tools and support most relevant to their recovery journey.”

Fournier noted that the treatment process consists typically of three phases, all of which largely occur simultaneously.

“It begins with multidisciplinary assessment and stabilization, including medical support for withdrawal management, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, management of chronic comorbid health issues, and treatment of psychiatric vulnerabilities to relapse,” Fournier said. “The second phase is intensive counseling, education, recovery planning, and skill-building activities — all of which occur in both individual and group settings. The third phase is discharge planning, which actually begins on the first day of admission and solidifies throughout their stay. The focus is on helping clients identify relapse risks, develop coping strategies, and create a plan for continuing recovery after discharge.”

Health, stability, and hope — these are all prominent pillars that Recovery Matters works to instill in every patient. While Regional Health Systems values the rate of completion within the program, the focus remains on continuous improvement to ensure every client receives personalized care and positive outcomes.

“Recovery is possible, and no one should have to face addiction alone. Recovery Matters exists to provide hope, support, and evidence-based treatment for individuals seeking a fresh start,” Barrera said. “During National Recovery Month, we want the community to know that seeking help is a sign of strength, and that treatment can change lives. We are honored to walk alongside individuals and families as they build healthier futures and stronger communities.”

For more information about Recovery Matters at Regional Health Systems, you can visit rhs.care/recovery-matters/. For additional information about Regional Care Group, visit regionalgroup.care.