b'Retention: Building andCollaborative treatment plans maintaining motivation for changeA nother way to bolster retention and in-S ince longer treatment lengths result increase positive outcomes is to engage positive outcomes, preventing treatmentclients in the development and mainte-dropout is of pivotal importance as well.nance of their treatment plans. There is a big Traditionally, dropout rates for recovery servicesdifference between working a program versus are high across the board, especially early in theengaging in an individualized, self-directed recov-treatment process. Programs that focus on estab- ery process. The former is established for you, and lishing positive client relationships, peer-to-peerthe latter is established with you. Empowering mentoring, engaging families for treatmentindividuals to take ownership of their recovery support, and increasing a clients motivation tobuilds motivation for change and helps them feel change are generally more successful at retention. heard, cared for, and respected. However, collabo-Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, so build- rative treatment plans require additional time, ing and sustaining a clients motivation andtraining, and intentionality from staff and volun-resilience are key to establishing long-term, effec- teers. This can be difficult for many programs tive treatment. However, finding the motivationto establish when retention rates among workers to abandon deeply engrained addictive habits,within the recovery field are traditionally low. relationships, and patterns of feeling and thinkingTraining staff members, volunteers, and is not an easy task. This is where faith-basedpeer mentors in basic helping skills and more treatment shines as we share the good news of theadvanced motivational interviewing techniques forgiveness, restoration, healing, and eternal lifecan help with this retention issue and ensure a available through Christ. Offering hope for a newmore collaborative environment. Those who life in Christ filled with lasting and eternal pur- receive this training are equipped to help clients pose is at the core of the transformation process.build, maintain, and commit to an individualized It enables us to pivot our clients focus from thetreatment plan. They also establish more positive old patterns they must abandon toward hope forrelationships while empowering clients to find a better futurea future worth fighting for.their unique motivations for long-term change. \x02This is where faithbased treatment shines as we share the good news of the forgiveness, restoration, healing, and eternal life available through Christ. Offering hope for a new life in Christ filled with lasting and eternal purpose is at the core of the transformation process. It enables us to pivot our clients focus from the old patterns they must abandon toward hope for a better futurea future worth fighting for.24 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022'