Our Philosophy— Our way of life

Recovery from chemical dependency is a process that takes time.
Before any “miracle” can happen, certain steps must be taken to ensure
the safety and success of the journey. First and foremost, Foundation
House believes that those steps are the “12-Steps” of Alcoholics
Anonymous (AA).

Beyond just the 12-steps of AA, it is imperative for an individual to seek out and accept a support group made up of men and women who have shared the same experience and who through their collective strength guide each other as peers along the path of recovery. Foundation House is a place where men who have been living there for anywhere from three months to one year (senior peers) help the new resident by showing them exactly how they were able to attain a continued stretch of sober time. Common traits in the lives of these
men, just to name a few, are structure, responsibility, accountability, honesty, support, trust, and respect.

At Foundation House we focus on two primary issues: “relapse prevention” and “the restoring of our individual dignity”. We incorporate various elements to help in the transition to independent living; LADC therapy, medication management (if necessary), job placement, financial management, 12-Step based and staff run study groups, house meetings, house outings (beach barbecues, baseball games, etc.), alumni support groups and meetings, guest speakers, clinical referrals, sponsorship referrals, and more.

Recovery takes time. And one day at a time, we ask of each resident only what we are willing to do ourselves. In this case, it is an uncompromising commitment to our recovery.

This is not just our philosophy … it is our way of life.

Our Approach, Goal and Commitment

A common theme at Foundation House is the discovery of what “drives” us rather than what “motivates” us. Motivation comes in waves, it is transient, and for the addict and alcoholic, in between those waves is a dangerous place
to be. Drive, on the other hand, suggests a constant, ever reminding us
to fill the gaps with the “next right thing to do”.

Our resident’s success is our success. Upon completion of a resident’s stay, it is our goal that they have learned how not only to help themselves, but others as well. We teach the old adages “In order to help yourself, help someone else”, and “You can’t keep it unless you give it away”.

At Foundation House, we remove the stigma of addiction and return the dignity that we are all born with to those who have nearly lost it all.

Foundation House staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What we offer

Foundation House works closely with local and national professionals
and practitioners, and makes referrals when necessary.

Here is a sampling:

Local

Holistic
Yoga
Acupuncture
Massage
Meditation
Medical Doctors

Physical & Experiential
Maine Rock Wall
Planet Fitness Gym
YMCA

White Water River Rafting
Beach Volleyball & Football
Swimming
Bike Riding
Skiing & Snow Boarding, etc.

Psychological
Licensed Drug & Alcohol Counselors (LADC)
Psychiatrists

12-Step Programs
Big Book & Step Work
General Service Organization
Sponsorship Assistance

Employment Agencies
Spiritual & Religious Practitioners
Job Placement
Life Skills Training
Money Management
Alumni Groups & Activities
Family Group

National

Case Managers
Therapists
Marketers
Referents
Lawyers
Probation Officers
Family Programs
Sober Companions
Interventionists
Rehabs
Detoxes

Our 90% Success Rate and the 12 month promise!

Foundation House first opened its doors in 2002. By the end of 2003, and each year thereafter, we have operated with an average sober success rate of 90%. This means that out of the 35 beds we have available between our two houses, an average of over 31 men per month — on an annual basis — stay sober while living at Foundation House.

Industry wide, for decades, individuals who leave short term rehabilitation facilities average anywhere from a 3—15 % chance of continued, and long term recovery from chemical dependency.

Thusly, our 90% statistic cannot be overlooked, or overemphasized — Foundation House’s sober success rate is quite simply an industry leader.
As a result, we are confident that our residents can, and do stay sober for their first year while living at Foundation House in Portland, Maine.

And knowing what a fantastic achievement that truly is, having been there ourselves, we promise to give each resident who remains sober for 365 continuous days in our homes, the 13th month free.