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January 2014 we received daily calls from Erik who was in Rutherford County Jail to make plans for how we were going to create a DIY Intensive Outpatient Program, Sober Living, along with Aftercare. It was a serious leap of faith when all our resources were exhausted. He had no insurance and tremendous costs that incurred from our countries "War on Drugs". 2 years and 9 months later so much has changed. In 2014 there was no talk of Narcan. Stories of tragic overdose did not show up in the news everyday. But as you know from our story it was happening. The devastation ran very deep. He would call county jail poor mans rehab. So yes he got sober in jail but years battling mental illness and childhood trauma behind why he used was never dealt with by the war on drugs. Twelve hours before Erik died we found out about a major trauma piece that happened to him in jail at the hands of corrections officers while he was detoxing in solitary. On April 30 PTSD brought him to a place of despair. On May 1, 2014 at 2:00 a.m. he relapsed after being clean for 6 months and died.

2017 has brought some new opportunities. My coaching friend David Hampton and I have been working with an individual who was not able to go to rehab. We set up an IOP style of care that is made up of professional trauma therapy, coaching, and family support services. Money from EB Rooster guitars is covering the trauma therapy. Memorial money from my mother's funeral has been used to fund the coaching for this person. We figure the cost to run this recovery plan for the first few weeks is about $625.00 per week. Today rehab runs about $1000.00 per day. Many have insurance and are able to take advantage of that service. For some it is the best option. For some financially it isn't an option at all. For all aftercare is vital. Early in the treatment the individual needs to be seen daily. As we approach the 30 day mark the visits taper down. We are seeing good results. Working on trauma is a must. Treating the brain chemistry is a must. Right now the psychiatrist and medical is an extra expense the individual incurs. The first 90 days are crucial with anyone with trauma, mental illness, and addiction. The first 90 days are also crucial for the family/support system.

This is intense and important work. Dan and I believe this work is an option for some. This intensive work is also an option for aftercare once they are discharged from rehab. Families are usually depleted in every way. We are looking for non=profits that can get excited about this vision. We believe that when folks are give the vehicle to provide assistance to families who are seeking our help the needs can be met.

Here is my post from January 22, 2015 along with a few pictures from Erik's Epic Life...... This week has brought lots of moments of reflection that seem to come in waves. One year ago we had a count down with Erik. He was preparing to come home to a safe place to live. He was coming home to work with Dan. He was coming home to heal. So much hope. Over the next few days I plan to read his letters that he sent. I am sure these letters will bring more stories. We all were so grateful for all the doors God opened, for all the ways he answered so many prayers. My dear friend Diane has taught me so much about story. I have learned that story-ing helps me see God at work in the midst of my story. Then it gives me perspective to see my story in the midst of God's Story. In Psalms we are told to sing a new song to the Lord. That new song is our story. So I am singing a new song. Thankful that God invites me to grieve and remember Erik. Tonight I found an old friend called "deep grief" came back for a visit. After 8 months I have learned to just get in my pajamas early and enter in to all that grief brings.