Evidence-based substance abuse intervention

MISSION

Research has shown that, with the proper support, “individuals with extensive substance use histories can and do recover to become productive members of society.”

MISSION (“Maintaining Independence and Sobriety through Systems Integration, Outreach, and Networking“) is an evidence-based intervention and support model with a long track-record of success. Independent randomized and non-randomized trials have repeatedly demonstrated that MISSION is an effective intervention for many populations. These include both criminal justice-involved veterans and female offenders re-entering the community. MISSION has consistently shown improved outcomes for all groups, especially related to long-term recovery from substance use, co-occurring mental health issues, and employment.

Developed in 2001 to meet the recovery needs of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, MISSION has since been refined to better meet the needs of criminal justice-involved individuals.

CARE’s MISSION-based re-entry and recovery services are integrated into an intensive six-month program that begins prior to the individual’s release from corrections. This program bridges the gap through re-entry, connecting those in recovery with services, and helping that individual stay engaged with their chosen treatment, community resources, and support. CARE currently works with individuals re-entering the community from the criminal justice system via the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility (WHV) and Detroit Reentry Center (DRC).

What Does a MISSION-based Recovery Look Like?

CARE’s MISSION team is composed of two master- level case managers/therapists, and a pair of Peer Recovery Coaches. The relationship between the individual being served and their peer recovery coach is the cornerstone of this program.

Each person served by CARE is matched with an individual peer recovery coach. CARE’s certified coaches are themselves in long-term recovery, and have extensive training in addiction and recovery treatment options, as well as various wraparound services and supports. More importantly, being in recovery themselves, peer coaches are able to draw on their own lived experience to authentically and persuasively promote wellness and harm-reduction.

Working with their coach, each individual creates their own individual recovery plan. These may include 12-step programs or other support groups, medication-assisted treatment, community-based support, residential treatment—or something entirely different. MISSION also provides naloxone and naloxone training, in the interest of addressing the public health crisis of opiate overdose as directly and effectively as possible.

What’s most important is that each coach is there for the long haul, helping to bridge gaps, so a person can have what they need to focus on a lasting recovery.

"Not only is the MISSION program important to those that we serve, but also to their families and the communities around us. One of the most imperative things that we can do in our lives and in our work is to let others know that they are not alone; we are a team. We are there for the struggle and the triumph."