Independence Again

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Lynda@IndependenceAgain.org

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Independence Again

Policy and Procedure Directive

Title:                Safety - Smoking                                          Policy#:         Sa-003

Standard:         Admit Information                                        Service Area:         Residents File

Effective Date:        5/1/2018                                                Revised:         8/13/2019

To protect and enhance indoor air quality and contribute to the health and well-being of all house members, staff, volunteers and visitors, Independence Again shall be entirely smoke free and vape free indoors. This policy is effective immediately. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all enclosed areas within this environment without exception. This includes common areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, private offices, hallways, dining rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, foyer, garages,  stairs, restrooms, Independence again -owned or leased vehicles and all other enclosed facilities or any other location that has three or more enclosed walls or does not allow for open breezeway.

Definitions: Smoking refers to the use of traditional tobacco products. Vaping refers to the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems or electronic smoking devices. These are commonly called e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-hookahs and e-cigars. Background: To date, e-cigarettes and similar devices are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not approved as cessation aids. The FDA has, however, concluded that e-cigarette pose health risks and contains detectable levels of carcinogens and toxic chemicals. At this time, e-cigarettes are not considered a safe alternative to smoking, and no scientific evidence has shown that they help smokers quit.

Designated Smoking Area - Each resident will have an established smoking area and this shall be the only place one should smoke.

Restriction is a tool we use to help the resident remain safe and reorient themselves to their program of recovery. This is NEVER going to be used as a punishment or as a way to control a resident. Residents who are unwilling or unable to abide by the restrictions will not be able to remain in our program simply because it is not safe for the other residents.

Phase Adjustment (formally known as restriction) Occurs in the Event of:

*(each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis and no two cases will be exactly alike) these are guidelines to go by in conjunction with therapeutic consideration. (example of typical restriction and justification(s) are below…)

• The resident has violated a rule that places them or others in the house in a position of risky behavior or physical, spiritual or emotional relapse.

• 1 day restriction - simple risk that is resolved quickly or first time occurance
• 2 day restriction - risk involves 2 or more house members or event was mislead or resident was dishonest about it while processing.
• 3 day restriction - risk involves 2 or more house members and the event is known to multiple other house members which puts the whole house at risk.
• 4 day restriction - risk was fairly severe, multiple rules were broken and resident did not reach out for help.
• 5 day restriction - risk was severe, placed myself in danger of ongoing legal consequences, discharge and or risks to your recovery.
• 6 day restriction - risk was severe, placed multiple persons in danger of relapse and or legal issues
• 7 day restriction - risk was severe, relapse occurred, did not ask for help, was dishonest during processing or struggled with transparency.

The use of restriction is never a punishment is 100% of the time used to help protect a resident from placing themselves or other residents in additional risky situations.

Right to appeal - every resident has the right to appeal a restriction - the resident must do so in writing and explain their reasons for wanting the adjustment and how they believe the adjustment is more therapeutic. House Manager will forward to the Executive Director or the Board and 2 or more board members must approve.

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Residents Signature - Date                                Staff / Volunteers Signature - Date