Unfortunately we don t have the qualified labor that we need, and we have a terrible epidemic

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1 Current News Summer 2018 (877)-RECOVER IN THIS ISSUE Company Puts Workers Through Treatment Fun in Recovery 2 Giving Back to the Community 3 Top Reasons Why You ve Relapsed 5 With opioids ravaging Richmond, Virginia, CEO of Beldon Inc. John Stroup was short-staffed with work pouring in. It s a challenge confronting employers across America, and drugs are sapping a workforce already spread thin across a tight job market. Some employers have dealt with the opioid crisis by altering their insurance contracts to discourage physicians from over-prescribing addictive painkillers, a survey by the National Business Group on Health found. Stroup decided to do much more than that. Unfortunately we don t have the qualified labor that we need, and we have a terrible epidemic What he came up with could be a model for employers across the country who are in desperate need of reliable workers. Stroup decided to weigh how much money it would cost to send these employees to treatment versus how much money he is losing by not having reliable workers on staff. After a few meetings with board members and addiction experts, he formulated a plan. If an applicant or employee fails a drug test, Beldon would pay for an evaluation at a local treatment center. People at high risk would spend two months in intensive outpatient monitoring and be subject to random drug tests for their duration with the company. My instincts tell me that when someone goes through all the pain and difficulty to make it through a treatment program, and then has a job with Beldon Inc., it s unlikely that I will get anything other than their best effort, Stroup said. No one currently employed with Beldon with speak on this, so it will take a few months to see if it works, but Beldon s management has high hopes.

2 2 Royal Life Centers Newsletter Summer 2018 Fun in Recovery If you are just beginning your journey into your new life in recovery, don t get idle hands. One of the worst things you can do early on in your recovery is isolate and stay stagnate. Do you remember the old saying that idle hands are the devil s workshop? This is especially true for those of us early in recovery. In addition to 12 step programming and employment, we need to find things to occupy our spare time. It s hard for many to picture having fun in sobriety, but if you really think about it, we weren t having much fun out there in the first place! One of the leading causes of relapse is boredom and isolation. It s time to step out of yourself and have some real fun! There are so many ways to have fun but one of the easiest ways is to get involved. Staying after a meeting to help clean up or helping set up before is a good way to get to know your peers. There is so much opportunity to make lasting friendships and have fun on this journey, but it takes a willingness and ability to reach out to those around us. Before you know it, your plate will be full of sober activities and friends to fill your time with. Take me out to the Ballgame! In June, Royal Life Alumni enjoyed a Spokane Indians baseball game at Avista Stadium. There is nothing that screams summer more in the Inland Northwest than the sound of cheering fans and the crack of the bats on the field Adventure Dynamics Outpatient residents at Royal life centers attend Adventure Dynamics, located in 9 mile falls just outside of Spokane. Certified Guides take guests through a series of team building excercises, as well as a number of high challenges that will test your fears in a safe and structured Frisbee Golf Alumni enjoyed a round of frisbee golf at High Bridge Park in Spokane,WA. The course is full of terrific scenery and sits within a 200 acre park with lots of ameneties to enjoy.

3 3 Royal Life Centers Newsletter Summer 2018 ALUMNI BIRTHDAYS Kris F. July 15th- 1 year Alic H. July 18th- 9 months Andrew C. July 28th- 2 years Kacy R. August 8th- 6 months Katrina A. August 12th- 2 years Marlene P. August 14th- 6 months Ryan B. August 14th- 2 years Adrian A. August 14th- 6 months Mike B. August 21st- 2 years Giving Back: Elliot Bags Program 800,000 people in the United States are homeless, while 200,000 of that number are minors and children. Many of the homeless population turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their situation, or being homeless is a direct result of their substance abuse. This summer, Royal Life Centers staff and guests participated in an inititative to help those that are less fortunate and reach out to the homeless community in their cities. Backpacks containing items such as hygiene products, blankets, and food were given out in the Spokane, Tacoma, and Prescott locations. Six scholarships through Royal Life Centers Treatment were also given out during this amazing program! The Elliot Bag program will continue to go on, and Royal Life Centers is happy to serve the community one addict or alcoholic at a time. STAFF PROFILE - MARTIN STREET I have struggled with addiction for many years of my life. I spent a large portion in Institutions, jails, and psychiatric units due to my substance abuse. Finally I hit my bottom on December 12, I decided to try out a program called NA (Narcotics Anonymous). I went to meetings and did what these people were telling me to do and showed up even when I didn t want to. After getting clean I worked for a remodeling company for a year, and then took a job with Royal Life Centers. I work in the maintenance department in the Spokane location and love coming to work everyday. I really enjoy life today and have 8 years of continuous sobriety. I will always be an addict, just not one that uses drugs anymore.

4 4 Royal Life Centers Newsletter Summer 2018 Alumni Testimonial - Jenna R. Royal Life Centers has been such an amazing part of my life. Ive found the whole experience life changing. Every group therapy counselor was caring and helped me tremendously throughout my treatment. I have been to other programs and found they don t even compare. Royal went above and beyond my expectations of a treatment center. I have found a family here that makes me feel safe and welcome. This program has helped more than I can say and today I look forward to my future knowing that I can have a life beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you Royal Life Centers! 9 week Program Top reasons why you ve relapsed Designed to help you gain the life you deserve. You will be educated on how to change certain thoughts and behaviors you have developed through your addictive lifestyle. The common struggle for recovering addicts is knowing exactly what to do, but not knowing how to do it. As Alumni of Royal Life Centers you will be equipped with the skills to begin the life that you always wanted. Our 9 week program consists of three different phases and is designed to help you gain the life you deserve. During this process, you will let go of a painful substance fueled life, to redefine yourself and reach the potential that you always knew was inside of you. Our therapeutic staff is readily available to support every individual as they progress through the program, encouraging them to stay connected and focus on their individual wellness during this increased period of independence. How, after going through weeks of treatment and 12 step meetings, did this happen again? Here are some of the major relapse triggers that you cannot ignore in early recovery: 1.Stress- When you are so used to numbing everything, it can be extremely hard to cope with the stress of everyday life. It is suggested that people in early recovery take things very slow, and not take on too many things that may trigger large amounts of stress. 2. Incomplete Recovery- A lot of recovering addicts don t want to accept the fact that recovery is a lifelong process. This train of thought is a killer in your recovery, and when the meetings start to fall off and you start ignoring calls from your sponsor, a relapse is often what follows. 3.Impatience- as addicts we wanted things now and patience was not something we lived by. But in recovery we have the chance to change that mindset and wait for those good things that are bound to come our way. Expecting everything to be fixed right away, after all the damage we have caused is very unrealistic and can lead us right back to the drink or drug. 4. Dishonesty- breaking the habit of lying can be a difficult one for addicts, but is essential for growth in long term sobriety. When your whole life revolved around lying, it may seem impossible to change it completely. Just remember that keeping things inside and being dishonest can be a dealbreaker to your sobriety.

5 5 Royal Life Centers Newsletter Summer 2018 STAFF BIRTHDAYS William B June 4th- 38 years Lindsey H June 10th- 5 years Devon H Employees of the Month May June 12th- 5 years Emily K June 15th- 2 years Kayleigh P June 24th- 5 years Ashley B July 21st- 2 years Nosh K James Woods (AZ) April Heather Bettman (WA) July 25th- 5 year Merideth H July 28th- 18 months Steve C August 3rd- 4 years Denise D Julia Mauer (AZ) Michael Piccerelli (WA) March Nationwide Employee of the Month August 5th- 4 years James W August 11th- 19 years Marc Anthony Martinangelo