Individual Therapy– Each resident is encouraged to receive counseling through West Counseling. These counseling sessions focus on education of the disease concept of addiction and learning to enjoy living in sobriety. In addition, therapy also focuses on teaching the client independent living skills, such as budgeting, money management and personal accountability.

Recovery Talks– As part of living in the Gaston House community, residents are required to attend three recovery talks 3 times per week. These recovery talks emphasize personal accountability and the understanding that individual actions affect the larger community. In addition to the house recovery talks, all residents are required to attend at least four 12-step meetings per week outside of the house.

Family Therapy – Our belief is that addiction is not an isolated disease, but affects the entire family. Residents have the opportunity to participate in counseling sessions through West Counseling with significant family members in order to open communication and resolve on-going family conflicts as they relate to recovery issues. Family members are also strongly encouraged to participate in recovery themselves through Al-Anon and working the 12 steps. If family members are not available to meet in person, phone calls with family are also available.

Christian Growth –Discipleship, Bible study and individual prayer are readily available for residents who desire such. Each staff member is willing to provide Biblically based conversations and/or prayer at the resident’s request. Because the 12-steps outlined in the Big Book are spiritual in nature, we believe that working the steps the most efficient way to get connected with God. It is our experience that only then does prayer, Bible study, and discipleship have any significant effects.

Independent Living Skills – Budgeting and money management, daily chores and room cleaning, personal hygiene, and time management are just a few of the many independent living skills residents at the Gaston House will pick up.  Our desire is that each resident has all the tools necessary upon graduation to live in the world as productive members of society.

Securing Employment – Residents at the Gaston House must have a job, and work at least 25 hours per week.  Dallas has an healthy economy, and residents generally have no problem finding a job within the first few weeks.  As part of our program, each residents must pay at least 30% of his earned wages toward the cost of his stay at Gaston House.

Educational Opportunities – Many of the young men at the house have a desire to procure a G.E.D., high school diploma, or begin taking college courses.  All of the previously listed are available. Dallas County Community College has a campus just minutes from the Gaston House, and is an extremely reputable community college.  Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Dallas, and University of Dallas are other options for continuing education.

The resident’s stay at the Gaston House is based upon a phase system. Upon arrival at Gaston House, the resident will be put on Phase I.

Phase 1

NO ELECTRONICS, NO EXCEPTIONS
That means no IPODS, no CELL PHONES, and NO COMPUTER!!!
You can watch T.V. after 5pm.
To move off Phase 1 you must be working 25+ hours a week.
Have a sponsor and working The Program.
CURFEW;
Sunday thru Thursday: 10:30pm
Friday and Saturday: 11:30 pm

Phase 2

You become eligible to obtain IPODS, cell phones, cars (at staff’s discretion), and may use computer.
NO XBOX, NO PLAYSTATION!!
Have to work 25+ hours a week.
If not working 25+ hours a week you may be moved down at anytime to Phase 1.
You must be consistent on chores.
To be eligible to move to Phase 3 you must show consistency
as well as getting nomination from peer counsel and approval from staffing.
CURFEW;
Sunday thru Thursday: 11:30pm
Friday and Saturday: 12:30am

Phase 3
You become eligible to obtain IPODS, cell phones, cars (at staff’s discretion), and may use computer for school only. You may
Play XBOX, PLAYSTATION at appropriate times.
Have to work 25+ hours a week.
You must be doing chores on a consistent basis and have been showing consistency for a considerable time.
CURFEW;
Sunday thru Thursday: 12:30am
Friday and Saturday: 1:30am

All residents must be working a 12 Step Program of some kind. Attending four 12 step meeting a week.

Have to be working 25 hours a week for all phases. You have to pay 30% of your paycheck to the house. Upon paying your 30% you HAVE to turn in a paycheck stub.
If you work at a restaurant you must pay 30% of your tips, no matter what you do, not just waiting tables.

MORNING MEDITATION
Must be DRESSED, BED MADE, ROOMS CLEAN and ON TIME.
If ANY not done you will have to attend the 7AM 24 hour club meeting the next morning, then have to pick up a trash bag full of trash from our lot and the block, then YOU MUST show a staff member or peer counsel member, to show you completed the job.