The Four Pillars of BARN's Foundation
The key principles that form the fabric of everything the BARN does are regarded as the Four Pillars of BARN's Foundation. While each principle carries its own unique meaning, they are also inter-connected and interdependent upon each other. Only by standing on these core principles can BARN thrive to meet its mission.
The Four Pillars are outlined below:
Pillar I: Recovery is a process.
Recovery is not a discrete event. Treatment is not recovery, though treatment often initiates the recovery process. Recovery may begin long before someone decides to stop using alcohol and other drugs entirely, and it often comes in fits and starts in the beginning. Being abstinent does not mean the recovery process is over. Recovery is a continuing process that leads to improved health, wellness, and quality of life, a process that continues to evolve over the course of the life span.
At the BARN, we understand that recovery is a process, not an event.
Pillar II: There are many pathways to recovery.
Not everyone recovers the same way. Many people begin their recovery journey in treatment and then move on into their own individual recovery path. But as many as 50% of the people who have resolved a substance use problem do so with no formal treatment intervention. Many people use 12 Step Programs for peer support, others go to school, or to a gym, explore their art, or pursues anything that provides them purpose and, hopefully, a supportive community. Many people use medications to support their recovery process.
At the BARN, we simply want to support any pathway along the recovery process.
Pillar III: Recovery overcomes shame and stigma.
People with substance use disorders invariably begin their recovery process with a sense of shame and guilt over the damage they may have caused while in active use. Lost jobs, broken families, arrests, hospitals... sometimes regarded as the "wreckage of our past." Recovery heals shame.
Stigma treats addiction as a moral failing, and it creates barriers to recovery that do not exist for people with other medical conditions. Stigma is how society views someone with a substance use disorder, it is a barrier that reinforces shame, and makes it hard for people in recovery to find work and housing. Recovery overcomes stigma.
BARN recognizes that recovery overcomes both shame and stigma.
Pillar IV: Supporting recovery is a community responsibility.
While everyone is responsible for their own recovery, it is very hard to sustain recovery without a supportive community. For those in recovery, it often means "giving back" and providing service that helps support people on their recovery journey.
But it also means the larger community, not just the neighborhood but the larger community, even at the State and national levels. People in recovery need employment where they can make a living and contribute to their jobs. They need to be able to go back to school and have safe and affordable housing.
BARN invests in creating recovery-ready communities in our area.
covid
COVID-19 UPDATE
The BARN is now open 7 days a week! Since June 1, 2020, we have been doing our best to keep everyone safe by insisting patrons wear masks, sanitize and wash hands, and maintain social distancing in accordance with State Guidelines. Between meetings and functions, BARN volunteers and staff are cleaning and sanitizing the facility. When coming into the BARN, you will be asked to provide your name and phone number in case of COVID exposure, and you will be asked to wear a mask (properly-over the nose, mouth, and chin) and have your temperature taken. Our main room capacity has been expanded to hold 42 chairs and most of our meetings are Zoom integrated. Please see our website www.bangorrecovery.org or our BARN Facebook page, or call us at 207-561-9444 for updates on hours, event schedule, and more information on community safety procedures that are required of all visitors entering the facility.