Program Guidelines
The following guidelines outline what is expected from all residents.
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1) Admission and Re-admission
- Must Have a substance abuse problem.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must pass drug screening.
- Must have documented sobriety, unless coming directly from a treatment or detox program.
2) Initial Assessment and Admission
An assessment will be made on the client to ensure the most accurate placement in our phase system, and to best fit the client’s therapeutic requirements. Time spent in any phase level may be increased or decreased, depending on the client’s initial assessment and progress in his prior setting. Upon admission to Chief Living Solutions, INC., the client will receive a urine screen in the presence of a staff member. The client’s possessions will be searched for prohibited items such as weapons, illicit drugs, and alcohol. The admissions process will conclude with a client handbook being issued to the new arrival, and an orientation to the Chief Living Solutions, INC. program.
3) The First Two Weeks
For the first two weeks of the program, the new member of the community must be accompanied by a more senior member while off and on site. During this process, the new community member will familiarize himself with the routine through the guidance of staff and the senior community members. The purpose of this is to ensure that the new member is acquainted with his surroundings and fellow clients. Driving privileges will be suspended during this period, unless the client has successfully graduated a prior six-month program. Client must secure a sponsor, and begin 12-step recovery-based work. Once the first two weeks have been reached, staff will determine if the client’s driving privileges will be restored, and the client is ready to seek employment.
4) Chief Living Solutions, INC. Image
As a client of Chief Living Solutions, INC., we ask that you be mindful of your attire. We ask that you refrain from dress that has drug or alcohol references, or any paraphernalia. Shoes or sandals shall be worn during groups or recovery meetings.
Outside of the residence, profanity should be kept to a minimum. This will help maintain good relationships in the community of Aiken.
5) Resident Cleaning Duties
Each residence will have an assigned chore captain responsible for maintaining cleanliness and designing a chore chart. Each resident will be responsible for his weekly chore and a clean living area. Not meeting or disregarding community living standards will be reported to staff by the chore captain. We believe that a clean and healthy residence breeds self-worth.
6) House Resident Manager
A resident manager is a designated male staff member who administers drug screening, ensures that proper cleanliness guidelines are followed, and maintains a presence on-site to guide clients on their walk in recovery. A resident manager is to provide transportation for clients who have had their driving privileges revoked or suspended. Any questions regarding the Chief Living Solutions, INC. program shall be directed to the resident manager on shift.
7) Recovery Coaching
Clients will meet with a staff member from Chief Living Solutions, INC. to go over their progress. Recovery coaches will aid the client with finding employment, admission into a local college, obtaining a GED, and community service opportunities. It is the recovery coaches’ responsibility to check on the client’s recovery work, including calls to the client’s sponsor. The client’s recovery coach will decide on disciplinary action in the event of a rule infraction.
8) Personal Belongings
A staff member may search your belongings at any time. Your personal property will be treated with respect by staff during searches. Items that are confiscated will be kept in a secure location until the client is discharged. Any valuables kept by the client in the residence are the responsibility of the client. Chief Living Solutions, INC. is not responsible or liable for them. Any belongings left in a Chief Living Solutions, INC. residence will not be kept more than thirty (30) days after discharge.
9) Phones and Televisions and Gaming Systems
Phones are a privilege and may be taken by staff at any time following concerns raised by staff, or rule infractions. If the client’s phone has been taken, the client may request one phone call per day from staff to call their sponsor. Chief Living Solutions, INC. provides one television for each residence and will be located in the living room. The living room television must be turned off by 11 pm Sunday through Thursday. and at midnight on Friday and Saturday. Televisions may not be set up in any of the bedrooms. Gaming consoles are not permitted in the residences or residents' rooms; however, handheld gaming systems are permitted, but are a privilege and may be restricted or taken by the staff following concerns raised by staff or rule infractions.
10) Driving Privileges
Driving is a privilege that must be earned and brings with it certain responsibilities. Drivers are responsible for transporting fellow community members, when possible, to meetings and groups. This privilege may be revoked if the guidelines are not followed. If a search by CLS of the client’s vehicle is refused, the client will be asked to leave.
11) Weekend Pass Privileges
Weekend passes are a privilege and are NOT guaranteed. Weekend passes are considered granted to clients in phase two. Passes must be spent with immediate family members. Clients will submit the pass request to a staff member one week prior to the requested pass date. The weekend pass days are Friday evening to Sunday, at the phase curfew. One weekend pass may be taken per month.
12) Emergency Leave of Absence
In the case of an emergency when the client must leave the property and stay overnight, the client must inform a Chief Living Solutions, INC. staff member and obtain approval. Once approved, the client will have seventy-two hours to return to the property. Once the client returns, there will be an alcohol and drug screening. If the client fails the screening, the client will be asked to leave.
13) Agitated, Dangerous, Intoxicated, or Impaired Resident
If a resident comes into contact with another resident who is agitated, dangerous, intoxicated, or impaired in any way, we ask that they notify the resident CLS staff member immediately. DO NOT attempt to aid in the situation. CLS staff will intervene and call the proper authorities, if necessary. If the resident attempts to aid the situation, CLS is not liable for any injuries sustained during the situation.
14) Medication Policy
Chief Living Solutions, INC. is not a treatment facility and is not authorized to administer medications. The client must maintain possession of prescribed medication from a licensed physician at all times. It is the client’s responsibility to follow the directions for the prescription from the prescribing physician. Giving medication to other clients, or failure to adhere to the medication policy will be cause for immediate dismissal.
15) Dismissal Policy
Failure to adhere to any of the CLS rules, regulations, or policies may be cause for the immediate dismissal from CLS. If a dismissal is deemed appropriate there will be no refund and the client agrees to gather all personal belongings and leave the CLS program and grounds immediately. If the client does not adhere to this agreement, appropriate actions will be taken by the involvement of law enforcement. CLS is not responsible for any personal belongings left on property after the client is dismissed and has left the grounds.
16) Rent and Fees Policy
Rent in the amount of $250 must be paid on Friday of every week. A non-refundable administrative fee of $500 is to be paid prior to the move-in date. Prorated rates will be assessed at the time of move-in. If rent is not paid, it is grounds for immediate dismissal. All money paid is non-refundable. Failure to comply to house rules can result in monetary fines ($25.00) or dismissal.
17) Confidentiality Agreement
Chief Living Solutions, INC. staff will not release any information about the client or knowledge of the client’s involvement in our program. Information about the client will only be released to authorized persons listed by the client. Confidentiality will only be broken if the client expresses an intent to harm himself or another person. Pictures of residents may be used on the CLS website or social media platforms.
18) Liability Agreement
This agreement releases Chief Living Solutions, INC. from all liability relating to injuries that may occur while participating in the program of CLS. By signing this agreement, I agree to hold CLS entirely free from any liability, including financial responsibility for injuries incurred, regardless of whether injuries are caused by negligence. I also acknowledge the risks involved in the program of CLS. These include but are not limited to all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, and loss to one’s property and one’s self. I swear that I am participating voluntarily, and that all risks have been made clear to me. Additionally, I do not have any conditions that will increase my likelihood of experiencing injuries while engaging in this activity. By signing below, I forfeit all right to bring a suit against CLS for any reason. In return, I will receive participation in the program of CLS. I will also make every effort to obey safety precautions as listed in writing and as explained to me verbally. I will ask for clarification when needed.
19) Weekly Accountability Group and Morning Gratitude & Meditation
This group is held weekly and is mandatory for all residents. The accountability group is held to ensure all clients are following rules, not keeping secrets and/or lying to staff and fellow residents. During the accountability group, clients can hold each other accountable for following rules and regulations of the CLS program in a safe and therapeutic environment. Also, during this group clients can point out problems that they may be having with staff members and other clients. This is to ensure no resentments may be created toward CLS staff and other clients, and to ensure that clients are receiving the most from the CLS program.
Each day will start with a group gratitude and guided meditation. This is mandatory.
20) Drug Screen Policy
All clients are subject to random urine screens and breathalyzers at any time. Failure to adhere to the drug screen is an automatic failure. In the event of a failed drug screen, CLS staff will discuss the progress of the client and come to a decision on the client’s future in the CLS program.
21) Prohibited Items
- Illicit drugs or alcohol
- Items restricted by law
- Knives or other weapons
- Mouthwash containing alcohol
- Any over-the-counter medication containing DM
- Pornographic images or videos
- CBD oil
- Kratom
- Gaming consoles
22) Sickness​
If the client is ill, he must inform the staff member on site as soon as possible. It is the client’s responsibility to inform any medical professional of their chemical dependency. The client must have documentation from a healthcare professional to be considered excused from any groups. Paperwork from the visit must be turned into CLS staff upon arrival on site.
23) Chief Living Solutions, INC. Rules & Regulations
- No drugs or alcohol.
- No females on property, unless family.
- No smoking in apartments.
- No pornography.
- No fighting, threats, or violence.
- No stealing.
- No gambling.
- No tattoos within the first 30 days (monitored after).
- No new romantic or sexual relationships.
- No breaking of any laws.
- No overnight guests without staff approval.
- Disrespecting or yelling at staff is unacceptable.
- Rent must be paid on time.
- Residences and surrounding property must be clean and maintained.
- Weekend passes must be turned in 1 week prior to request date and be approved by staff.
- Must take medications as prescribed.
- Agree to random drug & alcohol screens; failure to comply is an automatic fail.
- Must actively work a 12-Step program.
- Must attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Attend a minimum of 5 meetings a week after.
- Must have a sponsor within 2 weeks of admission date. If your sponsor/sponsee relationship is severed, you have 1 week to engage with a new sponsor.
- Must be on site by assigned curfew times.
- Wake-up time for all meetings and for morning meditation which starts at 7 am daily (9 am offsite on Sundays).