NJAMHAA News Winter 2022

October 2021 8 win er 2022 Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) often need support throughout their recovery journey, including the hours, days, and weeks that they are not able to be with their healthcare providers in clinical treatment. CHESS Health, a member of NJAMHAA’s Technology Council, helps individuals build confidence and camaraderie in recovery by providing a close-knit community through an app that complements each individual’s treatment plan. Through the app, individuals connect to others on a similar journey, including the team of CHESS peer engagement specialists, all of whom have lived experience with SUD. CHESS peers moderate discussion boards that focus on recovery strategies, mental health, and shared experiences. For example, it is common for individuals to work on avoiding triggers, such as family stress, by chatting with peers. “By building coping skills and having a network to reach out to, individuals can strengthen their recovery and celebrate their achievements,” CEO Hans Morefield stated. Most people use the app upon discharge from inpatient treatment or as part of their outpatient recovery, and a version of the app is available even before treatment starts. “Potential clients receive a lighter version of the app that provides education and motivation to follow through on referrals,” Morefield explained. Future enhancements will include screening tools to identify risk factors even before substance use becomes an issue. As rates of drug use during pregnancy have risen, CHESS developed a specialized programwithin the app community for pregnant women and newmothers. The program not only helps with SUD-specific challenges, but also provides support during difficult situations, such as when an individual loses custody of a child. For example, the CHESS Health team and peer community led to a woman becoming stronger in her recovery, earning more supervised visitation time and regaining full custody. “Custody challenges are common for parents with SUD, and they are excruciatingly painful to go through,” said Caitlyn Larson, BSN, RN, MBA, Vice President, Clinical Performance. “We encourage parents to hold on to hope and work hard in their recovery because custody – and the goal of reunification with their children – depends on their success.” The peer team at CHESS also help women cope with mental illness, domestic violence and homelessness. “The first six months postpartum are very busy, particularly for newmoms,” Larson said. “We’re here to support any move in the direction away from substance use, so individuals can achieve their recovery goals.” For more information, please visit https://www.chess.health/. By building coping skills and having a network to reach out to, individuals can strengthen their recovery and celebrate their achievements. - Hans Morefield, CEO, CHESS Health