MICHIGAN RECOVERY INCENTIVES PROGRAM

LIFEWAYS PROGRAM HELPS PARTICIPANTS EARN MONEY WHILE IN RECOVERY

LifeWays is offering a new approach to substance use treatment through the Michigan Recovery Incentives Program (MRIP), a pilot initiative designed to motivate recovery through financial incentives. The evidence-based treatment option combines support and motivation, encouraging participants to stay engaged with incentives.

The 24-week program can earn participants up to $599 by attending weekly appointments and completing negative drug tests. Each week the participant is opiate or stimulant free, the compensation grows in value, helping individuals achieve their treatment goals. If the participant’s test shows stimulant and/or opioid use or misses an appointment without notice, the incentive will reset to a lower amount but can increase again with continued negative drug tests.

LifeWays’ Medical Assistants. Left to Right: Jennifer Towers, Tabata Zuniga, and Sarah Keel

CONTINGENCY MANAGEMENT

MRIP uses an approach called contingency management, which has been shown to:

  • Increase treatment engagement,

  • and reduce substance use.

The goal of the Recovery Incentives Program is to address the substance use crisis in Michigan through a unique treatment method that uses positive reinforcement to choose recovery.

By providing immediate rewards to individuals who meet their treatment goals, contingency management helps to realign the brain by offering people non-drug rewards, encouraging decision-making that supports abstinence.

Destanie Pruden-Walling, a program participant stated, “The recovery incentive program has really helped me stay motivated and accountable in my recovery. Knowing I can earn money for clean drug screens not only supports me financially but also makes me feel proud of the progress I’m making. It’s a positive reminder that the hard work I’m putting in is paying off and keeps me focused on moving forward.”

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

“It’s got potential benefits, and structured support, and you are rewarded,” said Linda, another program participant.

Destanie added,“What do you have to lose? No matter what, you earn money. Why not give it a shot?”

Kaily Enbody, Recovery Incentives Program Coordinator

WHAT STAFF SEE

Staff at LifeWays have seen the program work its magic firsthand. Recovery Incentive Coordinator, Kaily Enbody shared, "The Recovery Incentives Program has been so awesome to see grow. It is worth celebrating the progress participants have made and their commitment to maintaining recovery. Our team is full of cheerleaders– we want to see our participants succeed.”

Tabata Zuniga, a Medical Assistant at LifeWays, stated, “Recovery is not a race; it is an understanding. Everyone who completes the Recovery Incentive Program starts the journey by walking through the door at LifeWays. Continuing to complete the incentive program is a choice, but the outcomes speak volumes.”

LifeWays’ Medical Assistants and Outpatient Therapists. Left to Right: Sarah Keel, Jennifer Towers, Tabata Zuniga, and Kaily Enbody

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • The Recovery Incentives Program is available to individuals who:

    • Have Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan

    • Have a stimulant or opioid use disorder

    • Are not in another similar program

    You do not have to be a current LifeWays client to join.

  • How to Get Started

    Getting started is simple:

    • Call LifeWays at (517) 789-1209 or walk in — no appointment needed

    • Meet with a staff member to see if you qualify

    • Start your recovery plan with support and rewards

  • All appointments take place at:

    LifeWays
    1200 N. West Ave.
    Jackson, MI 49202

  • All Program rewards come from Medicaid and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — not from LifeWays directly.

CONTACT US

If you have questions about the MRIP program and if you are eligible for participation, call us at (517) 789-1209.