Cost
The total cost of your 28-day stay is $11,950. It is possible to access your super to help fund the program.
Health cover & doctors certificate
The Sydney Retreat is not medical treatment, so it will not be covered by health insurance or Medicare.
We will not be able to provide a doctor’s certificate to cover the time away from work. However, your GP may regard your residency at the Sydney Retreat as a suitable lifestyle intervention to improve your health and provide you with a doctor’s certificate.
Attendance
The full-time residential aspect of the program is part of its success. We do not offer places for day guests or off-site overnight arrangements, and we ask that you remain within the campus at all times.
While in the program, your total concentration and attendance will be needed. Our staff are there to help if you find this challenging, but you will be free to check out at any time if you wish.
Code of conduct
The Sydney Retreat guests, both men and women, function as one group living and working together toward a common goal.
Our staff is in attendance 24/7 to support our guest community.
On admission, our guests agree to conduct themselves with respect and consideration for others. The following behaviours will not be tolerated: Smoking in the building, using mood-altering substances; engaging in sexual relationships; using physical aggression.
Our program’s effectiveness depends on your total commitment to recovery thinking, so please leave your mobile phone and internet devices at home.
We ask that you not engage in any work calls or emails during your stay so you can commit all your attention to working on your recovery.
If you and your partner both want to attend, it is generally best for partners to make their recovery separately. If you and your partner want to recover from alcoholism or drug addiction, you must book at separate times.
Real People. Real Stories
5.0 stars (based on 53 reviews)
A life-changing experience
Staying at The Sydney Retreat for the 28-day recovery program was truly a life-changing experience. Going into the retreat, I didn’t know what to expect. The facility itself is great and all the staff are extremely welcoming, compassionate and understanding. I’m grateful that The Sydney Retreat is focused heavily on 12-step recovery and isn’t just another detox. The retreat has provided me with a fresh outlook on life, knowledge of my illness, and above all, the tools to continue sobriety in my new-found life. Forever thankful.
Life Changing Centre
The Sydney Retreat is more than just a wonderful treatment centre, but a LIFE CHANGING centre. The 12 step program literally has saved my life when I had nothing left. All of the staff truly care about your sobriety and wellbeing. Not to mention the COOK “who will remain anonymous” dishes out the best home cooked meals I have had in a very long time. Accommodation is modern and well kept. They even have a pet possum that greets you every night to say goodnight. I am truly grateful to the Sydney Retreat and everyone there for showing me the way to sobriety.
Best thing I’ve ever done for myself
I was lucky enough to be a beneficiary of the scholarship program without which I would have been unable to attend. The program is really well structured and the routine set me up with a positive blueprint for success in the outside world. The staff and volunteers are compassionate and caring and a constant source of support and understanding. Coming here is the best thing I have done for myself in a very long time and I look forward to a long future not crippled by alcoholism. As my husband put it, “I finally have my wife back”.
The Sydney Retreat saved my life
I wanted to stop drinking alcohol though no matter how hard I try, I couldn’t. Year after year I was effectively drinking against my will. During my stay at the retreat, a miracle happened. The obsession to drink alcohol was removed and I was supported to begin working the AA 12 step program. I’m happily sober now and with the support of other sober Alcoholics in AA I need never drink again. If Alcohol is costing you more than money and you want to stop, I highly recommend The program and kind people at The Sydney Retreat can help.
A sober life is possible
The Sydney Retreat completely changed my recovery. For the first time I feel I really understand the disease of addiction and can see the path forward. The Retreat showed me that a sober life is possible and how to do it. It is a testament to the power of one alcoholic helping another. I have since recommended it to people struggling with their addiction as well to people living sober but seeking a deeper understanding of the AA program.