Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes us unique?
The Sydney Retreat is a 28-day live-in recovery facility, modelled on The Retreat, the highly successful program based in Minnesota, USA.
The Retreat recovery program is based on the 12 steps of Recovery. After attending The Retreats programme, 59% of people are still sober after 12 months which far exceeds the low recovery attributed to other rehabilitation centres that apply other types of treatments.
2. How are we different from other treatment programs?
The Sydney Retreat is not a treatment centre. We provide a supportive, educational environment rather than a clinical or medical program. We don’t directly provide assessment or clinical counselling services. We do, however, provide an intensive orientation to the solution of recovery embodied in the 12 Steps of Recovery. By the time you leave the Sydney Retreat you will have a recovery mentor and all of the other tools that long term members of the recovery community have successfully used to change their lives.
3. Who runs the program?
Our program is developed and delivered by the experience, strength and hope of our staff and volunteers, who have all battled the challenges of alcoholism and/or drug dependence and are now living their lives according to the 12 Steps of Recovery.
4. What is the admission criteria?
We serve adult men and women (18 and over) who are struggling with alcoholism and/or drug dependency, are motivated to recover and have the physical and psychological stability to perform self-care.
5. How long do people stay?
The length of stay is 28 days.
6. How much does it cost?
The Sydney Retreat is a registered charity determined to keep its fees as low as possible whilst covering its costs. The current guest fee is $10,750, which covers all charges for the 28-day residential recovery program. There are partial scholarships available to those who qualify.
7. Is there any support after I finish my 28-day program?
Absolutely. During their time at The Sydney, Retreat, guests are immersed in the 12-step fellowship. You will make many friends, find a home group and start working with a sponsor to continue your journey to a new way of life with long-term sobriety.
8. Can my family come to visit?
Yes, the family can visit for Sunday on Sundays at 12pm and can stay for the family support meeting at 1 pm. Unfortunately, no children under 18yrs are allowed.
