FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Has your search for help been frustrating and confusing? Hopefully the answers to these questions will help as you search for a permanent solution…
Q. How is your program different?
A. We teach the Life Process Program© which is made up of behavior modification training, life-skills exercises, and Cognitive Behavior Training (CBT) not available through any other program in America. Most programs (97%) utilize a 12-step/disease methodology putting control over one's recovery in the hands of a doctor or group requiring a lifetime of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings. The techniques used in our program are based on decades of research and have proven to be vastly more successful than traditional approaches.
A. We teach the Life Process Program© which is made up of behavior modification training, life-skills exercises, and Cognitive Behavior Training (CBT) not available through any other program in America. Most programs (97%) utilize a 12-step/disease methodology putting control over one's recovery in the hands of a doctor or group requiring a lifetime of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings. The techniques used in our program are based on decades of research and have proven to be vastly more successful than traditional approaches.
Q. Why is the Life Process Program© eight (8) weeks long when most programs are 28 days?
A. 28-day programs exist solely because that is a length of time commonly reimbursed by insurance companies, not because it’s an effective time frame for any specific treatment model. Unfortunately, the field of addiction treatment has been influenced more by compliance with insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and profit than by what really works. The Life Process Program© is focused on results. Research has shown that the model and techniques taught through the Life Process Program© require longer learning periods than are available in a 28-day program. The 8-week program allows sufficient time to instill and practice the new learning before applying it to one’s life back home. It also allows more time for the physiological benefits of the neutraceutical program to take hold. See the Program Overview for a better understanding of the impact of behavior modification training, life-skills exercises, and Cognitive Behavior Training (CBT).
A. 28-day programs exist solely because that is a length of time commonly reimbursed by insurance companies, not because it’s an effective time frame for any specific treatment model. Unfortunately, the field of addiction treatment has been influenced more by compliance with insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and profit than by what really works. The Life Process Program© is focused on results. Research has shown that the model and techniques taught through the Life Process Program© require longer learning periods than are available in a 28-day program. The 8-week program allows sufficient time to instill and practice the new learning before applying it to one’s life back home. It also allows more time for the physiological benefits of the neutraceutical program to take hold. See the Program Overview for a better understanding of the impact of behavior modification training, life-skills exercises, and Cognitive Behavior Training (CBT).
Q. Do I need aftercare or AA meetings for the rest of my life?
A. No. Meetings are an extension of a disease-model approach that encourages lifetime involvement. Essentially, reliance on AA or NA support groups for sobriety has two negative consequences. First, individuals become emotionally “trapped” in a mindset of addiction with no room to progress and move on with their lives, regardless of circumstances. Secondly, individuals must “define” themselves as an “addict” or “alcoholic.” We believe that addictive behavior is a dependency you have built from your choices; you can change those choices, so they should not define your future. The purpose of the St. Gregory Life Process Program© is to teach our guests how to move on with their lives. Traditional programs do not believe it is possible to fully recover from addiction, and therefore they assume that lifelong treatment is necessary to try to prevent relapse. We know people can overcome addiction. In fact, we see it happen every day!
A. No. Meetings are an extension of a disease-model approach that encourages lifetime involvement. Essentially, reliance on AA or NA support groups for sobriety has two negative consequences. First, individuals become emotionally “trapped” in a mindset of addiction with no room to progress and move on with their lives, regardless of circumstances. Secondly, individuals must “define” themselves as an “addict” or “alcoholic.” We believe that addictive behavior is a dependency you have built from your choices; you can change those choices, so they should not define your future. The purpose of the St. Gregory Life Process Program© is to teach our guests how to move on with their lives. Traditional programs do not believe it is possible to fully recover from addiction, and therefore they assume that lifelong treatment is necessary to try to prevent relapse. We know people can overcome addiction. In fact, we see it happen every day!
Q. Is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) effective?
A. In 1990, the Alcoholics Anonymous General Services Office or AA GSO, the governing organization overseeing all "autonomous" meetings, published an internal memo for the employees of its offices. It was an analysis of a survey period between 1977 and 1989. "After just one month in the Fellowship, 81% of the new members have already dropped out. After three months, 90% have left, and 95% have discontinued attendance inside one year!" (Kolenda, 2003, Golden Text Publishing Company) That means that in less than a year, 95% of the people seeking help from AA leave the program. Regardless of the apparent success rate or cost of the initial 12-step-based treatment program you may be looking at, the 5% success rate of AA after a year eventually becomes the actual program success rate.
A. In 1990, the Alcoholics Anonymous General Services Office or AA GSO, the governing organization overseeing all "autonomous" meetings, published an internal memo for the employees of its offices. It was an analysis of a survey period between 1977 and 1989. "After just one month in the Fellowship, 81% of the new members have already dropped out. After three months, 90% have left, and 95% have discontinued attendance inside one year!" (Kolenda, 2003, Golden Text Publishing Company) That means that in less than a year, 95% of the people seeking help from AA leave the program. Regardless of the apparent success rate or cost of the initial 12-step-based treatment program you may be looking at, the 5% success rate of AA after a year eventually becomes the actual program success rate.
Q. Are there any studies that support the Life Process Program© model?
A. In 2003 William R. Miller (Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico) and his colleagues rated forty-eight kinds of treatment by combining the results of 381 controlled trials that had compared the effectiveness of a treatment [method] with either no treatment or with other alcoholism therapies. The treatment with by far the best score was 'brief intervention' - followed by motivational enhancement, community reinforcement, and social-skills training. The least effective treatments were found to be general alcoholism counseling and education, ordinary psychotherapy, and confrontational therapies – the very treatments most utilized in the U.S.! (Twelve-step interventions and AA were ranked 37th and 38th among the 48 treatments reviewed). The Life Process Program© is an 8-week program that emphasizes values and motivation, behavior modification training, life-skills exercises, Cognitive Behavior Training (CBT), and community reintegration – the only program of its kind in the US.
The Life Process Program© exclusively used at St Gregory’s melds into one effective program the top treatments in measured effectiveness.
A. In 2003 William R. Miller (Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico) and his colleagues rated forty-eight kinds of treatment by combining the results of 381 controlled trials that had compared the effectiveness of a treatment [method] with either no treatment or with other alcoholism therapies. The treatment with by far the best score was 'brief intervention' - followed by motivational enhancement, community reinforcement, and social-skills training. The least effective treatments were found to be general alcoholism counseling and education, ordinary psychotherapy, and confrontational therapies – the very treatments most utilized in the U.S.! (Twelve-step interventions and AA were ranked 37th and 38th among the 48 treatments reviewed). The Life Process Program© is an 8-week program that emphasizes values and motivation, behavior modification training, life-skills exercises, Cognitive Behavior Training (CBT), and community reintegration – the only program of its kind in the US.
The Life Process Program© exclusively used at St Gregory’s melds into one effective program the top treatments in measured effectiveness.
Q. Does your program have a spiritual component?
A. This is one of the ways in which the Life Process Program© differs from 12-step-based treatment programs. In the Life Process Program© spirituality and religious faith are recognized as potential resources for overcoming addiction, but it is up to the individual guest to decide whether and how to use these and other such resources. At St. Gregory’s some form of meditation or “centering oneself,” including religious observance, is encouraged, but no specific spiritual or religious practices are imposed. Time and space for meditation are provided. Be assured, though, that each guest’s personal beliefs and preferences are respected.
A. This is one of the ways in which the Life Process Program© differs from 12-step-based treatment programs. In the Life Process Program© spirituality and religious faith are recognized as potential resources for overcoming addiction, but it is up to the individual guest to decide whether and how to use these and other such resources. At St. Gregory’s some form of meditation or “centering oneself,” including religious observance, is encouraged, but no specific spiritual or religious practices are imposed. Time and space for meditation are provided. Be assured, though, that each guest’s personal beliefs and preferences are respected.
Q. Do you have any facilities closer to me?
A. Guests come from all over the U.S. to attend the proprietary Life Process Program©. Guests generally need to travel to get here. Being out of their home environment ensures that they are truly able to focus on the program without the distraction of outside factors. Also, as people reflect on the changes they need to make to their life and recognize that the world as they knew it will change, some people fear facing those challenges. By being away, they can focus on the challenge at hand, rather than easily returning home. At the same time, the Life Process Program© continually emphasizes that the purpose of this time away from home is to be able to apply the perspectives and skills learned here to the actual circumstances of one’s life. That is why we work with the guest as well as the guest’s family to prepare for the transition back to the normal home and work setting.
A. Guests come from all over the U.S. to attend the proprietary Life Process Program©. Guests generally need to travel to get here. Being out of their home environment ensures that they are truly able to focus on the program without the distraction of outside factors. Also, as people reflect on the changes they need to make to their life and recognize that the world as they knew it will change, some people fear facing those challenges. By being away, they can focus on the challenge at hand, rather than easily returning home. At the same time, the Life Process Program© continually emphasizes that the purpose of this time away from home is to be able to apply the perspectives and skills learned here to the actual circumstances of one’s life. That is why we work with the guest as well as the guest’s family to prepare for the transition back to the normal home and work setting.
Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. Once you are positive that the Life Process Program© is the solution you have been looking for, you pay the initial bed deposit. The program is private pay (we offer 100% financing) and/or fully covered by third party insurance, if you have benefit coverage. We will verify your insurance coverage and file your insurance claim for you. (Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the Life Process Program©).
A. Once you are positive that the Life Process Program© is the solution you have been looking for, you pay the initial bed deposit. The program is private pay (we offer 100% financing) and/or fully covered by third party insurance, if you have benefit coverage. We will verify your insurance coverage and file your insurance claim for you. (Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the Life Process Program©).
Q. Do I need to detox?
A. We will assist in coordinating detox to ensure a smooth transition between detox and our facility. This is a drug-free program. Any mood-altering drugs must be withdrawn from before starting the St. Gregory Retreat Center.
A. We will assist in coordinating detox to ensure a smooth transition between detox and our facility. This is a drug-free program. Any mood-altering drugs must be withdrawn from before starting the St. Gregory Retreat Center.
Q. How do you keep the environment drug-free and safe?
A. Our policy is that if anyone drinks or uses drugs while enrolled, they will be expelled from the program with no refund. Random drug tests are conducted throughout the eight-week stay.
A. Our policy is that if anyone drinks or uses drugs while enrolled, they will be expelled from the program with no refund. Random drug tests are conducted throughout the eight-week stay.
Q. I am coming. What do I bring?
- One week of clothing; we have a free laundry on site.
- Gym clothes, swimsuit and a pair of athletic shoes.
- Money is needed only for toiletries, personal items and incidentals.
- Seasonal Outerwear (i.e., hats, coats, jackets, swimsuit, hiking boots)
Q. What is a day like?
A. Your day starts with made-to-order breakfast served between 7:30-8:30AM. You will have two (2) Life Process Program© classes in the morning. Lunch is from 12:15PM-1:00PM. You will then have an afternoon Life Process Program© Assessment class and an hour of study time. At 3:30PM you will then travel to the health club to walk, swim or work out. You will return to the Retreat Center at 5:00; dinner is from 5:30PM-6:30PM. Planned activities are provided nightly starting at 7:00PM. They are a mix of outings and/or in-house activities planned by our professional activities program directors. The house is quiet by 11:00.
A. Your day starts with made-to-order breakfast served between 7:30-8:30AM. You will have two (2) Life Process Program© classes in the morning. Lunch is from 12:15PM-1:00PM. You will then have an afternoon Life Process Program© Assessment class and an hour of study time. At 3:30PM you will then travel to the health club to walk, swim or work out. You will return to the Retreat Center at 5:00; dinner is from 5:30PM-6:30PM. Planned activities are provided nightly starting at 7:00PM. They are a mix of outings and/or in-house activities planned by our professional activities program directors. The house is quiet by 11:00.
Q. How often do I get to leave the Retreat Center?
A. There are opportunities to go off-property with staff almost every day. After being in class weekdays, guests enjoy that they are able to take an excursion to the health club daily at 3:30, see photos of the health club. Saturdays are busy with active or interesting all day trips and Sundays typically have an optional trip to the health club for a workout, swim or sauna.
A. There are opportunities to go off-property with staff almost every day. After being in class weekdays, guests enjoy that they are able to take an excursion to the health club daily at 3:30, see photos of the health club. Saturdays are busy with active or interesting all day trips and Sundays typically have an optional trip to the health club for a workout, swim or sauna.
Q. Is the Retreat House safe and comfortable?
State-of-the-Art Facilities...completed January 2007
Safety / Access
State-of-the-Art Facilities...completed January 2007
- Deluxe Appointed Semi-Private Suites w/showers and bathrooms
- Recreation:
- Pool - Air Hockey - Ping Pong - Projection TV
- Basketball Court - Disc Golf Course - Bicycles
- Health Club Daily - Walk Swim - Workout
- Entire house sprinkled and fire-monitored 24 hours a day.
- Full handicap access–common areas, sleeping rooms and classrooms all on one level;
- Back-up power generator.
- Plasma TVs, WiFi.
- Computer Lab
- Free long–distance phone service
Q. How do I make a reservation?
A. There is a $3,000 non-refundable deposit required on all bed reservations. The balance is due in full in advance of the start date. Beds may be rescheduled no less than 1 week in advance of your start date. Rescheduling less than 1 week in advance of your start date will require a new bed deposit. All bed deposits are non-refundable.
A. There is a $3,000 non-refundable deposit required on all bed reservations. The balance is due in full in advance of the start date. Beds may be rescheduled no less than 1 week in advance of your start date. Rescheduling less than 1 week in advance of your start date will require a new bed deposit. All bed deposits are non-refundable.
Q. What if someone does not want to stay?
A. Even the most reluctant guests become open to the program once they experience the pleasant home-like atmosphere and see that they are guests in our home rather than patients in a facility. If a guest decides to leave voluntarily during the first week from day of arrival, they will receive a 75% refund of the total tuition less expenses.
A. Even the most reluctant guests become open to the program once they experience the pleasant home-like atmosphere and see that they are guests in our home rather than patients in a facility. If a guest decides to leave voluntarily during the first week from day of arrival, they will receive a 75% refund of the total tuition less expenses.
Q. Who is Saint Gregory?
A. St. Gregory the Wonder-Worker is the patron saint of desperate, forgotten, impossible or lost causes.
A. St. Gregory the Wonder-Worker is the patron saint of desperate, forgotten, impossible or lost causes.
Call for help toll free: 888-778-5833.
