How long are your programs?

We start with an initial core residential program lasting between 30 and 90 days. This workshop can help you to sustain your recovery. In addition, you can participate in weekly post-program email support assignments with your primary counsellor. We recognize that recovery is a long term commitment.

What types of addiction problems does Ledgehill treat?

At Ledgehill we provide every client with the opportunity to gain skills to recover from addictive illness. Our program is designed to address chemical addictions, such as alcohol and drugs, and behaviour addictions, such as gambling. Multiple addictive behaviours are commonly experienced by individuals already suffering with an initial addiction. Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression go hand in hand with addiction. In recognizing the entwined relationship between mental health and addiction, Ledgehill completes a detailed clinical assessment as part of the admission process so a holistic evidence based program of support is developed for each individual.

Are there programs for families?

Ledgehill offers a variety of services designed to support families. We know that addiction impacts on everyone surrounding the person living with the addiction. Just as a family experiences the pain of addiction, a family must also experience the journey of recovery. We offer on and off site therapeutic consultations for family and individuals to explore options, support decision making and develop healthy, positive relationships. Families are invited to participate at key intervals through the core residential treatment program. This provides the opportunity for family counselling, educational groups, and relationship building.

I do not feel as though I have an addiction problem but my family says I do.

Addiction impacts on an individual and everyone around them. Addiction puts strain on relationships and this very clearly happens within the power struggle of family demanding treatment, and you refusing. Ultimately, your motivation, drive and interest to improve your life is the key requirement for effective treatment. Many people enter treatment unsure about the true role of addiction in their lives, but they know that something needs to change. Our job when you choose to come to Ledgehill is to support you in identifying how you can improve your life and to identify the barriers that are getting in your way.

I am still drinking occasionally. Can I come to your facility?

We require all clients to be several days clean and sober before they arrive at our facility.

Will I have free time? How can I use this time?

You will have some self-directed time each day and will be offered a variety of activities to fill this. You will have access to the gym equipment, our property boasts expansive walking trails, you may choose to journal, complete homework from individual or group sessions, socialize with other residents, garden, or simply listen to the bull frogs by the reflection pond or watch the humming birds from the deck.

Will I have chance to leave the facility in my free time?

Our Recreation Specialist will coordinate weekly out trips. These day trips provide you with the opportunity to try something new, enjoy the community and move outside of your comfort zone. In addition, while in the core program you will attend two community-based AA or NA meetings per week with Ledgehill staff. There are no unsupervised trips away from facility for the duration of the core treatment program.

Are phone and computer access available at the facility?

Clients can make a limited number of phone calls a week; we encourage contact with family and friends. Incoming calls are routed through Ledgehill staff to guard confidentiality. The presence of an individual in treatment will not be confirmed or denied, any appropriate messages will be passed on. Occasional email access is available for clients during their stay.

Will I be drug or alcohol tested while at Ledgehill?

Drug and alcohol screening tests are completed during the initial admission meeting. Drug and alcohol testing is conducted for three reasons: to get a baseline reading of any prescribed or non-prescribed substances in your system, for therapeutic planning and for client and staff safety. You can expect that all testing will be fully explained before and after, your results will remain confidential and you will be sensitively treated. In order to minimize the need for drug and alcohol screening during treatment, we ensure that all community outings are supervised.

What is a typical day like in your program?

Just as in normal life, Ledgehill Treatment and Recovery Centre runs on a weekday and weekend schedule. The weekdays are more structured, similar to a work day. The weekends will present opportunity for out trips, laundry, AA or NA meetings, and self-directed activities. During the weekday our program commences at 7:30am with a morning routine which includes a group check in, yoga and meditation. You will enjoy a nutritious start to your day with breakfast from 8am to 9am. Every day Monday to Friday you will participate in psychoeducational and process groups from 9am to 10:30am and 1pm to 2:30pm. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon will provide the opportunity for a recreation break. During this time you will participate in gentle physical movement outdoors to increase health and build body awareness. The recreation break may also incorporate phototherapy, art, yoga, tai chi, meditation or hiking. Evenings are primarily client self-directed time, with the exception of two community-based AA or NA meetings.

Will I have a private room?

Ledgehill will provide you with top quality residential accommodation, ensuring your comfort and well-being while in our core treatment program. All of our beautifully decorated rooms are private and have en-suite bathrooms.

Is it a mixed gender program?

Ledgehill provides services to both male and female clients. We believe that in the community you will be immersed in a diverse population, as a result we strive to support you in learning to recover in a similar environment. You can expect to participate in co-ed psychoeducational groups, therapeutic groups, recreation, out trips, and client self directed time. Therapeutic groups will be offered as gender specific when appropriate.

Who can find out about my treatment at your facility?

Client confidentiality is a foundational value of our services at Ledgehill Treatment and Recovery Centre. Our rural location means your recovery takes place in a private, tranquil and safe environment. Each client completes a written consent for the release of information. This allows the full control of who and what information is shared to remain with the client. Client confidentiality is further guarded through minimization of incoming phone calls. All incoming phone calls are routed through Ledgehill staff members who will simply offer to take a message should an individual by that name be in residence.

What kind of counselling will I get?

At Ledgehill you will work in conjunction with your counsellor to meet your individual needs. You will engage in individual counselling sessions, and participate in daily psychoeducational and process groups. These are experientially based and designed to build skill and confidence with key tools of recovery. Our clinical team brings a wide base of therapeutic experience to the community of recovery at Ledgehill, providing clinical practice in solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, systems theory, mindfulness, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy.

What happens after I complete the program?

At Ledgehill we believe that the core residential treatment program is a dress rehearsal for real life. While in residence you will learn essential skills and tools for recovery, connect with a sober community, build a social support system and begin to dismantle the barriers that have previously stood in the way of your recovery. It is when you leave our residence that the work truly begins, and Ledgehill is committed to supporting you through our aftercare program. You will be supported in connecting with your local AA and NA meetings and recovery coaches. It is through expanding your social support network of recovery that you will begin integrating back into a sober culture.