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Take the Next Step
Take the Next Step

Take the Next Step (9)

Tuesday, 21 September 2010 23:58

Links & Resources

Written by Administrator

If you or a loved one are currently in crisis, please call us right away at 877-573-3656. Someone is available 24/7 to speak with you confidentially and without judgement.

If you are currently seeking more information, the following sites and organizations provide a wealth of information and services related to addiction and mental health issues.

You may also download a variety of resources to help you in evaluating and choosing a treatment center using the links at the bottom of the page.

Associations & Organizations

  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
  • National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse Networking Project
  • National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC)
  • SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator

Books

  • Women Under The Influence
  • Julie Fast, Author of Taking Charge of Bipolar Disorder
  • Julie Fast's Bipolar Disorder Web Site

Chamber of Commerce

  • Blount Chamber
  • Knox Area Chamber Partnership

Further Information

  • Centers for Disease Control - Depression Podcasts
  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
  • Dr. Jill Murray, author of Taking Your Life Back Right Now
  • Jim Leondard's The Art of Living Life, Inc.
  • Mental Health Hotline
  • Moyers On Addiction
  • Women and Alcohol

Intervention

  • A&E Intervention
  • Intervention Resource Center (Louisville, KY)
  • Ken Seeley Intervention 911

Seminar and Event Info

  • NAATP Addiction Treatment Leadership Conference
  • National Conference on Women Addiction and Recovery

Treatment Center Resources

  • Addiction No More
  • Addiction Resource Guide
  • American Council on Alcoholism
  • Hazelden
  • Hyde Park Counseling Center for Women
  • Recovery Connection
  • Treatment Centers
  • Treatment Coordination

Universities

  • Boston University School of Public Health Alcohol Screening
  • Boston University School of Public Health Drug Screening
  • Center for Addiction and Alcohol Studies at Brown University
  • National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia Univ
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 21:12

Take the Next Step

Written by Administrator
There are so many negative emotions which roll around the very thought of reaching out for a higher level of clinical help.

Self-disappointment, shame, guilt, anxiety, fear, second guessing, anguish, hopelessness, helplessness, and a feeling of being overwhelmed are often the feelings that accompany the mere thought of getting more help.

A person may know that nothing is going to get better at home because she has already tried so hard. Secrets and lies keep women sick. It is not what has happened in a person's life that is most important; it is what that person does about what has happened. Judgment is for the ignorant and is not part of the Brookhaven ethos; only you have the whole story of you. We want to know your story and teach you how to become well. Only you can take that step to leave the land of the "walking dead" and find your way to the land of emotional wholeness. We have the tools. You have to be willing to take them and learn to use them.

It is up to you to have the shackles of emotional slavery removed.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 20:27

What to Bring

Written by Administrator

We want each of our clients to be as comfortable as possible during their recovery process.

The following is all that is permitted during your stay:

Note: Any additional items will be locked up and returned upon discharge

  • Comfortable clothing - we recommend you bring a limited supply of clothing; laundry facilities are available
  • Robe, nightgowns, pajamas, slippers, sweatshirt, jacket
  • Comfortable shoes & socks/stockings (3 pairs)
  • 1 purse/wallet
  • Wrist watch
  • 2 belts
  • Hat/visor Sunglasses
  • A favorite blanket and pillow.
  • A warm jacket for working with the horses (some like to bring gloves)
  • Toiletries (Veet, deodorant stick, body lotion, face cream, powder, make up)
  • Hair accessories (dryer, hair spray, curling iron, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
  • Pump products (versus aerosols)
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Nail clippers, tweezers, nail file
  • All prescription medicines
  • Electric razor
  • An iPod for relaxing music (iPod Shuffles only - no other iPod, iPhone or iTouch allowed)
  • Fan
  • Alarm clock
  • Photos of those who are important to you
  • A list of vitamins and supplements you are currently using
  • A list of physicians and therapists you work with
  • All current medication in pharmacy dispensed bottles - not in day containers
  • To obtain extra toiletry supplies, nearby retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target are a short trip away.
  • Up to $200 in cash
  • A credit or debit card for any purchases you may need
What not to bring:
  • Nothing breakable
  • No products with ether or isopropyl
  • No products with alcohol-based ingredients - e.g. Listerine
  • Leave any valuable jewelry at home
  • No over-the-counter medications
  • Please do not bring recreational reading materials - we have plenty of reading materials for you here
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 20:20

Daily Schedule

Written by Administrator

Each woman who comes to Brookhaven Retreat receives a customized, unique plan tailored especially for her recovery needs.

While each client's daily schedule may vary, typical activities at Brookhaven Retreat may include:
  • Meditation - This time provides an opportunity to begin the day with serenity and peace. In addition, meditation encourages clients to focus, process and eliminate negative thoughts and emotions.
  • Morning Goals Group - This occurs with the community and close care providers to help identify specific, objective and measurable goals, as well as evaluating progress towards daily goals.
  • Community Meeting - This meeting addresses community concerns, requests or needs to be discussed with the Brookhaven Retreat Program Director.
  • Core Processing Group - Group therapy works through interpersonal, family and social struggles, develops communication and relationship skills, nurtures shared identity and allegiance of peers, a community of concern/understanding and fosters appropriate attitudes and behaviors.
  • Therapeutic Assignments - Assignments are given by a therapist on a regular basis and address specific needs developed in the treatment plan goals. Therapeutic assignments help define alternative needs and behaviors, as well as practicing new behaviors.
  • Journaling - Journaling promotes private, self-regulation and self-awareness and is suggested daily to allow clients to begin to identify their feelings, express them and resolve them privately.
  • Specialty Groups - Designed to help prepare and assist clients in being able to understand and deal with the lifelong journey of recovery, specialty groups cover a wide range of topics and activities.
  • Individual Therapy - During this time, clients are able to discuss anything and everything that is on their minds. It is a time to embrace individual development and exploration with a primary therapist.
  • Family Therapy - During family therapy, clients and their loved ones examine how addiction has affected their relationships, identifying the needs of both parties.
  • Spirituality Group - Clients can participate in spirituality groups, which may assist them in developing a sense of peace and serenity when daily life issues loom out of control.
  • Games/Arts/Crafts - These activities help identify alternative expression of feelings, as well as develop healthy leisure and relaxation skills. The games assist in memory recall, goal-directed thinking, and problem solving skills. Clients are encouraged to identify leisure activities that they will continue as a means of healthy living upon discharge.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 20:14

Activities

Written by Administrator

At Brookhaven Retreat, we strongly believe that the road to recovery does not exist solely within the walls of a counseling room. The non-locked, voluntary environment allows for a wide variety of activities that target the relational, social, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of each woman who comes through our doors.

The grounds at Brookhaven Retreat offer clients the ability to take part in a variety of outdoor activities, such as:

  • equine therapy
  • gardening
  • ropes course
  • hiking and walking
  • team sports
  • stretching/body mindfulness
  • sand volleyball
  • horseshoes
  • softball
  • badminton
  • nature trails
  • fire pit
Clients at Brookhaven Retreat are also introduced to a variety of other activities that help stimulate the mind and spirit, while teaching skills that may have been lost to their addiction:
  • meditation
  • journaling
  • role play
  • life appreciation
  • relationship building
  • spiritual service
  • financial management
  • arts & crafts
  • music & movement

Each client has a unique, tailored plan designed specifically for her road to recovery and may include any or all of these activities.

Thursday, 14 January 2010 19:19

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Administrator

Why is Brookhaven Retreat women-only?

Research has shown that when people enter co-ed facilities, they often make relationships that are carried on after treatment and can perpetuate addiction. Additionally, a women-only facility has proven more effective for those who have been victims of sexually, mentally and physically abusive relationships, which need to be resolved for a successful recovery.

Will my stay be kept confidential?

All clients' names, treatment and release information is kept absolutely confidential. Additionally, Brookhaven Retreat is secluded on 48 acres of pastures and woodlands with security cameras that monitor all entrance and exit doors to prevent unwanted visitors and uninvited guests.

Do patients have private rooms?

Brookhaven Retreat offers semi-private rooms upon initial admission and some may move into a private room upon advancement in their treatment. Research has shown that a client's experience is richer and fuller when they have a roommate.

Are there visitation hours?

Clients may have visitation once per week and on designated holidays, once they have met with their primary therapist and appropriate visitors have been authorized.

Can I smoke?

Yes, tobacco smoking is allowed in a designated smoking area outside the building.

Can I use the telephone?

You will be able to use the phone to call approved loved ones. You will work with your therapist in identifying who is on your approved call list. Any other calls must be discussed and approved with your primary therapist. Your close-care provider will assist you and remind you of phone times and limits.

Do you ride the horses?

No, our horses are trained and used in a clinical setting. They help teach us to trust, learn patience, and to feel again.

Do you accept Pets?

Though we definitely have a love for animals here at Brookhaven Retreat, we are unable to have clients bring their pets with them during their stay. Many of the women have allergies to particular types of animals and it would be very difficult to manage these allergies with an animal residing on the premises. If you have a loved one here for visitation, they are welcome to bring your pet with them for a visit. They would simply need to bring current documentation that the animal is fully vaccinated and the visitation would have to occur outdoors.

Can I bring a cell phone?

Though you are welcome to bring your cell phone with you, when admitting, we will place your phone in our safe. When entering into the program, we want you to become fully involved in the program and not be distracted by the noises of life. If you are in need of making a call, a staff member can help you with this. Some of our ladies will choose to send their cell phone home. Others like to have it in the safe so that they may check it out when leaving on pass.

Do I have access to a computer?

As you progress in the program, there will be added privileges. There will be times in which your primary therapist will give you a computer pass to complete an assignment. There may be a time later in your treatment where you will need to check your email or pay a bill and we can make arrangements to help you do so.

Can I receive packages and letters?

We definitely allow and encourage packages and letters. There are very few things that can bring joy the way a package or letter can. Mail is delivered to you daily by our Floor Managers. All packages will be opened in front of staff to ensure your safety. Your loved ones may also send you flowers or balloons to the facility. We just ask that all floral arrangements be sent in a plastic container to prevent possible breaks.

Can my loved ones contact me by email?

We have staff available day and night to receive emails from your loved ones. Receiving words of encouragement or affirmation can really help keep a you going! Whenever you receive an email or phone message, our staff will post this on the message board within the facility which you can check throughout the day.

Do you have laundry facilities?

Yes, we have two laundry rooms for the women to wash their clothing. These laundry rooms are available throughout day time hours, 7 days per week.

Can you accommodate special diets?

If you let us know of any special dietary needs, we will be sure to accommodate these. Additionally, every client meets with the dietician within the first week of treatment in order to review any additional needs. If there are any concerns you are always welcome to express these to the dining staff as well.

How can I obtain my medical records from Brookhaven Retreat?

A master copy of all medical records will be mailed to each client 45 days after discharge, provided the necessary releases have been signed. You may copy and distribute these to your other providers as you see fit. Brookhaven Retreat does not accept requests for medical records.

Thursday, 14 January 2010 19:13

Admissions & Payment

Written by Administrator
We are proud of our program and the treatment we provide and welcome any questions you may have as you begin searching for a treatment center. Admission specialists are available daily to provide information about Brookhaven Retreat, as well as specific information about the focus and approach of our programs.

All calls are kept confidential and an admission specialist may ask several questions about the kind of treatment you or your loved one may need, as well as some background information.

We can discuss placement availability and other assistance such as transportation arrangements or other specific services.

Brookhaven Retreat is fully accredited and licensed in four distinct areas of expertise:

• Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Unit
• Mental Health Adult Residential Treatment
• Alcohol & Drug Abuse Residential Detoxification Treatment
• Alcohol & Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Treatment

Brookhaven Retreat is a certified dual-diagnosis center for depression, mental health issues, emotional trauma, and addiction, as well as a licensed detoxification facility offering female-specific treatment.

Brookhaven Retreat is a private pay treatment center and does not accept insurance as a form of payment. Costs associated with care are the responsibility of the client. Brookhaven Retreat does not employ insurance billers and accordingly, insurance claim processing/coding and pre-certifications are not provided. Your fee must be paid in advance and is non-refundable. We believe that this financial commitment greatly enhances your prospects of successfully completing the program. For these reasons, if you plan on relying on your insurance to reimburse you for any portion of your treatment expenses, it is imperative that you contact your insurance company to get the details regarding your coverage well in advance of your admission to our program.

Thursday, 14 January 2010 19:12

What to Expect

Written by Administrator

If we really want to describe Brookhaven, I suppose it could be called an emotional finishing school for women.

Each client will work closely with her primary therapist to develop a very individualized treatment plan. The treatment plan will include specific goals that the client will work on as part of the program. The plan of treatment is agreed upon by the whole clinical treatment team with input from all clinical professional perspectives integrated, and this treatment plan is discussed with the client.

Core group therapy is different from "group therapy." The core group experience at Brookhaven had been one of the most appreciated peer modalities. While individual therapy is very important, a small peer group also has a dynamic that cannot be achieved in a one-on-one or in normal group therapy. The primary therapist's core group, which normally consists of six to seven clients, treats the disclosures of the group members as sacred but provides essential feedback.

The Lily Program™ consists of six levels requiring projects and skill sets to be achieved and accomplished along with the understanding and demonstration of emotional regulation within the community at Brookhaven. Each week a client can apply for level up. This is a time of great celebration as we see the progress of our clients and as they support each other.

There are many opportunities for artistic expression and many other creative outlets. When a client is working with a specific issue, there may be very directed experiential assignments set to assist the client to move through what may be difficult for her.

Thursday, 14 January 2010 15:33

Why Seek Change?

Written by Administrator

When somebody we love, whether a wife, a daughter, a mother, or a sister, is so emotionally broken and distressed, we have to ask ourselves whether we are in fact the enabler. Some family members and/or close friends do not understand that in the name of love they have actually become the ones that allow the person in difficulty to stay sick and become even sicker. Others are frozen in fear, not knowing what to do as they watch the condition deteriorate. The behaviors can be unexpected, unpredictable, and impulsive. The whole family becomes affected, and the quality of life for all just slips away. Others just ignore the problem, thinking it is somehow going to go away on its own, sometimes pretending this is just not really happening.

It is an act of real love to assist someone we love or care for to receive the type of care they need. The reality is that everyone in the close family and circle of friends will be affected by the actions and behaviors of the emotionally broken woman. It is also true that everyone in this group of family members and friends who participates in this program will benefit and grow through the program.

While knowing what to do may be very difficult, while you are waiting and considering what to do, your loved one will become progressively worse. Your love one's getting well allows the family to reunite, have greater understanding, and learn how to move forward. All benefit from the client getting well.