what-we-treat

Stop Using, Start healing

Chemical dependency takes hold when brain chemistry is altered to the point that a drug or combination of drugs, legal or illegal, assumes greater importance and meaning than caring for oneself or others.

It is the chemical changes in the brain that cause dependency, not one’s values, morals, willpower, or reasons for using. Addiction is a brain disease that most commonly manifests with one or more of the following patterns of experience:

  • A need for increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the desired mood-altering effects
  • Continued use in the presence of losses and adverse consequences
  • The presence of withdrawal symptoms (physical or psychological) when running out of, or deprived of, the substance
  • Engagement in behaviors deemed necessary to continue using that the individual would not have previously found acceptable or would condemn in others (hiding, lying, stealing, fraud, etc.)
  • A significant shift in personal priorities and activities away from once pleasurable or manageable sober activities toward a using lifestyle

How we treat substance dependency

Because addiction is a disease with life-threatening physical and psychological effects, we treat its biological, psychological, social, interpersonal and spiritual components. Our approach combines traditional clinical and integrated holistic techniques. These include:

  • A medical, psychological and nutritional assessment to help develop a healing plan for your body and mind
  • A minimum of three individual therapy sessions every week to help work on core issues
  • Daily group therapy in order to process your experience at Alta Mira
  • A variety of on and off campus group activities
  • A number of experiential therapies (e.g., equine therapy, pet therapy, adventure therapy, Native American sweat lodge)
  • Regular physical exercise, yoga, massage, and acupuncture to help your body detoxify, heal, grow and relax
  • Self-directed, individual growth experiences through literature and instructional CDs and DVDs
  • Journaling is also encouraged to record and track your experiences, thoughts, feelings and actions
  • Access to a variety of 12-step and recovery support group meetings several times each week
  • Attendance at educational seminars on a variety of subjects (e.g. nutrition, sleep hygiene, relapse prevention, etc.) related to recovery, growth, healing and transformation
  • Family therapy to gain insight into interpersonal dynamics and family of origin issues

The benefits of a life in recovery

Alta Mira’s treatment program is designed to increase awareness of your disease, boost physical energy and mood, enhance mental clarity, and develop effective recovery tools. With this foundation, you will find a renewed ability to provide self care, increase your understanding of choice, appreciate personal responsibility, discover your own “truth,” and live a happy sober life.

Ultimately, you will develop a basis for connection to the world around you, identify your own spiritual connections and find your own path to recovery. You will discover a new way of living.

Find the right program for you

  • Primary Care

    Start your recovery with an individualized course of clinical and therapeutic treatment (30-90 days) that addresses your specific needs and integrates your existing support system.  Learn more

  • Chronic Relapse

    Stop the relapse cycle and pick up the recovery process where you left it. Our ReVision program takes a clinical focus on the underlying issues that stand in the way of recovery. Learn more

  • 5-Day Evaluation

  • Gain new awareness and insight with Reflections, our comprehensive substance abuse evaluation. Receive a written clinical summary and treatment recommendation upon completion. Learn more

  • Extended Care

    Practice your transition back to everyday life in a safe, nurturing residential environment. This program is an excellent choice for clients who have completed primary care here or at another facility, and who seek additional support. Learn more

Chemical dependency resources

Here are some helpful links to learn more about drug abuse and dependency: