What type of treatment does The Retreat provide?  

The Retreat is an inpatient program dedicated to treating alcohol and drug problems in adults who otherwise would be functioning in their daily lives. The program provides a sophisticated alternative to traditional "one size fits all" programs. Treatment is customized to meet each patient's individual needs. The treatment approach is motivational, not confrontational. It emphasizes flexibility and choice but above all developing a respectful therapeutic relationship with each and every client - seeing this method rather than aggressive confrontation as the best way to motivate and empower change. The program is geared toward involving each client in a comprehensive life change process, not focused solely on a single problem behavior. In addition, we have created a treatment setting that takes into consideration that our patients may have busy lifestyles or demanding careers that require some tending and attention while they are with us. The program includes a unique treatment track for physicians and other healthcare professionals.

What is the treatment philosophy and clinical orientation of The Retreat?

Flexibility and choice are the cornerstones of our Integrative Treatment Approach. We recognize that people with alcohol and drug problems are not all alike and that no single treatment approach works best for everyone. The fact is, there are many different pathways to change and a combination of different strategies is often needed to achieve the best results. Unlike standard programs that rely heavily on one treatment philosophy and one way of doing things, we are dedicated to doing "what works" using research-supported treatments and a toolbox of effective strategies that includes motivational, cognitive-behavioral, 12-step, interpersonal, emotion-focused, and insight-oriented techniques to accommodate a wide range of patients and meet them "where they are" in the process of change. Our treatment approach views addiction not only as a complex disease, but more specifically as a "self-medication" disorder in which alcohol/drugs are used as coping tools to manage uncomfortable emotions. Accordingly, the program incorporates both group and individual psychotherapy to address not only essential addiction and recovery issues, but also to address core emotional and psychological issues that fuel self-medication, the ultimate goal of these interventions being to help eliminate the patient's need for mood-altering substances (and other addictive behaviors) and to prevent relapse over the long-term.

Is The Retreat a 12-step oriented program?

The Retreat incorporates but does not rely exclusively on the 12-step approach to recovery. All patients are educated about the philosophy and methods of twelve-step programs and AA meetings are held every evening on the premises. There is also a Caduceus AA meeting for healthcare professionals held every Wednesday evening. AA and other 12-step programs continue to be the centerpiece of recovery for millions of people. We believe that to not introduce and expose patients to the help that 12-step programs can offer to people both during and after formal treatment would be inconsistent with The Retreat's mission to do whatever we can to facilitate lasting recovery and prevent relapse over the long term.

What is the typical length of stay in the program?

This program involves flexible, individualized care by a skilled staff in a comfortable setting. Length of stay typically ranges from 2-4 weeks, depending on the needs of the patient.   

Is medical detoxification available if I need it?

Yes. Princeton House Behavioral Health provides inpatient medical detoxification from alcohol and all other dependence-producing drugs. The detoxification unit is located conveniently within the same building as The Retreat. Patients initially admitted to the detoxification unit can participate in the therapeutic program on The Retreat until formally transferred to The Retreat when medically cleared to do so.

Is psychiatric evaluation and medication available?

Yes. All patients receive a thorough psychiatric evaluation as routine part of the admission process and when indicated receive appropriate psychotropic medication. Our staff is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating not only alcohol/drug problems, but also the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders as well as the combination of substance abuse and psychiatric illness, commonly known as "co-occurring disorders." Princeton House Behavioral Health, in which The Retreat is located, is a full-service psychiatric and substance abuse hospital with an experienced medical staff of board certified psychiatrists and addiction psychiatrists.

Is individual therapy available?

Yes. Unlike traditional rehabs that rely almost exclusively on group therapy, our program includes individual therapy 2-3 times per week to insure that each patient's individual needs are properly identified and addressed.

Can I bring my laptop, cell phone and personal reading material?

Yes. Since we understand and appreciate the demands of adults with demanding lifestyles, patients are given access to their cell phones and high-speed internet connections for appropriate use during specified portions of the day in designated areas. Patients can also bring appropriate reading material. We maintain subscriptions to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Newsweek Magazine, The New Yorker, and Sports Illustrated.

Can I smoke anywhere on the premises or grounds of the facility?

Patients are allowed to take smoke breaks at designated areas on the grounds surrounding the campus.

Will I have access to fitness equipment, exercise classes, and a swimming pool?

Yes. All patients are provided with daily transportation and access to an off-site, state-of-the-art athletic facility that features aquatics, aerobics, Pilates, weight machines, and free weights, as well as sauna, hot tub, massage, and other spa services.

Will I be able to leave the grounds of the facility at any times during my stay?

Only on a limited, supervised basis. In addition to having daily access to a fitness center located approximately one-half mile from our treatment facility, patients will be escorted on weekends to various activities and places of interest in the culture-rich Princeton area and when desired to various stores and shopping malls. For group activities, transportation and supervision are provided by the Retreat.

Who owns the Retreat?  

The Retreat is owned and operated by Princeton HealthCare System, a non-profit corporation. The Retreat accepts charitable donations from individuals and corporations who want to help support and enhance our services.

Can I have visitors while at The Retreat?  

Standard visiting times are 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays. Patients may have visitors at other times by special arrangement.

What personal items should I bring with me upon admission to The Retreat?  

You should bring enough casual clothes (preferably washable) to last 4-5 days and personal hygiene items such as toothbrush/paste, shaving razors/cream, hairbrush/comb, shampoo, deodorant, non-alcohol mouthwash. You can also bring walking shoes and athletic gear. Please bring at least one bathing suit if you intend to use the swimming pool at the fitness center. We have washers and dryers on the unit and we strongly recommend that you bring "wash and wear" clothing considering that access to dry cleaning is very limited. You can also bring a laptop, cell phone, iPod, and other MP3 or portable CD player but you must also bring headphones if you intend to listen to music. You should bring all prescribed medications that you are currently taking and make sure to inform the nurse on duty when you arrive at the Retreat that you have these medications with you.   

What items should I NOT bring with me?

Please do not bring: (1) any medications or other substances that are not prescribed to you by a physician (2) cigarettes or any other tobacco products; (3) pornography or other sexually explicit/provocative material or clothing.

What happens during a typical day at The Retreat?

A typical weekday begins at 8 a.m. with breakfast and personal time followed by a community meeting and an educational group session. Lunch is followed by a process group, exercise at the Fitness Center, and/or an individual therapy session. Dinner at  6 p.m. is followed by time for journaling/homework, a closure group, a self-help meeting, and a feature movie or personal quiet time.

Can I bring my own car to The Retreat?

Yes, but individuals under the influence of alcohol/drugs should find other means of transportation to get here. Parking is available at no cost. Patients may not drive during stay at the Retreat.  

What is the cost of the program?

For information about payment arrangements and possible insurance coverage, please contact a member of the Retreat staff.

Are private rooms available?

All rooms are semi-private and set up for two occupants.