Drug Rehab Blog

An effective aspect to the alcohol and drug rehab program at Cirque Lodge is Family Week. Every three weeks of treatment is designated to working with the families of our residents. A number of different workshops, lectures, experiential activities and therapy sessions are incorporated into this program. It gives the family a chance to see how their loved one is doing in addiction treatment. It also provides the family with a chance at a little treatment and care for their needs as well. Family Week runs Tuesday through Friday. Meals are provided as a part of the experience.

Part of the purpose for the family program at drug rehab is to provide those involved with a better education on addiction, behavior and recovery. Engaging workshops and lectures provided by treatment and medical professionals teach many concepts on the nature of addiction. A closer look is taken on how addiction affects the central nervous system and behavior. The Family Systems lecture takes a deeper look into the breakdown of family behaviors in dealing with addiction. There is also a workshop that discusses the struggles of codependency in the home. A properly educated family is better prepared to help their loved one through the recovery process.

Family Week also gives all involved a chance to sit down and communicate one with another. These groups and sessions can teach lessons about better means of communication. Open and honest communication can provide a platform for clearing up misconceptions and beginning the healing process. For many, this can be the first time that the family has to sit down and to discuss the struggles of addiction and related concerns. This can be a very difficult start for some, but can be a means to healing and a foundation for some of the steps of recovery.

Addiction treatment at Cirque Lodge begins with a 30-day program. For those in need of additional care, extended programs are available. A lengthier treatment stay in alcohol and drug rehab can provide a much more effective foundation for long term recovery. When the client is reaching the end of their 30-day treatment stay, a professional recommendation can be made by our clinical staff and the client’s primary counselor. Extended care stays can consist of a 60 day, 90 day, or lengthier treatment stays when needed.

Extended care at Cirque Lodge is a step forward in the recovery process. It provides the environment for starting and continuing the 12-steps.The initial steps of recovery are reaffirmed and additional steps are introduced. Clients also begin to attend 12-step meetings and start work with a temporary sponsor.

Like the first 30-days of addiction treatment, the extended program is personalized with therapies and family elements to properly help with rehabilitation and recovery. The more time an individual has sober, the more likely they are to remain that way. Extended care at Cirque Lodge provides a safe environment for beginning this process, with the right means of treatment and recovery support. At the conclusion of treatment, a Continuing Care Plan is designed for the client. This provides a plan of action for continuing on after rehab and means of relapse prevention.

Treatment for alcoholism begins with the individual at Cirque Lodge. There are millions of people throughout the world who can be diagnosed as having a drinking problem. However, the purposes and struggles of their alcohol abuse can be unique and distinct to the individual. At the Cirque, we treat a number of individuals struggling with alcoholism and the abuse of liquor. Each client is treated with a program that is specific to their needs with effective therapies. During their alcohol rehab stay, a treatment plan is followed based upon these individual needs.

Each resident in alcohol rehab or drug rehab is cared for by a licensed and professional treatment staff. Each resident is assigned a counselor who oversees the addiction treatment experience.  Counselors work one-on-one with clients throughout their stay. Counselors provide a balance of addiction therapies and sessions to address the vulnerabilities and underlying issues that can act as fuels to the drinking problem. Within this personalized rehab setting, clients also develop the coping strategies needed to keep the alcoholism in remission.

Each alcoholic can be very different. Some may immediately take to the recovery process, other can struggle. The personalized approach provides the right aspects of care for the individual. The treatment plan is continually monitored and adjusted throughout the alcohol rehab stay to help with progress. With this, each client can receive the appropriate care that is required for recovery. Upon completion of addiction treatment, a care plan is personalized and put into place for continuing this process. According to the needs of the individual, these efforts are coordinated to assist the alcoholic with a proper transition and support network.

One area where alcoholics and addicts can struggle is with communication. At Cirque Lodge, a unique program is used to teach communication skills. However, the individual isn’t communicating with a therapist or with the group; they are working with a horse. Cirque Lodge offers an equine program as a part of alcohol and drug rehab. This unique program provides different exercises in communication and establishing trust. It is a profoundly effective piece to the recovery program offered here in the mountains of Utah.

Horses provide a direct feed back that the alcoholic/addict can learn from. They are naturally creatures of flight, which means they will not submit to the commands of just anyone. The individual must gain the trust of the horse to work with them. This is the process and struggle that many face in working with the horses. The mindset of addiction is one of immediate gratification. In working with the horse, the individual must set this aside; learn to be patient and work to gain the trust of the animal. A member of the Cirque staff walks the resident through this exercise. This also can provide an important recovery lesson, asking for help with things beyond our control.

When the connection is made with the horse, it can be a powerful thing. Once the horse trusts that individual, they can be led through a number of exercises. This trust is a strong bond. The horse at that point is willing to follow the individual around, without commands or even a lead rope. The lessons of the equine program are vast. It always seems that Cirque Lodge residents gain exactly what they stand in need of from working with the horses. Many different vulnerabilities and struggles are addressed in their own unique way by working with these animals.