A sponsor works individually with the recovering alcoholic/addict. Not too long ago, the sponsor was probably in a very similar situation overcoming the struggles of addiction. With time and progress through the program, an individual can become a sponsor and help fellow alcoholics and addicts on the road of recovery. Through such efforts they strengthen their own recovery by sharing the message of healing and hope that comes from the program.

The first initial weeks and months of recovery can be very critical. Statistics show this is when those struggling with addiction are very prone to relapse. Involvement in 12-step meetings and working with recovery groups is oftentimes prescribed by a drug rehab facility to continue the efforts of sober living. For such newcomers, a sponsor can be an integral piece. These are individuals who are willing to work with the newcomer and share their strength and support of recovery. The Sponsor Pamphlet from Alcoholics Anonymous states it plainly: “Sponsorship gives the newcomer an understanding, sympathetic friend when one is needed the most.” Questions and Answers on Sponsorship

The 12-step effort is combined with the very best clinical and experiential efforts found in addiction treatment today. This balance can bring recovery to the body, mind and spirit. Clinical therapies can be crucial in dealing with the emotional and psychological struggles that come from substance abuse and addiction. The experiential program takes what is learned through clinical program and the 12-steps and applies it to life. It also creates an environment for spiritual change and connecting to a higher power. Establishing such a connection is a foundational part to the 12-step program. At the Cirque, mountains and nature provide a majestic and serene venue for finding that power greater than one’s own.

Drug rehab at Cirque Lodge is the beginning of the recovery process. The 12-steps are continued through the efforts of a program like Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous after addiction treatment is completed. These efforts are coordinated for residents of the Cirque prior to leaving the facility. A continuing plan is put into action to provide additional care and support during the transitional period of sobriety. Many people find what they need for recovery through drug rehab. However, most find successful recovery through their continued efforts, maintaining a connection to a higher power, and the support found through the 12-step community.

A number of different mountain based activities are offered as a part of alcohol or drug rehab at Cirque Lodge. Some of these activities are used to teach 12-step concepts, or as a venue for working the steps. The initial steps of recovery involve making connections to a higher power. The majestic mountains provide an ideal place for making such connections. Different river locations, rock formations, waterfalls and lakes provide the venues. These venues are accessed in very fun and engaging ways. Hiking, mountain biking, river rafting and even a private helicopter all play a part in this program and the 12-steps of recovery. Such activities can also be influential in restoring some of the joys of a sober lifestyle.

Cirque Lodge is just the beginning of the 12-steps. Drug rehab in the mountains lays the foundation for the individual to continue these steps on their own. Aftercare efforts are coordinated to help clients of the Cirque with a transition into their local 12-step communities after they leave our facility.  This is where most alcoholics and addicts find the means to successful sobriety. The alumni of the Cirque can also return here to the serenity of the mountains and rekindle their connections whenever it is needed.

Those in alcohol or drug rehab at Cirque Lodge are not in treatment long enough to cover many of the steps. At the Cirque, our focus is to provide a solid foundation on the initial steps of recovery. These steps involve one’s relationship to a higher power. For some, this spiritual aspect to 12-step recovery can be difficult to grasp at first. The mountains, nature and the human spirit are all brought into focus with aspects of Cirque Lodge. Different outdoor excursions provide lessons on making connections to a power greater than one’s own. Such foundations are conducive to vital spiritual experiences and needed internal changes.

The 12-step process is continued after addiction treatment at Cirque Lodge is completed. We give residents a beginning in these steps. We coordinate the efforts for continuing these steps when drug rehab reaches its end. This is found within the Continuing Care Plan that is created for clients prior to discharging from the facility. Recovery is a life long process. Time at Cirque Lodge is just the beginning. It is our commitment to provide a very effective foundation for continuing this process in residents. It is our hope that they take the skills developed here in the mountains and utilize them in finding the joys of long term sobriety.

When treatment is completed, an aftercare plan is set into action to help with the recovery process. Aftercare staff seeks out appropriate 12-step fellowships for the graduates of the Cirque Lodge program. This is based on their home community or whether they are choosing a new sober start somewhere else. In this case, a new sponsor is assigned to help and support the individual fresh out of rehab.  This can be a vital crutch in preventing relapse. The initial stages following treatment can be the most critical.

Treatment is a foundation for getting an alcoholic or addict onto sober paths. However, it is the personal commitment of that individual and many times the dedication of their sponsor that help them find lasting sobriety. Overcoming the struggles of alcoholism and addiction is a long term process. It begins with treatment to put the disease into remission. After treatment, the individual must continue to work and set boundaries for themselves to obtain a lasting sobriety. This process is made a little easier with the continuing help and influence of a dedicated sponsor and working towards a life changing experience.

Members of staff are available also provide help, support and care when it comes to working the 12-step program. Personal counselors and case workers work with each client in a one-on-one setting in making these steps towards a long lasting recovery. Each step can require different efforts to progress.  Within the safety of an alcohol and drug rehab center, one can come to terms and accept they have a problem with alcoholism or addiction. Caring staff members are available to address these things and to help with the step work needed to move forward.

A unique opportunity is provided residents working on their 3rd step of recovery. This step involves turning over ones life and will to a higher power. Residents of Cirque Lodge are provided a unique venue and experience in working this step. The only way to get to this venue is by private helicopter.  On a mountain peak the individual can take time to meditate and work toward turning over their will. Many leave promises on that mountain top; promises of sobriety and recovery. Recovery is a process. It takes such a personal sacrifice. The relationship and strength of one’s higher power is a needed influence throughout. At the Cirque, we use different outings and workshops to help individuals in finding and keeping such a relationship central to their recovery process.

Cirque is founded on the modality of the 12-step program. Individuals in treatment are introduced to these concepts and during alcohol or drug rehab begin to attend 12-step meetings. Time in rehab can be used to help individuals in making the initial steps of this recovery process. This involves admitting that there is a problem that can not be controlled, and developing a relationship with ones higher power. At Cirque Lodge, we strive to provide individual with the spiritual experiences needed in developing such a relationship.

In the evenings Cirque residents can attend 12-step meetings while they still are receiving addiction treatment. Those in extended care are even assigned a temporary sponsor to work with. A sponsor can be a critical cog in continuing the steps and providing needed personal support. When rehab is completed, Cirque residents are already down with program to some extent and hopefully willing to continue the recovery process. Aftercare also helps them in finding appropriate meetings in their home community, and getting them involved there. With this help and support, one can continue to make the strides for a lasting and successful recovery.

A number of Cirque Lodge staff is in successful recovery. Some have found this recovery through this very alcohol and drug rehab facility. These are individuals who have an enthusiasm for this program. They look forward to sharing it with your loved one who may be struggling. People need support and individuals who are influential in helping them with recovery. This influence is needed for staying focused on daily goals, and influential in maintaining that connection to a power greater than one’s own.

The 12th step is to take the message of the program to other alcoholics and addicts. At the Cirque, this is our daily focus; to help those who struggle with chemical dependency to find a foundation within this modality. When alcohol and drug rehab is completed, continuing the steps and the support of a 12-step fellowship can be the means to finding a long term and hopefully, a lasting sobriety.

At Cirque Lodge, we use the 12-step program as a foundation of our recovery effort. This is coupled with the most effective forms of personal, group and family therapies. The 12-step program provides the guideline for achieving a successful and lasting recovery. Those who go through alcohol or drug rehab and embrace these steps are the ones who are usually successfully managing their disease. Since rehab isn’t near enough time to tackle many of these steps, Cirque strives to provide a solid foundation on the initial steps of recovery. We use a spiritually based program to help our residents in recognizing and connecting to a higher power.

Recovery is a difficult process. The alcoholic/addict must always understand they are never alone with their disease. There is always help available. 12-step fellowships provide a group of support. A sponsor is assigned and helps on a personal level. One element of the experiential work we use at Cirque Lodge is to help our residents realize the advantages of asking for help. Help from the 12-step group and help from a sponsor can provide support and measures of relapse prevention. However, it is still always up to the individual. The recovering alcoholic/addict must always be willing to take the steps to recover.

Part of alcohol and drug rehab is to help residents have a firm foundation of the 12-step program. Many different lectures, workshops and activities are used to teach concepts of 12-step recovery. Tools and skills are needed for the recovery process. The alcoholic/addict must find ways to manage their impulses and reach daily goals of sobriety. The help and support of the 12-step community can be a needed crutch in times of struggle when relapsing is a possibility. At Cirque Lodge, we introduce the concepts of the 12-step program, and provide activities to make them more meaningful and a part of life.

Since an alcohol and drug rehab stay isn’t enough time to work through many of the steps, we focus on helping residents establish the initial ones. These are the steps that deal with making connections to a higher power. The mountain and nature are used in helping our residents in achieving such connections. At Cirque, we focus on providing vital spiritual experiences for our residents. Such experiences create the internal changes needed to steer away from the controlling influences of alcoholism or drug abuse.

When rehab is completed, enrollment and involvement in a 12-step fellowship continues the work of this recovery process. Prior to leaving treatment at Cirque Lodge, residents begin the practice of attending meetings and working with a temporary sponsor. Relapse is a very real problem. The odds of long term sobriety over relapsing are very small. It is the reality of the disease. Continuing the steps, maintaining connections to a higher power, and active involvement in recovery groups can provide a solid foundation for lasting sobriety.