Sadly, I had to come to Aqua twice, as I suffered a major relapse after a year and a half. However, Aqua is an amazing place. If you are willing to put in the work, they are willing to challenge you. If you need a softer approach, they can do that as well. I took my addiction head on the second time and was challenged to stay longer, I wish I had. Their outreach is terrific and during my relapse, they were ready to welcome me with open arms and zero judgement. Though you attend AA and NA meetings, you choose you recovery path, for me it was Refuge Recovery. The food is amazing and often you are a part of preparing it! Eat breakfast looking over the waterfall as the deer munch away and the ducks dabble in the pond below. They keep you busy from morning until night; and for me at least, that is a good thing. Idle hands.......
I rocked my recovery as hard as I could. I saw others not do so well, if you go to Acqua and lament the way the staff don't allow you to "do what you want," or "treat you like a child." Well my friend, just remember how well your choices have gone so far; there is a reason many of the employees here are in Recovery themselves. They've made decisions that have led to continued sobriety; perhaps listen to what they have to say. Leave the ego at home and you will blossom here; drag it along and you only hurt yourself. The facilities are amazing, the was a Mill in the Mid to Late 1800's and you can feel the history. The beds are amazing, gas fireplaces in your room, waterfall showers, jetted tubs and some amazing views! The grounds are stellar, with paths meandering here in there allowing for privacy when needed. There are geese, swans, ducks and songbirds galore.
Groups are held often and can be challenging but also life-altering. Again, leave your ego at home and you'll be amazed what your fellow "Aquanauts" will teach you. I appreciate the fact that Aqua doesn't handle these groups with kid gloves. I've been in 2 IOP's and the groups are sterile and stifled.........not at Acqua. Here they encourage you to let your true emotions come to the surface. It can be hard to hear some things about yourself; there are often tears, but I found these peer comments to be more powerful than I could have imagined. Come ready to learn.
There is high turnover, but I've come to learn this is common in Rehab facilities. If Aqua is reading this, my only slightly negative comment is to spend some more funds on Recreational Activities. I know we are in rehab, not on vacation, but I was amazed at how the group was always brought closer together during Rec.
If you are looking at Residential Rehab my friend, don't hesitate, strike while the iron is hot. Save your life, act now. I can solidly recommend Acqua.
ND