Residential Addiction Treatment Program
Customized, Individual Treatment
We offer a robust, comfortable, fast-paced daily schedule to allow our guests adequate time for healing and reflection. In between activities, our guests enjoy three nutritious meals from our renowned kitchen, served in our beautiful barn.
What Makes Our High Watch Program Unique
Proven Effective Treatment for Substance Use Disorder lies in our unique High Watch Program. We integrate the latest breakthroughs in addiction medicine for the treatment of both the Neurobiology of Addiction and any co-occurring disorders (such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder) into the time-tested spiritual teachings of the 12-steps. Our guests and their families benefit from this powerful healing blend of Customized Individual Treatment:
- Each guest receives an individual bio-psycho-social evaluation. A state-of-the-art addiction recovery plan is developed with each of our guests:
- This plan includes an assigned therapist for individual sessions and weekly group sessions.
- Licensed clinicians diagnose and treat any co-occurring mental health issues.
- 12 Steps are taught in an intense format:
- Each guest is assigned an experienced 12-step coach to work with one-on-one.
- Our guests learn how the 12-step program is used to maintain remission from their chronic addiction.
Essential Group Therapy and Discussion
High Watch offers several group therapy options designed to meet the individual needs of our diverse community of guests.
Creative Art Therapy
Art therapy offers a safe and nonjudgmental environment for individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through artistic creations. By participating in art-making, individuals can explore and process their inner worlds, gaining insights into their motivations, triggers, and coping strategies. The act of creation becomes a cathartic outlet, enabling them to release pent-up emotions and develop a deeper understanding of their psychological landscape.
Family Constellation Therapy
Family constellation therapy addresses the underlying family dynamics that may have contributed to or worsened addiction. Key mechanisms include revealing hidden patterns and releasing emotional blockages. Family constellation therapy uncovers family patterns and relationships that may influence the individual's addiction. By exploring these family relationships and dynamics, individuals can release repressed emotions and traumas associated with addiction. By resolving family conflicts and encouraging healthier interactions, the therapy strengthens family relationships, providing a stable support system for the individual in recovery.
Stress Management
Stress management skills enable individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms for handling triggers and cravings related to past substance use. By recognizing and controlling these stress triggers, those in recovery can make informed decisions without turning to substance abuse. Gaining stress management skills equips recovering individuals with the confidence and ability to independently manage their stress.
The Impact of Trauma
Trauma, especially during childhood, can significantly raise the risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD). Adverse childhood experiences can fuel the development of SUDs as individuals may turn to substance use as a coping mechanism to relieve distress, escape reality, and self-medicate. Gaining a deeper understanding of trauma equips individuals with SUDs with insights into the underlying causes and triggers that may influence their substance use. This awareness can foster greater self-reflection, empathy, and compassion for themselves and others. It enables individuals to acknowledge the impact of trauma on their addiction and initiate the healing process.
12-Step Based Programming
High Watch was founded on the principles of the 12 Steps. Its history of over 80 years has strong connections to the fellowship of AA and continues to adhere to these practices and concepts to this day.
As Bill Sees It
"As Bill Sees It" explores the complex nature of sobriety, acknowledging the struggles and victories that come with the journey. It stresses the significance of surrender, humility, and connecting with a Higher Power. Through personal anecdotes and experiences, the book offers insights into the challenges individuals may encounter, such as the lure of temptation, self-doubt, and the stigma associated with addiction. At the same time, it underscores the benefits of sobriety, including the rediscovery of purpose, healthier relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
Fourth Step Workshop
Our very own Bill Gianesello, known as โBig Book Bill," has led our Fourth Step Workshop for over two decades. Those in recovery often experience anxiety or feel overwhelmed at the thought of completing a fourth step. Bill creates a structured environment where individuals can safely explore their past in a supportive space. The workshop usually includes guided exercises, discussions, and shared experiences that help participants identify and examine their moral failings, shortcomings, and resentments.
Step 1, 2, 3 Workshop
Often coined the โHOWโ of the 12-step program. High Watch offers a simple workshop to help build a sense of understanding and familiarity with the first 3 steps. By admitting powerlessness over alcohol (Step 1), recognizing a Higher Power (Step 2), and surrendering our lives to that power (Step 3), we break down the self-centeredness that perpetuates addiction and open ourselves to a path of surrender, humility, and connection.
Movement-Based Therapies
High Watch understands the importance of encompassing different treatment modalities and has adapted different options for our guests to participate in movement-based therapies.
The Ropes Course (Weather Permitting)
High Watch features an extensive low and high ropes course just down the road from our residential campus. Guests can participate in the ropes course during their stay, weather permitting. The ropes course offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals to confront their fears and develop coping mechanisms. It enhances the communication and interpersonal skills necessary for sobriety, such as active listening and teamwork, and improves self-confidence and self-esteem by helping participants complete challenging obstacles, fostering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
Nature Hikes (Weather Permitting)
Guests have the chance to sign up for weekly nature hikes in the local area. High Watch is nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills of Connecticut and has access to numerous trails just minutes from its campus. The social elements of nature hikes can provide invaluable support and connection for individuals in recovery. Participating in hikes with others can cultivate a sense of community and belonging, which is especially important for those who may feel isolated or disconnected during their recovery journey. Hiking groups can offer opportunities for peer support, sharing experiences, and forming meaningful relationships.
Yoga
High Watch features a beautiful yoga studio that offers classes for both men and women during the week. Yoga poses and breathing techniques effectively lower stress levels, soothe the nervous system, and promote relaxation. Additionally, the practice fosters emotional regulation by teaching methods for managing challenging emotions and nurturing a sense of inner peace and balance.
โI wasnโt sure when I arrived if I would do the program, now I am positive I have a new chance to make the years I have left to be sober, useful and enjoyable. I am very lucky to have spent three weeks at High Watch.โ
-Bill R.
