Immersion Recovery Center

How We Treat Addiction

At Immersion Recovery Center, our addiction treatment method is comprehensive and multifaceted, combining the transformative power of the 12 steps, a spectrum of evidence-based clinical therapies, and holistic approaches. We understand that addiction impacts every aspect of an individual’s life — physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Our approach meticulously addresses these facets to achieve lasting recovery, ensuring a well-rounded and profoundly effective treatment experience. 

The Immersion Experience

A spiritual experience is the ultimate goal of treatment and the recovery process.  

We define a spiritual experience as a change in personality sufficient to recover from addiction. The spiritual experience occurs through the treatment work required by the Immersion clinical program. This process begins with educating our clients on the disease model of addiction and related behaviors.  

A client must have clarity on the addicted condition and how it influences their thoughts and actions.  The next phase of the Immersion program is building resolve and motivation for the action required by the recovery process.  This is followed by an intensive 2-4 week examination of what is blocking the spiritual experience.  Most of our clients have had multiple treatment episodes and some historical periods of abstinence before entering our program. This process identifies the reasons a person fails to enter into recovery, as well as contributing factors to relapse and disengagement from a recovery program. 

The addicted individual suffers from thought patterns, attitudes, and behaviors that prevent sobriety.  Most of these thoughts center on anger, self-centered fear, and the emotional consequences of their conduct.  Once these patterns are identified, it permits our clients to embark on a journey to remove all that is “broken” within them.  This journey involves re-entering society as sober individuals and establishing purpose and usefulness.  We can provide our clients with the complete skill set necessary to arrive at long-term recovery from active addiction through the last phase of the Immersion program.

Unlike many programs, Immersion Recovery Center integrates traditional clinical and medical care with a thorough integration of the 12-step recovery process. This combination offers a comprehensive path to recovery, addressing not just the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual components. Our personalized approach, with phases tailored to individual needs, ensures a more thorough recovery journey. 

The Immersion Experience at Immersion Recovery Center is structured into three phases to address addiction recovery:

• Phase 1 — Stabilization Phase — This phase includes detox and assessment, focusing on physical and emotional stabilization. 
• Phase 2 — Motivation Phase — In this phase, clients work on identifying destructive behavioral patterns and engage in various therapies to address these issues.
• Phase 3 — Reintegration Phase — The final phase prepares clients for independent living and long-term recovery, emphasizing skills for a sober lifestyle.

Each phase is designed to build upon the previous one, providing a comprehensive and structured path to recovery. 

12 Step Mentoring

Our unique and immersive 12 Step Mentoring program is a cornerstone of our addiction treatment approach. Rooted in the principles of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, our method combines clinical therapies, holistic treatments, and a comprehensive exploration of the 12 Steps. We believe in a supportive environment where our experienced team, including therapists and 12-step Contacts, guide clients through actionable steps toward recovery and a significant shift in perspective. This holistic approach ensures our clients engage in a transformative journey that addresses every aspect of recovery.

Levels of Care – Phase 1

Phase 1 of the treatment process at Immersion Recovery Center is focused on stabilization, assessment, education, and motivation. The duration typically ranges from 3 to 28 days, based on individual needs. This phase starts with detoxification to remove physical dependency on substances, followed by residential treatment, where clients are assessed and an individualized recovery plan is implemented. Clients learn about addiction and its impact on their thoughts and actions, beginning their journey in the 12-step program. Phase 1 is essential for laying the foundation for further treatment phases. 

Phase 1 of the Immersion Recovery Center’s program is a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment, focusing on critical areas:

• Medical Stabilization — This involves safe detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms and cleanse the body of substances.
• Initial Assessment — During the initial stage of the treatment process, clients undergo a multi-pronged assessment. This allows the clinical team insight into each individual’s unique clinical needs, helping them develop a personalized treatment plan. 
• Client Education — We educate our clients on the disease model of addiction and the root cause of detrimental thought and behavioral patterns. 
• Introduction to 12 Steps — We thoroughly familiarize clients with the 12 Steps philosophy to aid recovery.

Medical Detoxification 

Immersion Recovery Center’s medical detox program is the essential first step for long-term sobriety. It addresses withdrawal symptoms that arise when ceasing drug or alcohol use. The program includes a comprehensive evaluation, stabilization, and preparation for further treatment. The detox process is tailored to individual needs, considering factors like substance type, usage duration, and severity. Our center provides 24/7 clinical and medical care, medication management, and support for relapse prevention, alongside family counseling. 

Residential Inpatient Treatment

Immersion’s residential program integrates 12-step philosophies, evidence-based clinical techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, and holistic approaches such as yoga and meditation. Aftercare planning and alumni programs ensure ongoing support. Our residential facility, located in the heart of Boynton Beach, provides a comfortable and healing environment.

Levels of Care – Phase 2

Phase 2 of the treatment at Immersion Recovery Center is the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), which focuses on identifying barriers to long-term sobriety, building relapse prevention skills, managing stressors, and exercising sound judgment in personal freedom. In the evenings, clients return to a supervised sober living environment. This enables them to apply learned skills in real-life settings while providing them with an increased level of accountability.  This phase is crucial for transitioning from intensive care to independent living, preparing clients for lasting recovery.

The key focus points of Phase 2 of the Immersion program are: 

• The Identification of Destructive Patterns — Clients begin to recognize the destructive thought and behavioral patterns that contribute to substance use. 
• Stress Management — Introducing techniques to handle external stressors effectively.
• 12-Month Plan Development — Assisting clients in developing a long-term recovery strategy.
• Completion of Steps 1-7 — Progressing through the initial stages of the 12 Steps process. Clients work alongside a 12 Step Mentor to complete Steps 1-7 of Alcoholics Anonymous as they are outlined in the Big Book. 
• Family Progress and Sound Judgement — Encouraging healthy relationships and responsible decision-making regarding newfound freedoms.

Partial Hospitalization 

Our PHP is an intensive, structured therapy program suitable for those transitioning from inpatient treatment or detox. The program includes group and individual therapy and skills-building sessions that focus on relapse prevention. During PHP, clients reside at our sober living residences, which are staffed and monitored 24/7. The structure of PHP housing is similar to residential, but clients do not live at the same facility where they receive clinical treatment. The program also emphasizes family interaction and the development of a personalized, long-term recovery plan.

Levels of Care – Phase 3

Phase 3 at Immersion Recovery Center deals with reintegration and involves the practical application of recovery skills in real-life situations. This phase typically lasts 1-3 months and is focused on securing active employment, education, or volunteer opportunities. It emphasizes independent living and recovery work, with clients demonstrating sound judgment in life facets, actively working the 12-step program, and participating in treatment and recovery work independently. This phase is critical for establishing lifelong recovery from addiction. 

Key aspects include:

• Applying recovery methods in everyday life.
• Clients seeking employment, education, or volunteer opportunities.
• Progress towards independent living and recovery work.
• Requirements for phase completion include sound judgment, completion of all 12 steps, and active participation in treatment without external intervention.

Each component of Immersion’s Phase 3 treatment program is vital in supporting clients toward lasting recovery, offering a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and relapse prevention.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP, forms a cornerstone of Phase 3. This program is designed for those who need continued support and offers more flexibility than a residential treatment program. IOP typically includes group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and skill-building workshops, all aimed at reinforcing sobriety and managing daily stressors. Participants in the IOP can maintain their daily routines, such as work or school while receiving structured treatment. This balance is crucial for individuals transitioning to more independent living.

Sober Living

Sober living facilities are an integral part of Phase 3, offering a supportive and substance-free living environment. These residences provide a stable and structured setting where individuals can live with peers who are also in recovery. The goal of sober living is to bridge the gap between an intensive treatment setting and returning to everyday life. It emphasizes accountability, responsibility, and the development of healthy living habits, which are vital for long-term recovery. Sober living homes enforce rules, such as curfews and mandatory participation in house meetings, to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

Aftercare Planning

Aftercare planning is the final component of Phase 3 and is crucial for sustaining recovery after completing more structured programs. This phase involves creating a personalized plan that addresses the ongoing needs of the individual. It may include continued therapy sessions, support group meetings, and strategies for relapse prevention. Aftercare planning is designed to provide ongoing support and resources to help individuals navigate the challenges of sober living and to integrate the skills learned during treatment into their daily lives. It’s a proactive approach to maintaining sobriety and ensuring that individuals can easily access support networks and resources as they continue their recovery journey.

Historically, most individuals make dramatic improvements in a residential treatment setting yet find themselves back in crisis shortly after discharge.  Discharge plans are frequently insufficient to provide meaningful accountability and care necessary for continued sobriety after a residential treatment episode.

Long-term recovery from substance use disorders requires a comprehensive life change and a “daily design for living.” We have a specific treatment modality with well-developed lower levels of care.  Our extended care and outpatient programming incorporates a multi-faceted approach to address all challenges in re-entering independent living after residential treatment. If a client cannot participate in our extended care, we create a discharge plan closely resembling all of the features of our lower levels of care. 

Our Therapeutic Offerings

The therapy services offered at Immersion Recovery Center include a blend of traditional and holistic methods tailored to each client’s unique needs. We provide individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and specialized treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Additionally, our center offers unique, holistic approaches such as yoga therapy, nutrition therapy, life skills training, and a 12-step immersion program. These diverse therapies address the root of substance use as well as underlying issues and overall well-being. 

A more thorough breakdown of our therapeutic offerings:

• Individual Therapy: Focuses on personal issues, identifying relapse triggers, and developing coping skills.
• Group Therapy: Facilitates community building and communication skills through shared experiences.
• Family Therapy: Aims to mend family dynamics and involve family members in the recovery process.
• Lifeskills Training: Teaches essential skills for daily living and self-sufficiency.
• Yoga Therapy: Enhances physical, mental, and emotional health through mindfulness and exercise.
• Nutrition Therapy: Focuses on healthy eating habits to support physical recovery and prevent relapse triggers.
• Relapse Prevention: Teaches how to identify and manage triggers for sustained recovery.
• 12-Step Immersion: Integrates the 12-step philosophy for a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment.
• Therapy for Women’s Issues: Focuses on challenges unique to women in addiction and recovery, providing a supportive space to address these concerns.
• Therapy for Men’s Issues: Tailored to address specific challenges faced by men in addiction and recovery.
• Motivational Interviewing: A client-centered approach that enhances motivation to change and strengthens commitment to recovery.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A psychotherapy technique effective in treating trauma, a common underlying issue in addiction.
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Family Involvement

Addiction is a family disease, and we have never seen a successful treatment episode where the family system has been ignored, evaded, or improperly addressed.  Our client’s behavior has a lasting impact on the family system, leaving no one unaffected by the addiction. Arriving at an appropriate, healthy relationship with an addicted person is a challenging task.  Family healing often requires substantial effort and significant attention to a family recovery program. 

Our initial work with the family is identifying unhealthy communication styles, what has proliferated the existing family system, and educating the family on substance use disorders.  We examine the past and look at the present for patterns and lessons.  A family is encouraged to acknowledge the deficiencies in the family system and not in the individual family members.  Families are asked to confront broken beliefs, unhealthy contracts, roles, and enabling mechanisms.  This proves difficult, as families often remain invested in untruths perpetuated by the addiction.

Our clients’ families are then educated on our clinical philosophy. Family and loved ones must recognize the existing management of the client isn’t working and allow for the Immersion clinical team to take the lead in critical decisions surrounding treatment and ongoing care.  Family members are asked to seek out and participate in individual therapy, attend 12-step support groups, and communicate weekly with our therapists.

Additionally, we ask that families participate in our family workshop to set the foundation for the work that must follow as their loved one receives treatment at Immersion.  Our workshops allow our clients’ families to gather together, share their experiences, build new interpersonal skills, and develop essential insights that will help them successfully navigate life with their loved ones during and after treatment.

Once a family has a solid foundation of understanding and purpose, they can develop the tools necessary to move through the recovery process. The family transitions from being in crisis to a healthy family with appropriate boundaries. Family members will learn their role in the family and how this role affects others. Individual members will be able to identify how they contribute to a toxic family dynamic and learn how to be different. 

Clients and their loved ones leave Immersion with a plan of success for the entire family. Our goal is to bring the family back together. Addiction affects the entire family, and our program will identify solutions needed to recover. A happy, thriving family life is attainable.