Special Programs

The ASPIRE recovery experience at Twelve Oaks treats those individuals who are seeking relief from the dual impact of substance abuse and traumatic experiences. The specialized track for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) offers psycho education and intensive psychotherapy to those who desire and hope for a more balanced and stable life. Treatment for traumatic stress disorders enables the individual to look at the impact of symptoms associated with trauma experiences that are part of the addiction cycle.

As a part of the intake for ASPIRE, individual will complete the Posttraumatic Stress Checklist (PCL-M) for the military and the PCL-C for civilians. For diagnostic considerations the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) will be administered if needed. A more trauma focused history will be completed at that time. Individuals will be assigned to either CHOICES or OPERATION WELL-BEING groups and individual therapy depending on the results of the intake process.

Components of ASPIRE focus on two groups:

CHOICES & OPERATION WELL-BEING

CHOICES: A group developed to focus on the individual who has chosen to use substances to decrease the impact of the traumatic experiences on their current life. Substance abuse or dependence plays a critical part of the clinical picture for a significant number of survivors of abuse. Treatment must deal with the addiction or abuse in order for treatment of the abuse to be effective. In the same vein, treating only addiction for these individuals is likely to be ineffective as well. It is the integrated treatment that offers the most effective outcomes for both. The disease model of addiction at Twelve Oaks and the associated 12-step practices is synergistic to treatment for trauma. By dealing with the core issues, our interventions for both trauma and substance abuse can be more effective.

The philosophy of CHOICES is that individuals will have a more effective treatment outcome if they work through the memories of the abuse within a safe and structured environment that is timed effectively with substance abuse treatment. The emphasis is on balancing the treatment between increasing skills, working on current behaviors, such as addictions, and processing the exposure and processing of past abuse.

OPERATION WELL-BEING: Combat exposes the service member to war-zone related stressors, including violence, injury, guilt and death that impact their psychological functioning. It is important to acknowledge that symptoms associated with combat, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) overlap with other issues. One of the most common dual impacts of combat is PTSD and substance abuse. For the most effective and efficient treatment, the program must be integrative and comprehensive for simultaneous treatment.

For those returning from deployments with physical wounds, the impairment is treated, but the psychological injuries are often not easily recognized. Military leaders are acknowledging that combat can damage mental, emotional and cognitive aspects of an individual’s wellness, especially with the frequent and increasing duration of deployments. The consequences, if left untreated, will be severe and pervasive.

Psychological injury may stem from physical injury, pain, distress, fear, rage, and hopelessness resulting in multiphasic (immediate, delayed and chronic phases) traumatic stress responses. Operation Well-Being is based on a multiphasic structure and addresses these symptoms.

Working through and healing from traumatic experiences can have positive long term effects, but it is difficult work. The goal of OPERATION WELL-BEING is to increase awareness of strengths, change priorities, and increase confidence in being able to cope with circumstances in the present.

PROJECT EXCEL ADOLESCENT PROGRAM

Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines the word “Excel” as “to Distinguish Oneself”. The goal of Project Excel is to raise the level of understanding regarding alcohol and drug addiction as well as providing a treatment program that will address the problems being experienced by the young people (ages 13 to 17) who walk through our doors. The ultimate goal is to have each young person distinguish themselves by actively participating in their treatment program and leaving with a foundation for continued sobriety in the future. For more information visit the adolescent services page.

Additional Programs and services offered:

Recreational Therapist

This specialized service is coordinated by a certified recreational therapist that teaches leisure social skills as part of the program. The program includes:

• Team Building exercises
• Physical exercise activities

Ancillary Services

• Tai Chi (available 2-3 times a week)
• Massage Therapy (by appointment and for a nominal fee)
• Yoga - COMING SOON
• Daily beachside runs 

Alumni Association

The Alumni Association is comprised of former Twelve Oaks clients in different stages of recovery. The mission of the Association is to provide an opportunity to continue to practice the tools taught in treatment, as well as a chance to build a supportive network with others who are also in recovery. Being an Alumni member is vital in allowing for ongoing support and is crucial in relapse prevention. After care support services include:

• Weekly Meetings and Open AA meetings
• Online support through a private alumni room
• Online meetings easily accessible for those who are overseas
• Four annul events held at Twelve Oaks
• Workshops at chapter meeting sites nationwide
• 30-, 60- and 90-day relapse prevention progress calls