What do we treat?
Summit Lodge is an intensive residential (24 hr a day) program, treating alcohol an drug addictions and the accompanying mental health issues in males and females, ages 18 and over. Self esteem struggles (eg healthy remorse vs shame). Sexual and gender issues. We address contributing behavior patterns (eg addiction "cycles", triggers to relapse, cravings).

Target problems include addiction and abuse of:  alcohol, narcotics (e.g. heroin, methadone, prescription pain pills, etc), cocaine, methamphetamines, sedatives (e.g.  Xanax, Valium), marijuana, ecstasy, LSD, inhalants (e.g. aerosols, etc
Summit is a "dual diagnosis" center with evaluation and intensive treatment for contributing mental health issues, such as mood disorders, depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety problems (social anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD), anorexia and bulimia symptoms, ADHD, learning disabilities, personality disorders (e.g. borderline, narcissistic, avoidant, etc).  Also addressed are other "cross addictive" issues, such as addictions to sex, pornography, internet, gambling, shopping, etc).
 
Also addressed are significant medical and physical contributing factors, such as chronic pain (e.g. back pain, headaches, nerve damage, fibromyalgia, etc.), serious chronic illness (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, arthritis.
Contributing family issues are addressed intensively and directly, for example, "codependency", healthy vs unhealthy enabling, boundaries, self care for family members, marital conflict and communication, family role after discharge, anger abuse, trust issues.  Upbringing and life situation issues are examined in group, individual and family sessions (e.g. victim of abuse, death or divorce of loved ones, healthy and unhealthy peer influences, school experiences, work problems, illegal behaviors and consequences, social isolation.)  Note, participants at our program will recognize that all of these aspects pertain to the acronym “P.E.M.S.” that we all memorize and use as a self care reminder during and after Summit treatment:  PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, MENTAL and SPIRITUAL aspects of self care and healthy recovery.
Crucial spiritual concerns are addressed, such as despair vs integrity and hope. Anger and fear vs humility and trust in a recovery program and in a "higher power"

What Are the Summit Lodge Treatment Goals
To help achieve long lasting sobriety, health, happiness and productivity for the client and the family. 
To help provide the setting and tools to start this process.
To provide for the client and family the opportunity to experience life changing shifts in feelings, thinking, and behaviors.

What is our Philosophy?
We believe and understand the addiction is a multi-factor disorder that, despite sincere efforts, can devastate individuals and families. We believe the best long term results for sobriety and health are achieved when all contributing factors are addressed by the treatment team, client, and family (i.e., "hit it from all sides"). We believe this is meaningfully accomplished not only through increased knowledge, but through a series of growth experiences guided by dedicated, experienced professionals.

What Tools and Techniques do we use?
Our core methods are the research-backed Group Treatment and 12-Step models. Specific tools include: Medically-monitored *Detox, Psychiatric & Medical care, Psychological testing when indicated,  Group and  individual therapy,  Three day monthly Family Program,  12-Step /Spiritual work,  *Horse (Equine) therapy,  *Experiential  Therapy, workshops,  Individualized assignments (e.g. motivation, character development, future goals.), Peer responsibilities,  Exercise,  Drug testing, * Cognitive-Behavioral work,  humility, and honest feedback with respect.
*Cognitive-Behavioral techniques (CBT):  Solid research has clearly shown the need for CBT as part of addiction treatment. It involves helping the clients see past their “thinking errors”, misperceptions, fears and  lack of insight. They learn new, healthier ways to see themselves and their future. Modalities we use include for example “King Baby” and “Self-Defeating  Behaviors” assignments, addiction/relapse cycle review, “Stinkin’ Thinkin’ rephraming, peer feedback, individualized assignments, role play, etc.
*Experiential Therapy:  Learning through education is helpful but alone is insufficient. Addicts often know what they need to do but can’t pull it off. The most durable, impactful changes come via learning through experiences. Essentially, healthy sobriety represents a “conversion”, a spiritual experience (in psychological terms a “corrective emotional experience”). Experiential therapy at Summit includes hiking, snow-shoeing, nature walks, fishing, obstacle courses, Equine therapy, spiritual work, sweat lodge, meditation, sober fun (sports, bowling, movies, museum, karaoke…).  Even our homework is approached experientially , i.e. you can only advance from  the AA step one assignment  when your therapists and peers sense that you truly feel  your life’s unmanageability.
*Equine Therapy is done weekly. Scott Beck is a seasoned, nationally- respected equine therapist. This form of experiential therapy involves clients and horses interacting in ways that serve as metaphors for the client’s attitudes.  For example, a horse will sense whether you are approaching her with fear and manipulation or with assertiveness and sincerity. The animal’s instinctual reaction to our improving attitudes is an unforgettable mirror of our progress!
The Mountain Lodge Setting itself is one of our unique, effective tools. The  lodge and surroundings are a powerful source for serenity and growth-inducing experiences.
 The Summit Lodge Staff is another remarkable tool. The professional staff averages nearly twenty years in the substance abuse field.  Many of the clinical and support staff are in recovery from addictions as well. The staff-to-client ratio is notably high. Joel Hanson, MD, the Medical Director, is licensed in both Psychiatry and Internal Medicine. He has extensive experience in all aspects of the medical and therapeutic treatment of substance abuse. 

What is the Summit Lodge setting like?
Summit is set on 5 1/2 acres of beautiful, peaceful, private, naturally wooded acres. Cottonwood creek runs through the property and alongside the Lodge. There is a large pond and plenty of room both inside and out, for recreation and contemplation. It is just at the opening of a national forest with beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes, forests. It is secluded, cannot be seen from the road, is fully fenced private property with security measures in place for privacy and safety. There is a state of the art hospital ten minutes away on the highway, should it be needed. Surrounding towns have very active and service oriented AA and NA meetings and they willingly serve as short term sponsors for our clients. The setting is ideal for many who struggle with addiction, who need to 'get out of Dodge' in order to have a good chance at commencing a healthy recovery.

What is the family’s involvement?  What is the Family Program?
Family involvement is an essential ingredient in long-term success. From pre-admission, through treatment, and regarding post-residential plans the family is actively involved. Information regarding contacts with the client and staff, visitation, etc is available. While your loved one is progressing in treatment it is essential that you also “grow with them”. We ask that you begin with the following:  Make all necessary arrangements to attend Family Program. Begin attending and participating in your local Al-Anon/ Nar-Anon programs (recovery work & support for family members of addicts). Buy and read from a local self-help bookstore “Codependent No More” by Melody Beattie, and excerpts from “Alcoholics Anonymous” (for a basic understanding of what your loved one is experiencing and working on).

Family program is held for three days, every four weeks at SL. Attendance and participation for these three days is essential for all involved family members and very close friends. This is a most memorable, productive aspect of treatment for clients and family. Some of the important items that are discussed and experienced are: the disease model of addiction, codependence, healthy and unhealthy enabling, boundaries, post acute (longer term) withdrawal symptoms, relapse prevention and the family's role, couples and family contracts (e.g. future expectations).
The family and couples counseling session are attended and supported by other clients and their families. This experience is facilitated by the professional staff, carried out with love and respect. It may cover the effect on the family of the client’s addictive behaviors, difficult events in the client's upbringing, marital conflict items, communication skills, steps towards reconciliation, united, consistent, healthy family support upon graduation, etc. Much support is gained by experiencing this in the company of other clients and families.

What about detox?
 Drug and alcohol detoxification can not only be extremely uncomfortable, but also poses some very serious physical risks and certain conditions, such as seizure and life threatening delirium. Joel Hanson, MD is licensed in both psychiatry and internal medicine. He has extensive experience in all aspects of the medical care of substance abuse patients. Certain high risk detox scenarios are best treated in a hospital setting. Most detoxes can be performed at Summit Lodge. Cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, inhalants, most hallucinogens (e.g. ecstasy), though associated with quite uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, do not typically require medical supervision, per se. Dr Hanson and his team can provide appropriate aggressive medical detox support for heroin, pain pills, low dose methadone detox, non high- risk alcohol and sedative hypnotic detox.
Medical tools used for detox at Summit Lodge include Subutex/Suboxone, Clonidine, Librium, anti-seizure medications, non addictive sleep aides and pain medications, hydration, nutrition/vitamin and mineral supplementation. During detox phase, special room arrangement, increased staff observation, including tracking withdrawal symptoms, vitals, etc., special daily schedule considerations to optimize stability and comfort until adequately stabilized and ready for the intensive treatment program.