About Us
Get Better Quicker
As one of Sydney’s best private rehabilitation centres, we pay attention to the quality of care, ensuring that behaviour change isn’t just another fancy phrase but a priority deeply rooted in day-to-day activities, teachings, code of conduct, and belief systems.
Our Approach
You may have been to a drug and alcohol rehab, only to drink and take drugs sometime after you return home. Many people can stop using drugs and alcohol in the short term; the challenge for most people is keeping on track with this.
Our program is modelled on the highly effective The Retreat USA, which boasts success rates that far exceed that of any other public or private alcohol and drug rehabilitation program anywhere in the world.
Why the Sydney retreat
We provide affordable, accessible and effective residential recovery programs to help drug and alcohol dependent individuals.
Our program has a non-clinical focus and mutual-help approach to the problem of alcohol and drug dependency. We believe that through the use of the tools available through our educational program, recovery and long-term sobriety are possible.
What makes us unique?
Proven recovery outcomes
The retreat provides a non-clinical, mutual-help approach to the problem of alcohol and drug dependency. This supportive, educational setting is grounded in the principles of 12 Step Recovery (TSR). A number of studies have shown that intensive programs that embrace 12 Step Recovery, and ongoing outpatient support, are more likely to lead to long term recovery outcomes in individuals with drug and alcohol dependency. By providing a safe and supportive environment to study and practice these principles, The Sydney Retreat opens the door to a life free of addiction with long term recovery.
Personal experience
Most of our staff, and our volunteers have the lived experience of recovery from addiction. This life-long learning through personal recovery provides an authenticity and expertise to interactions with residents struggling with these issues. There is a large team of over 120 dedicated volunteers with long term recovery who provide support to residents throughout the 28-day immersive program
Ongoing chain of care
The Sydney Retreat through immersion in the principles of 12 step recovery and lasting connection to a recovery community is the foundation for an ongoing return to health. The retreat provides supports to all guests with the opportunity to engage with the “living sober program”. Residential sober living houses are available to those are looking for further long-term support. The breakfast club also provides an opportunity to connect after leaving the facility.
Family support
The Sydney Retreat opens its doors to family and loved ones as part of a wholistic approach to the treatment of addiction. Families are invited to attend weekly sessions which can enable a deeper understanding of addiction, and how it can affect not only the person struggling with alcohol or drug dependency, but also its effect on family members. The family session introduces family members to the Al-Anon 12 step program and enables a connection with a recovery community for those affected by someone else’s addictions.
A team that’s deeply committed to addiction recovery
Our Board
Our board of directors have experience in both business operations and the process of recovery. The Sydney Retreat is an entirely not-for-profit organization. Our Board members are not paid directors’ fees.
Alan Hargreaves
Cheryn Porter
Hugh Macken
John Malone
Real People. Real Stories
More than 250 five-star reviews on Google
The program is really well structured & the routine set me up with a positive blueprint for success in the outside world. The staff & volunteers are compassionate & caring & a constant source of support and understanding.
Thank you for you call today following up on my daughter’s wellbeing after her recent stay at your facility. I am very pleased to confirm that she is embracing her renewed wonder in her life and the possibilities she sees before her, thanks again.
Going into the retreat, I didn’t know what to expect. The facility itself is great and all the staff are extremely welcoming, compassionate and understanding. I’m grateful that The Sydney Retreat is focused heavily on 12-step recovery and isn’t just another detox.