Contact Us

Ready to take the next step?

Fill out this simple form and we’ll call you right back.

Book Appointment
Click here

28 Day residential program

We provide a safe, structured and supportive environment to focus entirely on recovery. Through Twelve Step Facilitation and connection with a recovery community, you will learn the tools and strategies to set you up for lasting sobriety.

A non-clinical, peer-led program, The Sydney Retreat is unique in that you will be surrounded by people who know what it’s like, because they’ve been where you’ve been. Many of them have long-term sobriety and know what it takes to get sober and stay sober.

We are here to help

If you want more information on our Recovery Programs, please complete the form to receive our brochure. One of our dedicated staff members will also contact you with more details and to answer any questions. You can also call on 02 9171 2920.


28 Day residential program

Why Choose a Residential Retreat?

Several rehabilitation programs can treat alcohol and drug addiction, from group and individual counselling to short-and long-term residential and outpatient programs. Out of all these programs, residential treatment programs have the highest success rates, thanks to the intense care and support, focused attention on patients and minimal distractions – which would otherwise hurt the treatment and recovery progress.

We support people who know they have an addiction by providing focused time-out from daily distractions and practical solutions for long-lasting sobriety.

Acknowledging the need for drug or alcohol treatment is one major step to starting and succeeding in a drug rehabilitation program. For many patients, the challenge is getting started with the treatment. And once in the treatment, a new challenge begins, i.e., staying in the treatment program long enough to break free of alcohol or drugs before getting their lives back on track.

At the Sydney Retreat, we understand that recovery from alcohol or drug addiction doesn’t end at a rehabilitation centre. This way, we pay attention to the aftercare program just as we do to our in-house residential sessions to ensure patients continue with the chain of support physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

Our Approach to Care

At Sydney Retreat we have modelled our 28 day residency program based on the “mutual-help” recovery model.

The Sydney Retreat fosters a strong sense of connection with an existing recovery community. This new model of care shifts the focus of the most important elements of change in an individual’s recovery process. This change includes a transition away from the relationship with therapeutic staff to the client’s relationship with a recovering community. 

It has been demonstrated by reputable research that long-term community support in recovery brings about positive outcomes for those in residential treatment programs.  The Sydney Retreat is successful because of its close working relationships with local referral sources, and the strong support of the recovery community in Sydney.

These three key aspects are:

  • Immersion Here, we help our patients focus on recovery while setting life goals that sync with who they are, their capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. They learn how to live a purposeful life while taking part in things that satisfy them internally. By living a life of immersion, they can master everything about drug addiction and control their lives better.
  • Education Through the help and guidance of our professional counsellors, patients are equipped with the knowledge, resources, practices, and skills they need to succeed during the recovery process and lead a satisfying and fulfilling life afterwards.
  • Ongoing care Treatment and recovery don’t end at residential rehab centres; instead, it’s a continuous process that takes effort and consistency to call a success. Through our recovery community, we help patients understand this to embrace the value of continued self-education and self-realization in living a purposeful life post-recovery.

Holistic approach to recovery

Recovery from the devastating effects of drug and alcohol addiction at the Sydney Retreat, is based on a holistic approach. Twelve step facilitation is part of this approach and encompasses a biological, psychological and social way of working with health.

The recovery model acknowledges that alcoholism and drug addiction is a physical malaise which can be treated through a program of abstinence. Mentorship through staff and volunteers with a unique understanding of the effects of addiction, help with a psychological understanding. The social aspect of recovery is enabled through connection to a recovery community introduced throughout the program.

It was led by Dr Stephen Jurd, the specialist addiction psychiatrist.

Dr Stephen Jurd has been instrumental in developing and establishing successful addiction recovery services and 12-step recovery centres in Australia and the US. He created the Royal North Shore Hospital Drug and Alcohol Services from 1984 to 2006 and founded the Phoenix Unit, a prominent Minnesota model rehab that he went on to direct for 14 years. Dr Jurd is currently the founder and Chairman of The Sydney Retreat’s Board.

In addition to founding and establishing rehabilitation centres, Dr Jurd chaired the alcohol and other drugs section for six years and was the inaugural chair of the Subcommittee for Advanced Training in Addiction Psychiatry.

Addiction & the brain

Every week at The Sydney Retreat, guests attend a discussion with addiction medicine specialist, Dr Stephen Jurd. In his Addiction and the Brain lecture series, Dr Jurd hears one question over and over again – Why can’t I moderate my drinking and drug use like everyone else? The answer pertains to a small and ancient part of our brains known as the reward pathway. And this part of the brain reacts differently among addicts and alcoholics.
About Drug & Alcohol Addiction

Addiction & the brain

Every week at The Sydney Retreat, guests attend a discussion with addiction medicine specialist, Dr Stephen Jurd. In his Addiction and the Brain lecture series, Dr Jurd hears one question over and over again – Why can’t I moderate my drinking and drug use like everyone else? The answer pertains to a small and ancient part of our brains known as the reward pathway. And this part of the brain reacts differently among addicts and alcoholics.
About Drug & Alcohol Addiction
Our Services
28 Day residential program
Relapse Program
Family Program
Sober House Living
Book a Consultation:

28 Day residential program

Take the next step

Contact us when you’re ready
Call Us 02 9171 2920
Contact us

Ready to take the next step?

Fill out this simple form and we’ll call you right back.

Real People. Real Stories

5.0 stars (based on 25 ratings)

Contact us
5/5

A life-changing experience

Staying at The Sydney Retreat for the 28-day recovery program was truly a life-changing experience. 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. The retreat has provided me with a fresh outlook on life, knowledge of my illness, and above all, the tools to continue sobriety in my new-found life. Forever thankful.

5/5

Life Changing Centre

The Sydney Retreat is more than just a wonderful treatment centre, but a LIFE CHANGING centre. The 12 step program literally has saved my life when I had nothing left. All of the staff truly care about your sobriety and wellbeing. Not to mention the COOK “who will remain anonymous” dishes out the best home cooked meals I have had in a very long time. Accommodation is modern and well kept. They even have a pet possum that greets you every night to say goodnight. I am truly grateful to the Sydney Retreat and everyone there for showing me the way to sobriety.

5/5

Best thing I’ve ever done for myself

I was lucky enough to be a beneficiary of the scholarship program without which I would have been unable to attend. The program is really well structured and the routine set me up with a positive blueprint for success in the outside world. The staff and volunteers are compassionate and caring and a constant source of support and understanding. Coming here is the best thing I have done for myself in a very long time and I look forward to a long future not crippled by alcoholism. As my husband put it, “I finally have my wife back”.

5/5

The Sydney Retreat saved my life

I wanted to stop drinking alcohol though no matter how hard I try, I couldn’t. Year after year I was effectively drinking against my will. During my stay at the retreat, a miracle happened. The obsession to drink alcohol was removed and I was supported to begin working the AA 12 step program. I’m happily sober now and with the support of other sober Alcoholics in AA I need never drink again. If Alcohol is costing you more than money and you want to stop, I highly recommend The program and kind people at The Sydney Retreat can help.

5/5

A sober life is possible

The Sydney Retreat completely changed my recovery. For the first time I feel I really understand the disease of addiction and can see the path forward. The Retreat showed me that a sober life is possible and how to do it. It is a testament to the power of one alcoholic helping another. I have since recommended it to people struggling with their addiction as well to people living sober but seeking a deeper understanding of the AA program.

more reviews