Summit Lodge, which opened in 2007, is a residential treatment program for males and females 18 years and over, treating those with alcohol and drug addictions, self esteem struggles, sexual and gender issues and the behavior patterns that trigger relapse and cravings. In addition, Summit is a dual diagnosis center that evaluates and provides treatment for added mental health issues such as mood disorders, anorexia, bulimia, ADHD, learning disabilities, personality disorders and "cross addictive" issues: addictions to sex, pornography, internet, gambling and shopping, etc. Additional medical and physical contributing factors such as chronic pain and serious chronic illnesses are also addressed.

Joel W. Hanson, MD, is the Program Supervisor and Medical Director at Summit Lodge. He is licensed in Psychiatry and Internal Medicine. Jack Wiseman, MEd, LSAC, and Supervising Therapist at Summit, has over twenty years experience in clinical addiction. Scott Beck is the Director of Equine therapy.

Treatment at Summit Lodge includes use of the 12 step model, group and individual therapy, equine therapy, medically monitored detox as needed, psychiatric and medical care and psychological testing when needed. In addition, participation in experiential therapy, workshops and cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT) are utilized in each participant's recovery. Daily reminders with the memorized acronym "PEMS"- Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual - are also used as a self care reminder.

An essential component to the program is family involvement, which includes participation in the Family Program, facilitated by the staff. It is held for three days every four weeks, where issues such as the disease of addiction, setting boundaries, codependence and the difference between healthy and unhealthy enabling; relapse prevention and the family's role are discussed. Alumni support for those graduating the program includes alumni support meetings, support phone calls and participation in an alumni survey.

For healthy sobriety, clients engage in sober fun such as sports, bowling, going to the movies, or it can include hiking, nature walks or fishing, and spiritual work, such as meditation or participation in a sweat lodge.

[This information came from the Summit Lodge Recovery Center website.]