What is Hazelden like?
Each site within the Hazelden system is designed with safety, comfort, and serenity in mind. We want patients and families to feel that our facilities are a place where they can turn down the noise of the outside world for a while and focus on their own issues and needs. We have tried to create environments of healing that reflect our belief in treating people with dignity and respect. While Hazelden facilities vary some from location to location, there are certain components common to all Hazelden treatment facilities.

• Time for talking -- both one-to-one counseling and a variety of group settings
• Personal time for reflection and reading and completing individual treatment assignments
• Relaxation, exercise and recreational activities
• Lectures and other educational activities

The time spent at Hazelden is intended to provide a fresh start with support, education and therapy to aid in long-term recovery and a healthy, sober life.

How does Hazelden view treatment for men and women?
There are times when men and women can benefit from participating in treatment together but there also times when gender-specific treatment can benefit recovery. Hazelden offers genders-specific treatment in our residential primary care programs. When we separate patients by gender, men learn about recovery from other men, and women begin to focus on building a lasting sobriety with the help of other women. Alumni (our former patients) tell us that their gender-specific treatment groups also helped them discuss highly sensitive and personal issues that are unique to a gender.

Is Hazelden just a Twelve Step program?
No. Hazelden is a multidimensional program that incorporates many therapies. The Twelve Steps are a foundation and guideline for living and are fully integrated into the treatment process and care plan. The steps provide a framework to examine mental health, physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, spirituality and more. Hazelden programs utilize a team of professionals representing several disciplines including medical and psychiatric professionals, addiction counselors, dieticians, spiritual and fitness experts, to work with every patient on their individual issues from a holistic view, treating mind, body and spirit.

Can't I just go to Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings?
Many people who did not go to a formal treatment program have been successful through Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. For others, however, the disease has progressed to a point where they need the added structure, support and clinical services that are provided in a more formal program. Many of our alumni rely upon Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings to provide lifelong support after treatment through Hazelden.

Does Hazelden provide a detoxification program? What about other medical services?
All of Hazelden's residential programs provide comprehensive medically-supervised detoxification. All new patients spend their initial 24-48 hours on a medical unit to be sure they are medically stable and then are assigned to a specific treatment unit. Hazelden facilities are staffed with medical personnel 24 hours per day to ensure that all a patient's medical needs are appropriately met. If you are a prospective patient or family member, feel free to ask for details about our policies and procedures.

How long does residential care last?
The programs at Hazelden are not defined by a number of days, but rather by individual needs. Lengths of stay in both outpatient and residential programs are dependent on the needs of the individual and are determined through an assessment and evaluation process. For most people, an average length of stay in primary care is four to six weeks but longer-term programs - often two or three months - are beneficial to some. Successful treatment is the ultimate goal, and time is necessary to win the battle.

While the outcome of a residential treatment program can be the most efficient form of treatment, the time commitment is substantial. Hazelden does provide outpatient services at many locations.

We encourage prospective patients to get a thorough evaluation, either through Hazelden or another provider, to determine the best level of care. The results may show that an outpatient program is an appropriate option, or that residential care would be more beneficial.

Why do some people stay longer than others?
Addiction is a complex disease that impacts people physically, emotionally and psychologically, so some people's treatment needs are more severe than others. A person's ability to function, attitude toward treatment, and maturity level all impact the treatment plan and how he or she progresses. In some cases, such as with healthcare professionals, licensing requirements dictate length of stay and levels of care necessary to return to work. At the beginning of treatment, the initial assessment defines the treatment plan.

As patients progress through treatment, their needs are continually re-evaluated and the treatment plan updated to reflect their changing condition. Ultimately the length of time they spend in the program is determined by clinical progress and readiness for discharge.

What should a patient bring to Hazelden?
This can vary somewhat depending on which Hazelden program the patient is attending. The program's intake counselor will review the appropriate list of items with an incoming patient. The following general list provides an overview applicable to most Hazelden programs:

• Casual clothing, exercise clothes, bathing suit, tennis shoes, toiletries
• Laundry machines and soap are available free; dry cleaning is available for a fee
• Patients should bring approximately $150-$200 in cash. Hazelden cannot cash personal checks over $200.
• Pads of paper, pens, and/or pencils
• Picture ID and insurance cards
• Smoking is allowed outside in designated areas. Patients may bring disposable lighters and must bring their own nicotine products as none are sold on any Hazelden campus.
• When necessary, patients should also bring two to three days' supply of medications in their current prescription bottle.
• Federal and state regulations require Hazelden to collect all prescription and over-the-counter medications upon a person's admission to ensure safety. Any properly labeled medications collected upon admission will be returned at discharge. Medications that are mood-altering, expired or improperly labeled will be destroyed.

What can't a patient bring?
Please do not bring TVs, irons, weapons, pornography, expensive jewelry, heating pads, electric blankets, computers, cell phones, pagers, non-prescription drugs, vitamins or herbal supplements, musical instruments, or excessive personal cash.

Can my family call me while I'm in treatment? Can I get mail? Email?
Following admission to Hazelden, patients are encouraged to contact their families in order to provide them with the phone number and times when they can be reached. Patients do not have access to email, but postal mail is accepted. It is recommended that patients bring a telephone calling card to pay for long distance calls while at Hazelden. Admissions Counselors can help you with more details on how you can contact your family while at Hazelden. Outpatient, as well as residential programs, also allow visitors.

I like to work out. Can I do that while I'm there?
Absolutely! Physical health and fitness is an important component of Hazelden recovery programs. Workout and fitness facilities vary by location and may include gyms, weight rooms, pools, walking trails and other resources. At our adolescent program in Plymouth, MN, young people participate in both on-site and off-site recreational outings. Every Hazelden patient receives a fitness and recreation evaluation and individual plans are prepared for fitness activities while in treatment and following discharge. Please see the links on the right side of the page to find out more about fitness opportunities at our different facilities.