Frequently Asked Questions

While everyone is different, we have learned through the years that most individuals share a lot of the same questions and concerns when deciding on a program and a facility.

What is your success rate?

This is a difficult question to answer. We could say 99% – because that’s the percentage of clients who finished their program at Bayshore Retreat. And maybe that’s the number that other facilities use when they say their success rate is 70-90%.  All we know for sure is our clients love Bayshore, they always leave healthier, looking and feeling great. They also leave with tools, skills and new passions that will help them with their addictive behavior and relapse prevention. Finally, many stay in touch with us…some,  ‘just to check in because they miss us’ and some, when they have an issue or problem that they feel we might be able to offer a different perspective. We’re a family and many of our clients become a part of our extended family.

What makes Bayshore Retreat better than other substance abuse centers?

Simple. Everything. We’re small, that’s important. We’re personal, that’s important. We have an excellent program that can be adapted to each individual client. And we’re constantly looking for new ways to help our clients beat their addictions. We have a beautiful facility that offers a home-like environment from the time you enter to the entire time you’re there. Everything we do at Bayshore is directed toward our clients’ needs and recovery. There are thousands of alcohol treatment centers in Florida and throughout the country, but we know that none compare with us or what we do. Our care and treatment is on level with many that are much more expensive, but not as personal. Our focus is on Quality – not Quantity.

How long is the program?

Typically, our program is based on a 30 day stay. We understand that you can’t “cure” addiction in 30 days, but we can provide you with solid footing to continue getting better. If you and your loved ones feel that more time is needed, that can be arranged. By allowing you, the client, to participate in the development of your treatment plan, we allow you decide when you are ready to return to the “real world”.

Many times clients choose, for various reasons, to stay longer. While some centers charge for 60-90 days up front leaving the client trapped with either leaving early or losing the money invested in his/her recovery. We choose to take it one step at a time and adjust the cost accordingly. Each client is different. His/her needs are different both in the need to return to work or family and/or possible legal reasons. Either way, it’s up to the client how long he or she stays beyond our 30 day base. Just one more way we prove our client needs come first.

How do I stay in contact with my family?

You’re welcome to call home anytime you choose on our ‘house phone’, with no long distant charges. Clients also have a computer to share and wireless internet throughout the facility. You are also allowed to use your cell phone or laptop at certain times throughout the day.

Families also visit. We like to have the first couple of weeks without visitation to allow you to “get into the program” and focus just on yourself and your recovery. Since family is a big part of the addiction process it’s good to have communication and possibly a visit while at Bayshore. This way issues that might be relative to the addiction can be addressed while in treatment. We have a very nice hotel near Bayshore that offers our families and friends very nice accommodations at discounted rates.

Do we ever leave the facility?

As life is not lived in a bubble, neither should treatment be done in seclusion. We feel that being shut away for 30 days only makes the return to the “real world” more difficult. So, yes is the answer to this question. Every Saturday, an activity is planned off-site. Being in Destin allows a wide range of activities to enjoy. From deep-sea fishing, playing a round of golf, or snorkeling the jetties to something as low-key as seeing a movie, we will find something you enjoy. Saturday evening is also when the clients and a staff member go out to dinner. Being located in a vacation town, there is nothing strange about seven people enjoying a meal together. Sundays are also open days for the clients. Those that choose to attend church service will go to the denomination they want (Synagogue is also available Saturdays).

Can I conduct business while at Bayshore?

As much as we would prefer that you take this time to concentrate on getting better, we know that is not always feasible or even possible for some clients. At orientation, you and the staff will develop a plan to allow you to continue to conduct your business while receiving treatment. And of course, you’ll have your cell phone and computer access, you will be able to check in as needed.

What’s the food like?

Our chef can cook just about anything. From working at the #4 restaurant in the country to cooking on the road for bands, his repertoire is varied and delicious. He decides the menu while he is shopping for that day. Only the freshest ingredients are used. “Freezers are for popsicles and ice cream.” Real leg of lamb gyros or crab, bacon, and corn chowder might be for lunch. Pan-fried Snapper with a mango-jalapeno salsa, grilled asparagus and Basmati rice pilaf could be dinner. The only guarantees he gives are that the food will be good and the clients’ taste and needs are first priority.

How about Insurance?

We begin by contacting your insurance carrier. We ask all the relevant questions to ensure you get the correct answers about your coverage. Before any commitment is made you will know what to expect.  Since  insurance companies pay after discharge, we do everything possible to ensure the guidelines, precertification and other details are met to assist with reimbursement to you. Upon your discharge we process the claim for you as well as do follow up work after the fact. Beware of any company that says they’ll accept your insurance as payment  – you may find that you’ve agreed to pay for treatment when your insurance policy offers very little or no coverage and yet you’re still responsible for full payment, etc.

What is the cost?

The cost is all inclusive. In other words we don’t have levels that begin typically with 12 step type meetings and/or group only meetings like some rehabs and if you want more you pay more. Everything we do is under one price, no surprises or hidden costs. Counseling, blood test, medical direction, food, lodging, gym membership, outside activities, more counseling, life skills coaching, dry sauna therapy, weekly deep tissue massage, hypnotherapy, and anything else we can think of that will help you reach your goal of a clean, healthy sober life. Having said that, the cost varies with the program/length of stay. It’s typically 30 days, however some clients choose to stay longer and in those cases the cost is prorated accordingly.

How do I pay?

We accept major credit cards and don’t charge the extra 2.5 to 3% extra for doing so. We also accept personal checks.  We also work with a company which offers lending options and generally we know the answer as to qualifications within a few minutes after applying.

Are my records truly confidential?

Yes, except as needed by insurance companies for client reimbursement. Clients who do not use insurance as a means of recovering some of the cost have no fear of their personal information being shared. We’re privately owned and receive no government funding, therefore reporting personal information regarding our clients isn’t necessary.

Where are you located and how do I get there?

We’re in the ‘beautiful part of Florida” – it’s even called the Emerald Coast. We’re on a quiet bayou just on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin, FL. This is about 45 minutes east of Pensacola and 45 minutes west of Panama City. We have three airports near us… VPS in Ft. Walton Beach/Valpariso is the closest, and there’s one in Pensacola (PNS) and Panama City (ECP). Clients fly in from all parts of the country to one of these three. We pick them up and provide everything from there. Clients within driving distance also are generally delivered by a family member or friend. We’ll work with you to determine the best way to get here, even come and get you if necessary.

What if there’s legal issues?

Because we’re state licensed we qualify for court ordered drug and alcohol rehabilitation.  We’re accustomed to communicating with the courts and attorneys throughout the country on these matters. Upon your request we’ll provide an enrollment letter, completion letter and/or certificate, drug screening results and any other information needed to help you fulfill your obligations.