Recognising that you need help is the first step in recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. At Zen, we assess all our guests using the DSM-IV Assessment criteria for drug and alcohol dependence [new links]. A ‘Yes’ answer to three or more questions in the DSM-IV criteria within the last 12 months identifies an individual as being dependent on a substance. Do any of the following apply to you?

• Increased tolerance over time
• Withdrawal when stopping use
• An increase in the amount you use over time and use for longer periods
• A desire or repeated attempts to quit or cut down
• Large proportion of time/activity spent using, obtaining and/or recovering
• Social/ occupational/ recreational activities given up or reduced because of use or recovery
• Continued use despite knowledge of adverse consequences

If yes, please call us on 09 888 0165 to discuss this further and to undertake a comprehensive assessment.

First Stage

• Pre-assessment meeting to see if Zen is the right fit
• One-on-one chat with our clinical director David Chaloner
• Medical assessment with physician
• Meeting with an on-site nurse
• 7-day medical detox period. We want to make our clients as comfortable as possible in this stage of the programme. They are free to rest and recover as much as they want. 

Second Stage

In the second stage of our programme, clients will be taking part in the treatment aspect. They will attend:

• One-on-one counselling
• Group therapy
• Yoga
• Educational classes
• Off-site AA and/or NA meeting
• Daily exercise
• Weekly trips to Parakai hot pools

Depending on how far into the detox process clients are, the first week at Zen is all about making our clients as comfortable as possible. We want them to rest, recover and recoup as much as possible. This may include regular detox baths, onsite massages, eating nutrient enriched meals, supplements and just being kind to themselves. In the second week, clients will be able to join in on the recovery programme.

A typical day is as follows:

• 7:00am – Wake up
• 7:30am – Cooked breakfast
• 8:30am – Morning reading and discussion
• 9:30am – Short walk through Riverhead
• 10:30am – Group
• 12:00pm – Lunch
• 12:30pm – 3:30pm – Individual counselling
• 4:30pm – Free time
• 6:00pm – Dinner
• 7:30pm – Offsite NA or AA meeting
• 9:00pm – Daily Inventory
• 10:00pm – Wind down time and bed

At Zen, we understand how important aftercare is to an individual’s recovery. We want to make sure our clients are as prepared as possible to leave our facility. This is why in their last week of treatment, staff and clients will work together to design an appropriate continuing care and relapse prevention plan. The staff at Zen will also remain in regular contact with our clients for the following 12 months – we are here for you every step of the way.

If you would like to learn more information about our assessment process and aftercare program, please contact Zen today. Phone us on 09 888 0165 or email us at [email protected]. We are here to help.