AToN Center (Primary Treatment Centre (PT))

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It’s not too late to be happy! 

The AToN Center provides the finest and most self-empowering (non-12-step, non-disease model) drug and alcohol residential treatment available for men and women. Our comprehensive therapeutic and holistic healing services are state-of-the-science and state-of-the-art. They continuously evolve as science and the healing arts evolve. Our providers and facility staff are caring, dedicated and masterful professionals who are committed to understanding and working with the unique needs of each resident. 

The AToN Center is a sanctuary where the process of overcoming addictive behavior can begin. During your stay you will be immersed in a customized change process, and prepared for a return home, to a new environment, or to transitional care at other Practical Recovery services or elsewhere. Length of stay is appropriate to each client, normally a minimum of 30 days. 

The AToN Center is the leader in collaborative residential addiction care. But why collaborate with individuals ("addicts" or "alcoholics") who make very bad decisions? Don’t they need to be told what to do? No! Recovery is best supported by engaging motivations that are deeper than addiction. Confrontation and giving orders might work briefly. Cooperation is much more effective long term. 

While here you will primarily pay attention to identifying and beginning to resolve the underlying issues and concerns which gave rise to and have maintained your addictive behavior. These "dual diagnosis” issues often include trauma, anxiety, depression, eating-related disorders, bipolar disorder, attention-related disorders, relationship problems and activity addictions. You will work with high level professionals to address these and any other issues of concern to you. In addition you will work on the applicable chapters from Sex, Drugs, Gambling & Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions, by Dr. Horvath, which focuses on craving, motivation, lifestyle balance, and relapse prevention. Lastly, you will focus on enhancing your sense of meaning and purpose in life (based on your own ultimate values and beliefs). To the extent that you agree, and it is feasible, we will include your family and loved ones in your care. 

Your day begins with a 7am physical activity and 8am breakfast.  The centerpiece of the morning (Monday through Friday) is group therapy, 9-11am, with Dr. Horvath (except when he is traveling), followed by two individual sessions and lunch between 11am and 2pm. You have the option of having Dr. Horvath as your lead therapist. You will also have available to you a wide range of professionals and services. You, and our Case Manager, Lisa Ohlman, will confer daily to discuss the recommendations of your treatment team, and to consider your therapeutic options. 

Afternoons, evenings and weekends include activities that are healing and exploratory, and provide time to consolidate the learning that has occurred in the more intensive group and individual sessions of the morning and early afternoon. Activities include massage, yoga, acupuncture, meditation, art therapy, music therapy, chiropractic, educational presentations on recovery related topics, holistic healing experiences, recovery-related movies or readings and discussion, and time for exercise, swimming, sauna and spa, to name a few. You will also have the option of “quiet time,” and you will need time to complete homework assignments. As your stay progresses you will gain access to outside activities, accompanied by staff, including SMART Recovery meetings, equine therapy, gym workouts, beach walks, dinner out at restaurants, trail hiking, or even a trip to Sea World or the world famous San Diego zoo. 

If your significant others are able to visit during your stay, we will accommodate their availability in your schedule. We often have two or more activities simultaneously, in order to provide the highest quality experience for each resident. In your discussions with our Case Manager you will determine the most enjoyable and productive ways to spend your time.