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The Providence Retreat

Men's Sober Living & Recovery Residence in Hollis, ME

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5.0

(10 Google reviews)

Sober Living Substance Use Men Only 12-Step Based Adults Rural Setting
408 Bar Mills Rd, Hollis, ME 04042
Open Daily 8am-9pm

Overview

Providence Retreat offers a unique path to recovery for men struggling with alcoholism and addiction. Located in a beautifully restored 19th-century New England farmhouse in Hollis, Maine, the program provides a peaceful and welcoming alternative to urban sober living environments. With a small capacity of just 12 men, the focus is on creating a tight-knit community grounded in the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. The mission is to present the 12-step way of life in a simple, loving, and respectful manner, fostering an environment where every man's story is heard and his journey is respected. The program is peer-led by its founders, who have personal experience with recovery and are dedicated to guiding others toward lasting sobriety. Visit their website here.

Facility

Photos

Providence Retreat farmhouse exterior Shared living room area Kitchen and dining space Comfortable common area Shared bedroom Serene grounds and property
Historic Farmhouse Setting
Rural & Peaceful Location
Men Only Housing
Small Occupancy (12 Men)
Shared Bedrooms
Affordable Self-Pay Model
Designated Smoking Areas
Personal Electronics Permitted

Your First Step is a Conversation

Reaching out can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. The admissions team is here to listen without judgment and help you understand your options.

  • Your call is 100% confidential. Speak with one of the founders.
  • There's no commitment to enroll. They're here to answer questions.
  • Talk next steps clearly. Discuss costs and what life at the retreat looks like.
207-205-2438

Treatment

Levels of Care Offered

Phase 1: Foundational Recovery

Building a new way of life.

A 3-6 month immersive program focused on the 12 steps.

Phase 2: Extended Recovery

Transitioning to independence.

A step-down phase for graduates. Duration varies by individual need.

Approaches

12-Step Immersion A program grounded in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, including Big Book study, sponsorship, and daily meetings.
Peer-to-Peer Support A small, close-knit community where men share experiences and support one another, led by staff with personal recovery experience.
Structured Living Daily life includes scheduled wake-up times, chores, and accountability measures to help build healthy routines.
Safe & Serene Setting Located in a peaceful farmhouse in rural Hollis, Maine, providing a tranquil environment away from urban triggers.
Not Dual-Diagnosis This is a non-clinical, peer-led program. It does not provide direct treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.

Policies

Smoking/Vaping Policy

Permitted in designated outdoor areas.

Electronics Policy

Limited access initially, then permitted.

Food & Provisions

Residents purchase and prepare their own food.

Accountability & Chores

All residents participate in daily chores and upkeep.

Cost

Insurance Not Accepted

Providence Retreat is a non-medical sober living home and therefore does not accept health insurance. The program is structured as a self-pay model to ensure affordability.

Self-Pay

The cost is typically a few hundred dollars per week. Please call their admissions line for the most current and exact pricing for the program.

Call for Pricing

Reviews

Google logo
5.0 / 5

Based on 10 Google reviews

What Clients Appreciate

  • Caring Founders: Described as life-saving, with genuine care and involvement from the owners.

  • Effective Program: The strong emphasis on the 12 Steps is praised as a highly effective foundation.

  • Supportive Community: The strong community and shared goal of sobriety are seen as critical to success.

"Providence Retreat is an amazing place that truly saved my life... The owners Doug, Justin, and Gary truly care about the guys who come through their house and it really shows... If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse and are truly ready to change their life then I can’t recommend this place enough."

— Ben L. (Google Review)

"This is a great place to start over and really dive into the steps. The owners are really involved in the process and the house is always filled with guys that have a common goal to get sober. I wouldn’t be where I am today without this place."

— Nico S. (Google Review)
View additional context from reviews

Reviews for The Providence Retreat are unanimously positive, reflecting a perfect 5.0-star rating across all available feedback. There is no negative feedback to analyze.

Tip: The program's success appears closely tied to a resident's willingness to fully engage with the peer-led, 12-step immersion model in a structured community setting.

Location

Address

The Providence Retreat

408 Bar Mills Rd

Hollis, ME 04042

Hours

Admissions: Daily, 8am - 9pm
Sober living home operates 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sober living like at Providence Retreat?

Living here is about structure, accountability, and building a strong foundation for recovery. The environment feels like independent living but with clear rules. Residents share a home, follow a curfew, participate in chores, and are accountable to one another. Daily life emphasizes personal growth through work, meetings, and active 12-step engagement.

Is this a closed/locked facility?

No, this is a voluntary sober living home, not a locked facility. However, residents are expected to adhere to all house rules, including curfews, meeting attendance, and chores. Failure to follow the rules can result in being asked to leave the program.

Who else will be in the house with me?

You will be living with other adult men who are also committed to recovery. The house has a small, intimate capacity with 6 rooms and a maximum of 12 residents, ensuring a close-knit community environment.

Does this program use the 12-steps?

Yes, the entire program is grounded in the principles and practices of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Residents are expected to get a sponsor, study the Big Book, and attend AA meetings daily.

What should I bring with me?

Please limit belongings to one suitcase. Recommended items include:

  • Weather-appropriate clothing (hats/gloves seasonally).
  • One pair of shoes, one pair of slippers, and boots if necessary.
  • Personal toiletries and hygiene products.
  • ID and insurance cards for any external medical needs.
  • A small amount of spending money.
  • Laundry detergent if you have a preferred brand.

What should I leave at home?

The following items are prohibited: weapons of any kind, products containing alcohol (e.g., mouthwash, aftershave), valuables, and any sharp objects. All over-the-counter and prescribed medications will be evaluated upon arrival.

Can I get my own room?

No, residents live in shared rooms. This is an intentional part of the program designed to foster community, accountability, and peer support.

Is Suboxone or other MAT permitted?

While the program is abstinence-based, they will work with individuals already on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Please discuss your specific situation with the staff during the screening process. They do not prescribe or administer MAT on-site.

Can I use my phone or laptop?

Yes, though cell phone use may be limited during an initial adjustment period to help you focus on integrating into the community. After this period, guests generally have access to their personal electronics.

Are family visits allowed?

Yes, visits from family members and sponsors are encouraged. However, all visitation is subject to approval from staff to ensure it will not negatively impact a resident's recovery process.

Who provides care here?

Support and guidance are provided by the co-founders and house managers. This is a peer-led model, meaning the staff have long-term sobriety and extensive personal experience with the 12-step recovery program. There are no medical staff or licensed clinicians on-site.

Do you treat dual diagnosis or co-occurring mental health disorders?

No, Providence Retreat is not a clinical facility and does not provide direct treatment for mental health disorders. The program focuses solely on recovery from substance use through the 12 Steps. They can, however, help residents connect with outside providers for clinical or medical services if needed.

Do you accept insurance?

No, insurance is not accepted. As a non-medical sober living home, they are not an insurance-billable entity. This allows them to keep costs affordable, often comparable to an insurance co-pay or deductible at a clinical facility.

Do you provide detoxification services?

No. It is required that all guests complete the detoxification process *before* entering the program. This ensures residents are safe and physically able to participate fully. Staff can help guide you in finding appropriate detox resources if needed.

What makes you different from other rehab centers?

Providence Retreat is not a rehab or clinical treatment center; it is a peer-led sober living home. The key difference is the focus on community, accountability, and real-world application of the 12 Steps. The program is affordable, no-frills, and highly effective for men who are genuinely ready to change and immerse themselves in a supportive, recovery-focused lifestyle.

What aftercare support is available?

The program itself is a form of aftercare. For those who complete Phase 1, the step-down Phase 2 program is available. Additionally, they offer space at Providence Place Sober Living in Portland to continue the journey. Are you the owner? Claim your listing to add more detail.

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