The Sydney Retreat

No, it is not a locked facility.

Occupancy is 16–30 beds, for co-ed adults 18+ attending the residential 28-day program.

Yes, 12-Step Facilitation is used. Smart Recovery and Celebrate Recovery are not mentioned.

You should pack comfortable, modest clothing for about 7-10 days, including layers like sweaters and jackets, along with comfortable shoes (sneakers, shower shoes/flip-flops) and pajamas, as most centers have laundry facilities. Bring essential personal documents like your photo ID, insurance card, and all prescription medications in their original, pharmacy-labeled bottles. For recovery-focused items, pack a journal, notebook, and pens for reflection, as well as a list of important phone numbers for loved ones, and perhaps a small number of printed, unframed photos for comfort.

You should not bring anything that could pose a safety risk or distract from your recovery, which typically includes drugs, alcohol, unapproved/opened over-the-counter medications or supplements, weapons, and sharp objects like razors or scissors (though some facilities may provide or allow supervised use of razors). Due to the focus on recovery, most centers prohibit electronics with internet, camera, or communication capabilities (like smartphones, laptops, and tablets), as well as aerosol products, and all toiletries containing alcohol (such as certain mouthwashes or perfumes), and clothing with offensive language or drug/alcohol references. Leave valuables, expensive jewelry, and large amounts of cash at home.

Yes

Home-like residential houses in a safe, structured, non-clinical environment.

Shared

Spiritual emphasis via 12-Step Recovery, but not affiliated with a specific religion.

Likely not supported.

Rooms have internet access; phone/laptop use is not specifically detailed.

Yes, family can visit for lunch and group family support sessions; children under 18 cannot visit in person but video calls are allowed.

28 days, with an optional 21-day Recovery Maintenance Program.

Care is provided by staff and over 120 volunteers with lived recovery experience, guided by the board and directors including an addiction psychiatrist (Dr. Stephen Jurd).

12-Step Facilitation, Minnesota Model, group therapy, relapse prevention, spiritual care, mindfulness & meditation, life skills training, support meetings, weekly presentations by addiction experts.

There is a psychiatrist on staff, but it is a non-clinical program so not likely.

No, insurance is not accepted.

A peer-run, 12-step residential program provides a highly structured environment centered on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of a fellowship like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), emphasizing the strength found in mutual support and shared experience among residents rather than relying solely on licensed clinicians. The daily schedule typically includes mandatory on-site or off-site 12-step meetings and "step work" (studying and applying the principles of the steps, often with a sponsor), alongside communal living tasks, such as cooking and chores, which build responsibility and life skills. This model focuses heavily on peer accountability, honesty, spiritual development (not necessarily religious), and "carrying the message" by helping others, fostering a supportive recovery community intended to prepare the individual for long-term sobriety after treatment, though only inpatient/residential is offered.

Sober House Living, ongoing connection to recovery community, and Breakfast Club alumni program.

$11,950 AUD for 28 days, partial scholarships may be available; superannuation may be used in some cases.

No, detox is not offered.

Weekly family sessions teaching about addiction and introducing Al-Anon 12-Step program; family can attend lunches and group sessions.

28-Day Residential Program, optional 21-Day Recovery Maintenance Program, Sober House Living.

There is a psychiatrist on staff, but it is a non-clinical program so not likely.

Dr. Stephen Jurd, addiction medicine psychiatrist is on the board; other staff primarily include volunteers with lived recovery experience. Psychologists are not mentioned.

28 days standard.

house

Yes, through Sober House Living, Breakfast Club, and ongoing recovery community connections.

Founded in 2021

Peer-led, community-based non-clinical program, grounded in 12-Step Facilitation; high volunteer-to-client ratio; strong family involvement; spiritual and practical support; 85% sobriety at 12 months for participants who follow the program.