Overview
Located on a peaceful, wooded campus in Wayzata, Minnesota, The Retreat offers a unique and affordable alternative to clinical addiction treatment. This program is a supportive-educational community deeply rooted in the spiritual principles of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is designed for individuals seeking an immersive AA experience rather than medical or psychological therapy. Housed in a former convent, the facility has a capacity for up to 41 men and 30 women, who are programmed separately to ensure a focused recovery environment. As a self-pay, non-clinical facility, it serves as a powerful resource for those committed to an abstinence-based recovery path built on fellowship and spiritual growth. View their website here.
Facility
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Amenities & Details
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 The Retreat's admissions.
- There's no commitment to enroll. They're here to answer questions.
- Talk next steps clearly. Discuss costs and what treatment looks like.
Treatment
Levels of Care
Residential Program
Gender-specific 12-Step immersion.
Evening Program
Flexible, non-residential support.
Sober Housing
Long-term recovery living.
Family Program
Healing for loved ones.
Approaches
Policies
Open Campus
Not a locked facility, but guests must stay on property.
No MAT Policy
Abstinence-based; no Suboxone, Methadone, or stimulants.
Smoking/Vaping Allowed
Permitted in designated outdoor areas only.
Electronics Policy
No personal phones or laptops; limited landline access.
Family Visits
On-site visitation is allowed on Sundays from 2-5 PM.
Prohibited Items
Non-recovery books, energy drinks, outside food.
Cost
Payment Structure
The Retreat is a private, self-pay facility and does not accept any form of health insurance or Medicaid. This model allows them to offer their program at a significantly more affordable rate. Partial scholarship assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Self-Pay
Please call to confirm exact pricing.
- Residential (First 30 Days):$6,900
- Residential (Additional 30 Days):$6,100
- Evening Program (18 Weeks):$3,400
Reviews
Based on 143 Google reviews
What Clients Appreciate
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Authentic 12-Step Program: Described as life-saving for those seeking a true AA immersion.
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Affordable Cost: Self-pay model makes residential support more accessible.
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Peer Support: The peer-led, non-clinical environment is highly praised for its empathy and fellowship.
"The Retreat is an amazing place. It's not treatment in the traditional sense... If you're looking for a deep dive into the 12 steps, and a path for long term sobriety, this IS the place."
"This place saved my life. I went in broken and they loved me until I could love myself. The focus is on the solution through the 12 steps and sponsorship. It is not a clinical treatment center... it is a community of alcoholics and addicts helping each other."
View additional context from reviews
Some negative reviews come from individuals who were not prepared for the strict, non-clinical, 12-Step-only model. A few reviewers felt the program could be rigid and expressed frustration with the lack of professional medical or therapeutic staff to address co-occurring mental health issues. Others mentioned that the experience can feel clique-ish at times.
Tip: Success at The Retreat often depends on a guest's readiness to fully embrace a peer-led, 12-Step immersion program without clinical therapy.
Location
Address
The Retreat1221 Wayzata Blvd
Wayzata, MN 55391, USA
Hours
Admissions: 8am - 6pm
Residential programs operate 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program & Philosophy
Why choose us? What makes it different than other addiction treatment centers?
The Retreat is a non-clinical, supportive-educational environment focused entirely on the Twelve Steps of AA. Unlike licensed treatment centers, we do not have medical staff or licensed therapists. Our program is led by members of the recovering community, offering an immersive and affordable path to sobriety based on peer support and spiritual principles.
Does this program use the 12-steps?
Yes, the entire program is based on the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is an AA immersion program, and participation in AA meetings and Big Book study is mandatory.
What types of therapies are used?
As a non-clinical program, we do not offer formal therapies like CBT, DBT, or EMDR. Our approach is educational and supportive, centered on an in-depth study of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, peer-led group discussions, and working the 12-Steps.
How do you treat dual diagnosis / co-occurring disorders?
The Retreat is not a licensed medical or clinical facility and does not treat co-occurring mental disorders. We focus solely on recovery from addiction through the 12-Steps. Guests must be mentally and emotionally stable to participate.
Is the program faith-based?
The program is grounded in the spiritual principles of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is spiritual but not religious. It is open to people of all beliefs, including those with no religious affiliation.
How long has this facility been open?
The Retreat was founded and has been offering services since 1991.
Costs & Admission
What will my costs be for treatment?
The Retreat is an affordable self-pay program. The residential program costs $6,900 for the first 30 days and $6,100 for each additional 30-day period. The 18-week Evening Program costs $3,400. Partial scholarship assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not accept insurance or Medicaid. We are a cash-pay facility, which allows us to keep our costs significantly lower than traditional treatment centers.
Do you provide detoxification services?
No, we are not a medical facility and do not offer detox. Guests must be detoxified and medically stable before admission.
Is Suboxone (MAT) permitted?
No. As a strict, abstinence-based program, we do not allow guests to be on any form of Medication-Assisted Treatment (like Suboxone or Methadone) or other controlled substances like stimulants or opioids.
Daily Life, Rules & Family
How long will I be there?
The typical residential stay is 30 days, though programs can extend up to 90 days. We also offer a 10-day Relapse Program and a Rest & Renewal Program for shorter stays focused on specific recovery needs.
What is the living situation like? Can I get my own room?
The living quarters are dorm-style. All guests have shared rooms and bathrooms. Private rooms are not available, as the shared living arrangement is an intentional part of fostering community and peer support.
Is this a closed/locked facility?
No, it is an open campus, and the doors are not locked. Guests have the freedom to walk the spacious property but are required to remain on campus for the duration of their program.
Can I use my phone/laptop? Is smoking allowed?
Yes, smoking and vaping are permitted in designated outdoor areas. Personal electronics like phones and laptops are not allowed. Guests have access to facility landlines on Sundays from 2-5 PM.
What should I bring? What should I leave at home?
Bring: Comfortable clothes, an alarm clock (no WiFi), notebook, recovery-based books, and alcohol-free toiletries.
Leave at home: Laptops, cell phones, tablets, energy drinks, and any non-recovery reading material like novels.
Support, Staff & Community
Who provides care here? Are there psychiatrists on staff?
The program is peer-led. We do not have licensed professionals, doctors, or psychiatrists on staff. The daily program is provided by experienced members of the local recovering community who guide guests through the 12-Steps.
Who will be in treatment with me?
You will be with other adults who are serious about recovery through AA. Our community is diverse, with guests coming from Minnesota and across the country. The typical guest is around 38 years old, and many have prior treatment experience. Programs for men and women are separate. Our capacity is up to 41 men and 30 women.
What is the family involvement and visitation policy?
Family involvement is highly encouraged. We offer a 4-day residential Family Program. On-site family visits are permitted on Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM.
What kind of aftercare and follow-up support is available?
We offer several aftercare options, including our 18-week Evening Program (in-person or virtual) and long-term sober-living residences for both men and women to provide a structured transition back to daily life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Their team is available to answer your questions confidentially.
Call NowMemberships & Affiliations
NAATP Member
National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers
MARRCH Member
MN Association of Resources for Recovery & Chemical Health
MASH Member
Minnesota Association of Sober Homes
She Recovers
Affiliated with the She Recovers Foundation