Residential Treatment
Residential services provide an effective solution to drug and alcohol addiction. Since 1973, Dawn Farm has offered comprehensive help in a unique long-term treatment setting.
We offer both 2 to 6 month* long-term residential experiences for individuals who suffer from addiction to drugs and alcohol with an average stay of around 3 months. Treatment is built on solid recovery principles and includes significant involvement in the local recovering community.
Two Residential Settings
Our 64 acre working farm offers a therapeutic experience combined with all that rural living has to offer—including pigs and chickens and an organic garden.
Dawn Farm Downtown provides the same time tested program with the convenience and opportunities of downtown Ann Arbor—one of the country’s finest communities.
Comprehensive Services – Both residential sites offer daily group therapy, individual therapy and case management by skilled professionals, along with education and recreation. Each facility provides medical care, art and work therapy, vocational referrals and job training, high school/GED, and specialized Family Services to assist with improving basic family relationships. Dawn Farm is committed to meeting residents’ unique needs and works to provide specialized treatment for each individual.
Strong Aftercare – Living in community with recovering individuals offers residents a chance to build healthy relationships and practice cooperation. Before completing treatment, our residents secure employment and housing and join our six-month aftercare program. As a result, Dawn Farm graduates consistently stay drug and alcohol free.
Transitional Housing – A vital part of the Dawn Farm residential program is the Chapin Street Project. All residential clients have the opportunity to enroll in our supportive transitional housing program—from six months to two years of supportive, recovery-based housing.
Importance of Community – One of our primary goals is to assist residents in finding a place within the recovering community. We work hard to help them develop a foundation in local 12 step groups and to build meaningful relationships with others in recovery.
Long-Term Success – Dawn Farm residential programs produce results. We measure short- and long-term client success, client satisfaction and other outcomes—and we consistently exceed national standards. We are constantly using evaluative measurements to improve the quality and effectiveness of our services.
About Our Length of Stay
Our minimum length of stay is 30 to 60 days*, but all applicants should plan on participating in Dawn Farm programming for a minimum of 3 months. This may mean that a client does 30 days of residential followed by outpatient and/or transitional housing. We’re often asked why we don’t offer a shorter program. A July 5, 2007 Time magazine article summarizes our reason very well:
One important discovery: evidence is building to support the 90-day rehabilitation model, which was stumbled upon by AA (new members are advised to attend a meeting a day for the first 90 days) and is the duration of a typical stint in a drug-treatment program. It turns out that this is just about how long it takes for the brain to reset itself and shake off the immediate influence of a drug. Researchers at Yale University have documented what they call the sleeper effect–a gradual re-engaging of proper decision making and analytical functions in the brain’s prefrontal cortex–after an addict has abstained for at least 90 days.
Additional Information
- Information for Prospective Clients and Families
- Residential Rules & Regulations
- What should I bring?
- Dawn Farm’s approach to psychotropic medication
* NOTE: A 30 to 60 day stay is generally limited to clients who have had a relatively recent period of sustained recovery but have had a relapse, or people with less advanced addictions and high recovery capital. Even in these circumstances, prospective clients should plan on a stay of around 60 days.
