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Highlights
Customized Treatment Plans
Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment
Private Rooms Only
Addiction Recovery
About Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat
Led by a team of experts with decades of experience, Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat offers effective treatment for substance and behavioural addictions along with co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression and trauma. Their addiction treatment programs require a minimum of 28 days, with a recommendation of 12 weeks for optimal care. The retreat is set on 100 serene acres surrounded by one of Australia’s finest national parks, teeming with native wildlife and bush walks.
Southern Highlands provides an evidence-based and holistic program built around four key pillars of wellness: physical health focuses on exercise, nutrition and sleep, mental health helps clients understand their relationship with addiction and building skills, spiritual health enhances mindfulness and inner growth, and social wellbeing fosters healthy connections and social skills. This approach is further supported by individual and group therapy, educational seminars, adventures, therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI), and family therapy.
Southern Highlands personalizes treatment plans for each client’s unique needs, beginning with a comprehensive assessment of their medical history, substance use, and psychological state. This approach ensures that each individual receives care that aligns with their specific circumstances and recovery goals. For some clients, this may mean focusing on personal wellness and family dynamics. Executives can benefit from strategies that integrate their professional responsibilities with recovery, while veterans receive specialized support addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other service-related challenges.
Under two hours from Sydney and Canberra, Southern Highlands offers a safe, home-like environment perfect for recovery and rejuvenation. Guests are far from temptation, immersed in nature’s beauty, yet within easy reach of essential services and vibrant local towns. The region provides a wealth of activities and excursions that expand clients’ horizons and make rehab engaging and enjoyable. The retreat features private rooms with ensuites and air conditioning, complemented by unmatched facilities, including a commercial-grade gym, pool, spa, sauna, tennis and basketball courts, and more. Designed to be handicap accessible for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, it features flattened grounds and wheelchair-friendly accommodations.
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At Southern Highlands, days are thoughtfully structured to promote healthy routines and lasting recovery. Each morning begins with exercise and a group check-in to foster connection and support. The week includes six therapist-led group sessions focusing on recovery topics, two individual therapy sessions, and opportunities for family therapy. Evenings are dedicated to reflection, gratitude, and setting daily goals. Creative and mindful activities, such as art therapy and meditation, are woven into the schedule, while weekly off-site adventures add excitement and variety. Sundays provide time for family visits and optional 12-step meetings, ensuring a balanced approach to healing.
The clinical team at Southern Highlands includes highly qualified professionals dedicated to providing evidence-based addiction treatment. The medical director, a general practitioner with over 30 years of experience, specializes in mental health, addiction medicine, women’s health, and preventive healthcare. The program supervisor, a clinical psychologist, has extensive expertise in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and the impact of substance addictions. The personable and friendly approach among all staff fosters a supportive environment, enabling clients to engage openly in their recovery journey and achieve lasting well-being.
Southern Highlands develops bespoke aftercare programs for each client, combining telehealth, online support, and family involvement to ensure a smooth transition after treatment. These programs include regular therapy sessions, support group meetings, and access to medical care, providing vital resources for navigating the challenges daily life in recovery. By helping clients apply the skills learned in rehab and maintain their progress, aftercare significantly reduces the risk of relapse and supports long-term sobriety.
The veterans program at Southern Highlands offers tailored addiction treatment designed to address the unique challenges faced by Australian Defence Force veterans. Led by professionals who understand the nuances of veterans’ wellbeing and the DVA’s processes, the program integrates specialized care for conditions like PTSD and provides assistance with DVA applications. Veterans benefit from a non-clinical, welcoming environment surrounded by natural beauty, fostering relaxation and deeper recovery work. With access to diverse activities, an onsite gym, and therapies like yoga, meditation, and art, the program supports physical, mental, and emotional healing, empowering veterans to reclaim their wellbeing.
Co-Occurring Disorders
A person with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as addiction and depression, has co-occurring disorders also called dual diagnosis.
LGBTQ+
Addiction and mental illnesses in the LGBTQ+ community must be treated with an affirming, safe, and relevant approach, which many centers provide.
Men and Women
Men and women attend treatment for addiction in a co-ed setting, going to therapy groups together to share experiences, struggles, and successes.
Mild Disabilities
Adults with mild physical or intellectual disabilities receive treatment catered to their specific needs in a safe and clinically supportive environment.
Professionals
Busy, high-ranking professionals get the personalized treatment they need with greater accommodations for work, privacy, and outside communication.
Veterans
Patients who completed active military duty receive specialized treatment focused on trauma, grief, loss, and finding a new work-life balance.
Alcohol
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.
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Detox
Detox fully and safely removes toxic substances from the body, allowing the next steps in treatment to begin with a clean slate.
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Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.
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Gambling
Prescription Drugs
It's possible to abuse any drug, even prescribed ones. If you crave a medication, or regularly take it more than directed, you may have an addiction.
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a long-term mental health issue caused by a disturbing event or events. Symptoms include anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.
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Veterans
Patients who completed active military duty receive specialized treatment focused on trauma, grief, loss, and finding a new work-life balance.
Trauma
Some traumatic events are so disturbing that they cause long-term mental health problems. Those ongoing issues can also be referred to as "trauma."
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Recovery Coaching
Intensive Inpatient
The highest level of care, medically managed intensive inpatient services provides 24-hour nursing and physician care.
Detox
Detox fully and safely removes toxic substances from the body, allowing the next steps in treatment to begin with a clean slate.
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Private Therapy
In countries with universal healthcare, people can still choose to get private therapy. This makes it easier to find treatment tailored to your needs.
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Residential
In a residential rehab program, patients live onsite, with access to daily treatment and 24-hour care. An average stay is 30-90 days.
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Retreat
These curated experiences promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and provide a break from the busy pace of daily life.
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Sober Living
These structured living environments help people transition out of rehab. Residents have more freedom than they do during rehab, but still follow certain rules.
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Evidence-Based
A combination of scientifically rooted therapies and treatments make up evidence-based care, defined by their measured and proven results.
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Holistic
A non-medicinal, wellness-focused approach that aims to align the mind, body, and spirit for deep and lasting healing.
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Individual Treatment
Individual care meets the needs of each patient, using personalized treatment to provide them the most relevant care and greatest chance of success.
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Wellness
Wellness philosophies focus on the physical, mental, and spiritual wellness of each patient, helping them restore purpose with natural remedies.
1-on-1 Counseling
Patient and therapist meet 1-on-1 to work through difficult emotions and behavioral challenges in a personal, private setting.
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Meditation & Mindfulness
A practiced state of mind that brings patients to the present. It allows them to become fully aware of themselves, their feelings, and the present moment.
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Trauma-Specific Therapy
This form of talk therapy addresses any childhood trauma at the root of a patient's current diagnosis.
Online Therapy
Patients can connect with a therapist via videochat, messaging, email, or phone. Remote therapy makes treatment more accessible.
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Mindfulness Therapy
This ancient practice can be mental, emotional, and even spiritual. In meditation, you focus your attention on the present moment without judgement.
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Animal Therapy
Animals can inspire trust and self-worth. In this experiential therapy, guided interactions are used to improve social skills and emotion regulation.
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Art Therapy
Visual art invites patients to examine the emotions within their work, focusing on the process of creativity and its gentle therapeutic power.
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Equine Therapy
Guided interactions with trained horses, their handler, and a therapist can help patients improve their self-esteem, trust, empathy, and social skills.
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Experiential Therapy
With this approach, patients heal by doing. Therapists help patients process difficult emotions to speak, using guided activities like art or dance.
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Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses group dynamics within a family system, with a focus on improving communication and interrupting unhealthy relationship patterns.
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Life Skills
Teaching life skills like cooking, cleaning, clear communication, and even basic math provides a strong foundation for continued recovery.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy relieves physical and emotional tension, reduces pain, promotes relaxation, and improves emotion regulation.
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
MBCT combines mindfulness practices—like meditation—with cognitive therapy techniques to help patients work through negative thought patterns.
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Motivational Interviewing
Based on the idea that motivation to change comes from within, providers use a conversational framework to discover personalized methods for change.
Music Therapy
Singing, performing, and even listening to music can be therapeutic. Music therapy sessions are facilitated by certified counselors.
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Nutrition Counseling
Nutritious food helps patients heal from within, setting them up for mental and bodily wellness as they learn about healthy eating.
Psychoeducation
This method combines treatment with education, teaching patients about different paths toward recovery. This empowers them to make more effective decisions.
Relapse Prevention Counseling
Relapse prevention counselors teach patients to recognize the signs of relapse and reduce their risk.
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Relaxation Therapy
Muscle relaxation techniques relax mind and body. They can easily be practiced outside treatment, making it a valuable coping tool for continued recovery.
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Solution Focused, Goal-Oriented Therapy
A quick goal-oriented therapy that helps patients identify their current and future goals, find out how to achieve them, and empower future problem-solving.
Spiritual Care
Tending to spiritual health helps treatment become more effective, allowing patients to better cope with their emotions and rebuild their spiritual wellbeing.
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Stress Management
Patients learn specific stress management techniques, like breathing exercises and how to safely anticipate triggers.
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Twelve Step Facilitation
12-Step groups offer a framework for addiction recovery. Members commit to a higher power, recognize their issues, and support each other in the healing process.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
This cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients to accept challenging feelings and make the appropriate changes to reach personal goals.
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Group Therapy
Two or more people meet with a therapist together. Patients get valuable peer support, strengthen interpersonal skills, and improve self-awareness.
Yoga
Yoga is both a physical and spiritual practice. It includes a flow of movement, breathing techniques, and meditation.
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Pornography Addiction
A person with a porn addiction is emotionally dependent on pornography to the point that it interferes with their daily life and relationships.
Grief and Loss
Grief is a natural reaction to loss, but severe grief can interfere with your ability to function. You can get treatment for this condition.
ADHD, ADD
ADHD is a common mental health condition caused by dopamine imbalance. Common symptoms include inattention, hyperactivitiy, and impulsivity.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.
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Burnout
Burnout entails mental and physical exhaustion, and leads to a severe lack of fulfillment. This condition is often caused by overwork.
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Codependency
Codependency is a pattern of emotional dependence and controlling behavior. It's most common among people with addicted loved ones.
Depression
Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, a sense of numbness, and loss of interest in activities. This condition can range from mild to severe.
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Gambling
Gaming
Compulsive gaming is most often a problem for children and teens. The disorder can affect physical health, sleep, and the ability to focus at school.
Internet Addiction
Internet addiction is common among children teens. This compulsive disorder can damage relationships, school performance, sleep habits, and physical health.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts that drive repetitive behaviors. This pattern disrupts daily life and relationships.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a long-term mental health issue caused by a disturbing event or events. Symptoms include anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.
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Self-Harm
The act of intentionally harming oneself, also called self-injury, is associated with mental health issues like depression.
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Sex Addiction
Compulsively seeking out sex can easily become a problem. This addiction is detrimental to relationships, physical health, and self-esteem.
Shopping Addiction
Excessive shopping and spending also known as compulsive buying disorder makes life unsustainable. It puts a strain on finances, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Stress
Stress is a natural reaction to challenges, and it can even help you adapt. However, chronic stress can cause physical and mental health issues.
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Trauma
Some traumatic events are so disturbing that they cause long-term mental health problems. Those ongoing issues can also be referred to as "trauma."
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Alcohol
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.
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Chronic Relapse
Consistent relapse occurs repeatedly, after partial recovery from addiction. This condition requires long-term treatment.
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Co-Occurring Disorders
A person with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as addiction and depression, has co-occurring disorders also called dual diagnosis.
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Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant with euphoric effects. Agitation, muscle ticks, psychosis, and heart issues are common symptoms of cocaine abuse.
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Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.
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Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a stimulant that causes intense euphoria and heightened awareness. Abuse of this drug can trigger depression, insomnia, and memory problems.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal opioid. It can cause insomnia, collapsed veins, heart issues, and additional mental health issues.
Psychedelics
Hallucinogenic drugs—like LSD—cause euphoria and increased sensory experiences. When abused, they can lead to depression and psychosis.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, or meth, increases energy, agitation, and paranoia. Long-term use can result in severe physical and mental health issues.
Opioids
Opioids produce pain-relief and euphoria, which can lead to addiction. This class of drugs includes prescribed medication and the illegal drug heroin.
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Prescription Drugs
It's possible to abuse any drug, even prescribed ones. If you crave a medication, or regularly take it more than directed, you may have an addiction.
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Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking—i.e., ceasing to smoke—means giving up smoking nicotine and tobacco products. This process has very important health benefits.
Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic drugs are made in a lab, unlike plant-based drugs like mushrooms. Most synthetic drugs are either stimulants or synthetic cannabinoids.
Center Pets
Addiction and mental health facilities with pets allow patients to interact with friendly dogs, cats, horses, and in some cases, even dolphins.
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Flexible technology policies
Centers with flexible technology policies allow professionals to stay in touch with work and give patients a greater sense of connection and normalcy.
Healthy Meals are provided
Great food meets great treatment, with providers serving healthy meals to restore nutrition, wellbeing, and health.
Yoga
Yoga is both a physical and spiritual practice. It includes a flow of movement, breathing techniques, and meditation.
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Dr Jennifer Parer
Medical Director
MBBS, FRACGP, DipRACOG
Warwick Parer
Managing Director
LLB
Linda Jackson
Lead Therapist
MSW, BHSc, Dip Com Serv, Grad Cert Couns
Dr Kamal Dhaliwal
Program Supervisor
BA(Psych), DPsych(Clin), MAPS
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Wonderful facilities (all rooms with ensuites) in a very pretty and tranquil setting. The staff could not have been more supportive and caring. I would not hesitate to recommend the Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat. Tucked in nature's embrace, the location is fantastic. The facilities and amenities are great. There are private rooms with ensuites - all of which are clean and accessible.
Natalie C
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