Residents frequently describe Sozo Recovery Center as a “spiritual retreat” rather than a rehabilitation center for drug and alcohol addiction. This is because the facility offers a unique and highly effective Christian recovery experience, combined with the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, that provides compassionate and individualized care. After treatment, clients leave with a strong foundation for long-term sobriety, as well as a positive outlook on themselves, those around them, and life in general.
ABOUT SOZO RECOVERY CENTERS, INC.
Located outside the community of Jessieville, Arkansas, surrounded by the forests and natural beauty of Hot Springs National Park, SOZO Recovery Centers, Inc. is a faith-based, long-term recovery center for adult males struggling with chemical dependency. SOZO is one of 44 percent of facilities nationwide that specifically treat adult male clients (page 22).
The center also offers a less-intensive, on-site outpatient program with transitional living for alumni of the residential program. Medical detoxification is not available on-site. Sozo accepts a combination of self-referred and court-referred clients.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
SOZO’s faith-based treatment program integrates the 12-step model of recovery with Christian principles. The initial residential phase of treatment, referred to as a mentoring period by the facility, lasts for two to three months. During this phase, clients follow a rigorous 63-hour schedule of weekly programming, including individual and group counseling, addiction studies, Bible study, and church classes.
As part of the treatment program, clients regularly attend on- and off-site 12-step meetings, study fellowship literature (Big Book), engage in “step-work,” and acquire a sponsor. Clients also attend worship services and participate in community volunteering. The program emphasizes group therapy rather than lectures.
After the initial residential treatment phase, clients transition to the “transitional living” program, during which they continue to live on campus and receive mentoring. During this program, clients must attend a minimum of 15 to 17 hours of weekly treatment programming and participate in recovery- and faith-based activities. Many clients find and retain employment during this phase, which typically lasts for four months.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
No information is available about the staff at SOZO; however, the staff’s approach to recovery has received positive feedback from the two individuals surveyed by Best-rehabs.com to date.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
According to the website, SOZO can accommodate a maximum of 15 clients. Clients do not share a home with more than six peers at a time. On campus, there is a patio overlooking a stream, a goldfish pond, and an outdoor pool. The facility also hosts an annual golf tournament.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The one alum surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of writing submitted a positive review of SOZO, without providing ratings. Alum Keith stated, “Having been an inpatient at many ‘treatment centers,’ I can verify that the ‘RECOVERY’ that takes place in the SOZO system is the perfect blend of Faith-based and 12-step recovery.”
As of now, SOZO has received ten perfect five-star ratings on Facebook, where the facility manages its own page. Reviewers repeatedly express their gratitude for the staff and the treatment they received at SOZO. Alum T.D.A. wrote, “I am now one year sober thanks to SOZO Recovery Centers, Inc. I cannot begin to explain, nor describe, how wonderful, committed, supportive, helpful, generous, and kind the administration was!”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
One family member surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of writing gave SOZO a perfect five-star rating for treatment effectiveness. Family member Dan stated, “The results I’ve witnessed firsthand are outstanding. I feel SOZO Recovery Centers has found the perfect blend of spiritual and practical treatment that is tremendously effective.”
FINANCING
The facility’s website indicates that some clients may not be able to afford treatment. As a result, the cost of running the program is subsidized by funding from individuals, private businesses, community partners, and local churches. It is unclear from the website whether any clients pay for their own care and, if so, the amount required.