San Diego’s Freedom Ranch is a 120-day residential addiction treatment program rooted in the foundations of the 12 Steps of Recovery. Clients receive highly structured care, featuring activities such as daily study groups, one-on-one staff discussions, assigned chores, community service, and more. Freedom Ranch offers a no-frills social-model for recovery, providing clients with the tools to maintain lasting sobriety.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO FREEDOM RANCH
For more than 40 years, San Diego Freedom Ranch has provided residential treatment for adult men dealing with substance abuse. The Ranch is located on 300 spacious acres of land in the town of Campo in San Diego County.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Admittance into San Diego Freedom Ranch begins with an interview. The ranch requires a four-month long stay. Treatment is highly structured and is rooted in the 12-steps. Clients will attend five hours of group classes centered on 12-step topics and one Alcohol Anonymous meeting daily.
Clients will engage in one-on-one meetings weekly with staff as well as group meetings with counselors. Group topics may include anger management, family wellness, and changing thinking patterns.
Residents will complete chores around the campus like cleaning, gardening, maintenance, and construction as long as they are physically able. They will also participate in community service activities at local churches, schools, and other organizations.
Clients will have relapse prevention training and are expected to compile an aftercare plan prior to leaving treatment. The ranch offers alumni activities as well.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
San Diego Freedom Ranch’s website indicates that many staff members are in recovery themselves. The executive director of San Diego Freedom Ranch has a master’s degree and more than 20 years of working in substance abuse treatment. The facility also employs certified alcohol and drug counselors, certified addiction specialists, and a cook.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
San Diego Freedom Ranch is settled on 300 acres of secluded land perfect for recreational activities like horseschoes, hiking, and meditation. If residents are physically able to work, they will cultivate fruit and vegetables in gardens. Clients can also enjoy miniature golf, weightlifting, and movie nights.
Residents will live in bunkhouse-style quarters. They will also have the opportunity to engage in community service.
Alumni and loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave the center four and five stars for accommodations.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Six alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com at this time of writing gave overwhelmingly positive ratings to San Diego Freedom Ranch. Several alumni noted that while there were minimal recreational activities the facility changed their lives. “Don’t get the wrong idea, these residence will also teach you to always have fun in life while we remain sober,” wrote Richard.
Alum J.G. wrote: “This place gave me exactly what I needed a since of self and fellowship and also a family.” George added: “I love what the Ranch has done for me. I now work in the recovery field…Coming up on 12 years of recovery.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave San Diego Freedom Ranch high marks. D.B. commented: “They are a strong team. It’s far out of the way in a space that feels sacred. A great start to a new way of living.” Another anonymous loved one felt that “came home a different person who has been clean for two years” following treatment at the ranch.
FINANCING
San Diego Freedom Ranch does not turn clients away based on inability to pay. For San Diego County residents, costs are determined through a sliding scale based on income. The average wait time for men needing assistance is four to six weeks. Those from other areas of the U.S. must pay fees in full.