Damascus utilizes a solution-based approach to address life problems in the areas of work, school, and family, as well as to influence interpersonal relationships through positive peer support inside and outside the residence. The recovery process is based on the utilization of the 12 steps of AA and NA.
ABOUT DAMASCUS REHAB
Located in the historic college town of Statesboro in eastern Georgia, Damascus Rehab offers long-term residential treatment for men struggling with substance abuse. This center is approved to accept individuals currently on parole and probation.
Damascus Rehab is not a medical facility, and medical detox is not available on-site. Individuals struggling with mental-health disorders can be accommodated, but only if they have been stable on psychotropic medications for three to six months before admission.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Damascus Rehab uses the 12-Steps along with a solutions-based approach, aiming to address difficulties in clients’ work, school, and family lives as well as their substance use disorders. In addition, the peer support provided at the facility helps clients to resolve their interpersonal problems.
Residents attend off-site 12-step meetings every day, as well as participating in a weekly individual counseling session, group counseling, psychoeducational groups, and community meetings. The program is split into four phases; at each stage, residents take on more responsibility until, in the later stages of treatment, they become positive peer mentors for new residents.
Families are encouraged to participate in the program, though the facility’s website does not detail any structured family counseling activities.
Damascus Rehab also provides drug and alcohol screening, employment assistance, and monthly reports to parole and probation officials.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The center is staffed by certified addiction counselors.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Residents sleep in shared bedrooms and complete mandatory chores. After a certain period in treatment, overnight passes can be granted, and the center also aims to encourage residents to develop healthy, sober social lives by scheduling camping trips and outings to the movies and college sports games, among other activities.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The two alumni reviews submitted to Best-rehabs.com to date were entirely polarized. Alum Jack described a lack of counseling and insufficient food. “They have their residents working full time to pay 200 dollars a week to only have a pillow at night. Their form of counseling is actually just sitting in a hot warehouse in a button down and tie for 8 hours every Friday night in a session they refer to as POP,” Jack added.
But C.G. rebutted Jack’s description. “Damascus provided me with structure, accountability, workbook material, relapse prevention, 12-step support and a safe, comfortable environment to learn how to live, work and thrive as a sober member of my society,” C.G. wrote, while acknowledging that one former staff member used some questionable practices.
At the time of this writing, secondary review sites yielded minimal coverage: a single five-star review with no accompanying commentary, left by B.H. on Facebook (where the facility can manage its own page).
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The single loved one polled by Best-rehabs.com to date, H.E., gave positive feedback. “We are very pleased with his care and find one of the male staff members very knowledgeable and compassionate,” they wrote of their son’s stay at Damascus.
FINANCING
According to the facility’s website, there’s a non-refundable admission fee of $1,295, followed by weekly rent of $205, which clients pay using earnings from jobs they secure during treatment.