We are not a 12 step program. We believe in empowering individuals to take control of their own lives. We have developed techniques for creating the qualities lacking in many people’s character: self-esteem, self-worth, and self-discipline. We motivate the unmotivated and often succeed where other programs have failed.
ABOUT HABILITAT
Located in Kaneohe, Hawaii, 11 miles north of Honolulu, Habilitat is a long-term residential treatment facility that provides a comprehensive, three-tiered program for individuals struggling with chemical dependency and antisocial behaviors. Habilitat describes itself as a “School of Survival” that promotes positive lifestyle changes through education, vocational training, and work-therapy. Operating since 1971, Habilitat does not offer medical detoxification services on-site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Habilitat does not adhere to the disease model of addiction but rather views addiction as a lifestyle choice. Although programming incorporates elements of behavioral therapy, such as group meetings, Habilitat strongly emphasizes vocational training, regimented schedules, and self-discipline as the keys to overcoming destructive behaviors. Its three-phase program is fully immersive and requires a minimum commitment of two and a half years.
The first phase, or Treatment Phase, features a daily schedule of social and work obligations, such as morning meetings, daily seminars with guest speakers, and recreational activities, performing daily tasks, and learning basic life skills. During this phase, residents who do not have their G.E.D. are enrolled in classes to receive their diploma (and some graduates go on to pursue college degrees). An optional computer class is also available.
After approximately six months of the Treatment Phase, clients transition into the Re-entry Phase, which is designed to prepare clients for daily living and self-sufficiency. Residents choose one of several required vocational skills: construction, administration, medical assistance, sales and marketing, culinary arts, and clinical work. Habilitat facilitates employment outside of the facility, and clients earn a stipend for their services while learning effective budgeting practices.
The third phase, the Post Re-entry Phase, enables clients to reconnect with family members and their communities while continuing to maintain their work obligations. During this final stage, residents are given “days off” to promote off-site leisure activities, such as beach trips, movie outings, and attending community activities.
During all phases of treatment, Habilitat emphasizes health and wellness as important components to sustaining healthy lifestyle changes. Once a client completes the Post Re-entry Phase, Habilitat provides six months of aftercare services, which includes structured monitoring, follow-up, and aftercare sessions at the Habilitat facility.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Apart from an on-site nurse to ensure residents’ safety, most employees are former residents, but on-site educators are state-certified to provide classroom instruction. For those who wish to work at the facility, Habilitat provides a trainee program. The facility maintains a staff-to-client ratio of 1:8.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Located on Kaneohe Bay, Habilitat is a large, oceanfront campus with a capacity for up to 150 residents. Residents are housed in dorm-like, gender-specific rooms that accommodate four to five clients per room. The campus features a Jacuzzi and steam room, fully-equipped gym, state-of-the-art aerobics studios, basketball and volleyball courts, an on-site barbershop, a computer room, a game room, and a library.
The facility also features its own pier and boats, and residents have access to a range of outdoor activities, including boating, kayaking, sailing, swimming, hiking, and surfing. Staff also regularly led optional kickboxing and aerobics classes.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The two alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing offered very polarizing opinions of the facility. One alum, Ken, maintained that the facility was highly effective. “Habilitat taught me to be grateful for the things I have, they taught me how to work hard!” Ken wrote. He also submitted a five-star rating for the facility’s accommodations and amenities; however, alum Jordan had a starkly different opinion of the facility. “I went there and it’s beyond messed up the way they treat you…” Jordan wrote, citing extended hours of cleaning the facility.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The five loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided mixed opinions of the facility. Ratings for treatment effectiveness averaged 4.2 out of five stars. An anonymous loved one said, “They have people who have been through treatment and understand what it’s like to struggle with dependency,” but they also added, “Not too much after treatment support.”
A third loved one, L.H., praised the facility, reporting sustained recovery and ongoing employment for their son. “After trying many other short term programs, my son finally got clean here and has been working and doing well on his own for several years now. I am very grateful to the people at Habilitat for working so hard to help him.” Regarding the facility as a whole, however, an unsatisfied loved one added: “It’s better than nothing.”
FINANCING
Habilitat funds itself through donations and the labor services performed by residents. Insurance is not accepted, according to the facility’s website, but scholarships may be available.