Which addictions are treated at the Ranch? What if
I have multiple addictive behaviors? What if I have concurrent
mental illness issues?
The clinical professionals at the Ranch have designed
a program that is effective and appropriate to treat all forms
of addictive behavior. Although we focus mostly on chemical
addictions (alcohol and drugs), our program also addresses
the behavioral addictions such as gambling, sex and romance
addiction and other dependencies that often
accompany the chemical addictions. Our program also recognizes
that there are often concurrent mental disorders that accompany
addictions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD (Attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder) and other mental illnesses. On admission
a full evaluation utilizing the ASI (Addiction Severity Index)
is performed and our clinicians have been trained strategically
to attend to these issues as they arise. Following the evaluation,
an individual program is designed and the client is treated
through an individualized case managed basis.
What methods of treatment are used at the Ranch?
Treatment at the ranch is provided by a multitude
of fully trained professionals who work as a multidisciplinary
team. On admission a full evaluation is performed
utilizing the ASI (Addiction Severity Index). We work on a
case managed basis, where an individual case counsellor is assigned
to each client and an individualized program is designed. Our counsellors provide both group psycho educational and therapeutic treatment in conjunction with intensive individual therapy sessions with each of our clients. We provide up to date clinical education and self care seminars with evidence based strategies including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, as well as mutual self help support groups. Based on the needs of the individual clients we also offer EMDR therapy. This makes Top of the World Ranch one of the most intensive and thorough recovery centers in the world.
Clients are given informative seminars, education on the nature of addiction, homework on insight into their addiction and how it impacts their lives, as well as selfcare techniques; we strongly call attention to relapse prevention and recovery strategies. We also encourage a balanced return to recovery, emphasizing physical activity and stress management with regular exercise, nature walks, massage and meditation.
What is the weather like?
We have 4 beautiful seasons of weather here in the East
Kootenay Valley. In fact Cranbrook BC, which is
a 20 minute drive, claims the most hours of sunshine in
Canada. We are in a relatively dry region and only
3000' above sea level so we do not typically get the cold
associated with living high in the mountains. The summers
are sunny, warm, dry and beautiful. The autumn is
usually gorgeous with temperatures very moderate and
comfortable. The birds begin their migration (although
some stay these days) and the sunlight is very calming.
Winters are cool, calming and peaceful. Due to our dry
weather and very little wind, clients are often surprised
by how nice it feels here in the winter. In winter
the fireplace in our great room becomes a central focal point,
as well as a great place to relax and read some inspiring
literature. Spring is a favorite with flowers blooming
and the return of the migratory birds. Every season offers something
unique. The ranch over looks Kimberley Alpine
Resort. A claim many make is that you can mountain bike
and snow ski on the same day. We hike and do outside
activities year-round. There is no unpleasant time to
be at Top of the World Ranch Treatment Centre.
Do I need a referral to access this programme?
No referral is required. However, your primary care physician
must complete a pre-admission medical form to ensure the appropriateness
of your admission request. Potential participants are required
to complete a comprehensive admissions application form. If
it is not possible for you to complete the medical examination
with your primary care physician prior to your arrival, you
will be examined by our consulting physician within two days of your arrival. There is a $80 dollar
additional fee for the admission examination when completed
at the Ranch.
How secure is the facility and will my attendance
be kept confidential?
The facility is relatively secure in that it is protected
from urban activity by distance and remoteness. It is not
a “lock up”. Clients are discouraged from leaving
the facility during the first two weeks of treatment unless
authorized by their counsellor and/or accompanied by Ranch personnel.
This measure is ensure each participant’s safety and
to enhance the potential for successful accomplishment of
your recovery goals. All Ranch personnel are committed to
the rigorous confidentiality policy of the facility. Your identity may be exposed to other clients
who are bound by written contract to respect your privacy,
as you are bound to respect theirs. In short, every measure
is taken to ensure the highest possible level of discretion
and respect for client privacy. Unauthorized visitors are not admitted. Authorized visitors must sign confidentiality agreements.
Will I have access to persons outside of the facility? Your first week here is a time of retreat. You will make and receive no calls. After this time and after consultation with your counsellor, you will have access to our client phone during certain parts of the day and evening. *Note to our clients, their family, friends and associates: It is ranch policy that we neither confirm nor deny a clients presence here. We realize that this can seem strange at times but is in the best interests of our clients. Clients will not have personnal access to computers or e-mail during their stay. Phone calls to clients are screened to ensure the safety of our clients, messages will be past on when appropriate.
Do I need spending money? All extra services in which you choose to partake that take place on the ranch - including massage, accupuncture, store purchases etc - will be charged to you account and you will pay upon your departure. Items such as off ranch store purchases, or off ranch services that you may use, will require you to have the appropriate funds available. If you require a cash advance from the ranch on you credit card on file, you will be charged a 3% surcharge to cover our transaction fees. It is best to bring with you any spending money you feel you will require while here. We do provide secure storage. All personal belongings that require safe keeping (wallet, purse, keys, etc) will be locked away in your storage box here at the ranch.
Will I have a private room?
The Ranch’s accommodations
are two-bedroom suites. You will have a suite-mate, but your
sleeping chamber is an individual room. You will share the
bathroom with your suite-mate. Group living environments have
been clinically proven to support recovery from addictions.
Your suite mate may change over the course of your treatment,
but we make every effort to discourage soloing in a suite.
Addiction often results in dysfunctional social isolation.
The suite mate system aims to provide appropriate access to
others in recovery for support and stabilization. For obvious
reasons, supportive recovery staff will make regular and random
wellness checks on clients while you are in your suite.
Is drug testing done at the Ranch?
The Ranch has provisions for testing both blood and urine.
During the admission process you will be required to consent
to random testing for drug and alcohol use. The use of drugs
and alcohol is prohibited during the treatment programme.
Use of drugs or alcohol during treatment will result in immediate
dismissal from the programme. This dismissal is not a “punishment”
for using. It is a logical consequence for violating your
contract.
Can I take my prescribed medication while in treatment?
All prescriptions must be pre-approved by the Clinical Director
in consultation with your primary care physician. Your medications
will be in your personal safe that is accessible only under
supervision of the clinical staff. No prescription or over-the-counter
medications, or herbal remedies are permitted to be in your
possession while in treatment. Ranch personnel will not dispense
medication. They supervise your access to your meds as per
your physician’s directions.
If I leave treatment before it is completed do I
get a refund on my fee?
Your deposit is non-refundable but can be used up to 6 months
if you must cancel for any reason. You are required to pay
the remainder of your treatment fee upon arrival. This payment
is non-refundable. If you are required to leave for medical
reasons, your fee will be pro-rated at 50% for the remaining
days of your treatment upon your departure and you will receive
an adjusted medical refund.
Where is Top of the World Ranch Located? How do I
get there? If I am from the USA do I need a passport?
We are located on the Rocky Mountain side of the East Kootenay
Valley in South Eastern British Columbia. We are a 25
minute drive from the Cranbrook Airport
(http://cranbrookairport.com/index.htm) which has multiple
daily non-stop flights from both Vancouver BC and Calgary
Alberta International airports. We are a 2.5 hour drive
from Glacier International Airport in Kalispell Montana or 4
hours from Spokane International Airport in Spokane
Washington. For your convenience you are welcome to
contact one of our local travel agencies to arrange your
travel needs. This information is included in our links
section. Click on the map for further details.
Prior to your departure, do call us for more explicit
directions and remember we are not Top of the World provincial
park. For our clients from the US, as of January 8th
2007 you will need a passport to get back into the US if
traveling by air only. If you do not currently have a
passport and would like to attend treatment here, we will
offer you a land transfer from Kalispell Montana's Glacier
International Airport. You do not currently need a
passport to travel into the US by land. The fee for this
transfer is $400.00 and the drive is 2.5 hours.
Will I have free time to myself?
Each day you will have up to three hours of “private
time” for reflection, meditation, prayer, creative activities,
exercise or simply rest. Your focus while here is on yourself
and your program. For the safety of all clients, please cooperate
with support staff at all times. The structure of the program
is purposefully intense and vigilantly supervised. Within
the routine there are plenty of light-hearted periods that
involve your participation with a small group or the whole
group.
Is it a mixed gender /co-ed program? Are there gender-specific
sessions? What if I’ve been abused or victimized by
the opposite sex?
The program is mixed gender and most activities are co-ed.
Some group therapy sessions are exclusively for male or female
clients respectively. All personnel
are sensitive and responsive to any discomfort the mixed gender
environment may invoke. The Ranch creates as “regular”
a social context as possible in order to strategically guide
you to appropriately respond to “regular” stresses
that you will undoubtedly encounter after treatment. The Ranch also stresses to each client the importance of good and solid boundaries along with healthy relationships both in and outside of treatment.
What if I deem I do not have an addiction or do not want to be in treatment but feel obligated due to various pressures from family, friends, work etc? Or that I am not willing to follow the policies of the ranch if I do not feel them to be suitable for me or in my best interests? If you feel you do not need to or want to recover, to heal, inside and out, or are attending treatment to appease others, or if you do not wish to fully participate in our program and to trust that we have your best interests as our own, then we are likely not the best place for you. Our staff is not equipped in aversion therapy and we are not an “IN YOUR FACE” treatment center. Our program is built upon respect, guidance, instruction, compassion, and evidence based therapies & counseling. More aggressive methods do exist and other centers may be better equipped to fill your needs
*Be certain that you check our "what to bring list"
If you have any further questions please contact
us
