THE WILDWOOD FARM PROGRAM
Built in 1815, the Wildwood Farmhouse provides all the comforts of home, including single and double bedrooms fitted with WiFi and state-of-the-art climate control. The objective of the sober house is to make a safe, comfortable home for the LGBTQ person in need of supportive services in establishing a successful recovery plan. The typical stay at the farm is 3, 6 and 12 months, however, other arrangements are possible.
As a sober house for the person seeking a change of direction in life, the Wildwood Farm Program is based on the foundation of the findings and directives of SAMHSA, the Federal Government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Nikki Korth, LCSW serves as the Director of Queer Normative Programs and she works directly with the Program Manager at the Farm offering a 24-hour supportive program of adventure based activities and therapies.
For the client that lacks the motivation to make needed changes, staff are trained to use Motivational Interviewing Techniques which calls for the person to experience the negative side of past choices and find an interior desire to avoid past negative consequences of the addictive thinking, behaviors, and use. In a relatively short period an individual can find a new motivation based on their own belief structure and desires for the future.
As a sober house, Wildwood Farm requires abstinence from addictive substances and participation in 12-step programs (AA or NA). Medication assisted therapy (MAT) is a popular address for many individuals in early recovery. Clients seeking MAT are welcomed at Wildwood Farm on a case-by-case basis, as is the case with all clients. Planning a recovery program that includes MAT must begin upon application for admission to Wildwood Farm.
Sober Living
“Deep down, every person suffering from addiction wants a sober life full of love, happiness, and hope.”
-- Dr. Mike Hinkley
ADVENTURE BASED EXTENDED TREATMENT
Wildwood Farm is an adventure based recovery treatment program that means numerous activities each week are intended to expand a client’s engagement and emotional development. Adventure based recovery programs that average 3-6 month stays enjoy very favorable results for individuals living with depression and anxiety. New experiences can be powerful assets in furthering a person’s motivation for change. Dr. Hinkley’s professional experience at other extended treatment programs gave him a keen sensitivity to the negative experiences many clients have during extensive hours spent in “down time” at the sober house. The negative and empty hours can adversely affect one’s motivation to change, which is essential to long term and stable sobriety. Besides the Farm-And-Table Program, Wildwood Farm works with each client to participate in a myriad of activities that can be made available to inspire the resident to enjoy new people, places, and things through a litany of programs - from yoga, pottery, gardening, animal husbandry, horseback riding, kayaking, deep sea fishing, day trips to Block Island, Broadway Shows, museums, and other exclusive outings.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Under the direction of Dr. Hinkley, Wildwood Farm works closely with a number of medical specialists. Each resident’s health needs are communicated before taking residency and the Positive Choices Therapy staff will arrange specialists to work with you. The Wildwood Program has established relationships with specialists that treat Trauma, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STDs, eatting disorders and Medically Assisted Recoveries, including Suboxone.
Addressing health concerns at the same time of extended addiction treatment can greatly advance a person’s appreciation of their recovery as mind-body-spirit.
