I recently graduated the ascend program after being in it for almost a year. I have seen more personal growth in the time that I have been here than any other time in my life, and I contribute lots of it to the guidance of the Ascend staff.
I entered the program under the threat of being kicked out of my house due to my drug use (I was 18). I was angry and unwilling to commit to sobriety so I was disrespectful towards staff and other clients. I seemed to not care about sobriety, but the Ascend staff never gave up on me. They helped me discover the reasons why I was stuck in a rut in life and using drugs. This program doesn't just teach you how to quit using drugs, it teaches you how to live a fulfilling life in all aspects.
The three stages are crucial to the success of the client.
Lakehouse is very structured and based in group therapy. The structure and introspection provided by the schedule and therapy are a stark contrast to the chaos of a lifestyle rooted in drug use. A lot is to be gained from the various forms of therapy that takes place in Lakehouse.
Eagleview is aptly described as transitional living. The key goals are to get a job, sponsor, outside psychiatrist and therapist, and practice executive functioning skills introduced in Lakehouse. It is designed to set you up for the third and final phase.
Riley is where you put all that you have learned into action. You are thrust back into the world with your new knowledge and tools and expected to be a responsible adult with less guidance. This is the stage of the program where most people are prone to relapse. You are expected to begin building a life for yourself, while still having support from the Ascend staff.
From there you begin to save money until you can eventually graduate the program and move to wherever you please, although most people (myself included) choose to stay in Salt Lake.
Overall I cannot recommend Ascend Recovery enough for someone struggling with addiction. The staff were some of the best people I have met in my life, and they didn't give up on me through my multiple hiccups in the process of getting sober. I am now happier than I have ever been and on my way to achieving my dreams, and Ascend has played a big role in this result. read more