FAQ
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 self-care 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 and meditation.
Do you have a family program?
Yes, we do offer an excellent family weekend program once per month based on the training our counselors have received from the Satir institutes family therapy. This family weekend program is for both the client and the family of the client with the focus on the client’s family and their needs. We understand the stresses, lapses in trust and the hurt that accompanies addictions. This program is designed to bridge some of what has been lost, to offer hope and improvement in coping & communication skills and we strongly encourage the families of our clients to attend whenever possible. If the families are unable to attend in person, we ask that they work with us to discover what other methods may be available.
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 an $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 to 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, reiki, 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 cabins & two bedroom suites in the main lodge. You will have a suite-mate, but your sleeping chamber is an individual room. You will share a 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.
Will I have free time to myself?
Each day you will have the opportunity to have “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 from the inside 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 if this is what you require, then other centers may be better equipped to fill your needs.
What to Bring List
This is the Top of the World Ranch Treatment Center’s what to bring list.
Note: We are open year round, the list will have seasonal divisions as well as what to bring at any time. We do have a complimentary guest laundry for client use as well.
To bring at anytime:
- Comfortable casual clothing (non revealing)
- Indoor shoes, i.e. slippers, tennis shoes, etc
- Outdoor shoes, i.e. hiking boots, sturdy walking shoes
- Bath robe.
- Toiletries, shave kit, hair dryer, your normal bathroom items.
- Bathing suit, (non revealing)
- Gym wear & shoes (for cool and warm conditions)
- Light jacket
- Water proof jacket
- Sun screen
- Hiking clothes
- Photo ID (if coming from US a birth certificate or passport, any other country a passport)
- An openness to learning, healing, growing, living, and loving.
In the winter, late fall, early spring:
- Winter hiking boots
- Warm moisture wicking socks
- Warm moisture wicking long underwear
- Hat & gloves/mittens
- Winter coat
In the summer, late spring, early fall
- Biking clothes (if you wish to mountain bike)
- Shorts
What not to Bring:
- Recreational reading material
- Cameras of any type including cell phones
- Cell phones
- Lap top computers
- Mouthwash that contains alcohol
- Vitamins, supplements, powders
- Revealing clothing or clothing that promotes drugs or alcohol
- Foods, snacks, candies, soda pop or energy drinks
- A negative attitude.
If you forget something or need something while here we very likely can accommodate you, so not to worry.
» Click here to download the list as printable pdf file
If you have any further questions please contact us
