Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Categories
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Preparing for Treatment
Where are Northbound Treatment’s programs located?
Newport Beach, Garden Grove, and Orange County
Which airport(s) do I fly into?
There are three airports near our California facilities in Orange County, California: Orange County Airport (SNA) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) are both about a 30-minute drive, while Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is about an hour away.
We would be happy to recommend ways of travel to Northbound. It’s just one way we ease this transition and make the experience as stress-free as possible.
What should I bring?
- Picture ID
- Insurance card and RX card, if applicable
- Insurance Subscriber’s Social Security Number and Date of Birth (if applicable)
- A limited amount of clothing, as we have a limit of two suitcases and one carry-on. Laundry facilities, including supplies, are available for resident use. Irons and ironing boards are accessible, but we suggest bringing wash-and-wear clothing, for convenience. Dry cleaning services are not available.
- Swimwear
- Outdoor accessories such as sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and rain gear
- Medications, which must be approved by a Northbound Treatment physician. Medicine must arrive in bottles labeled with your name as well as the medicine’s name, dosage, and frequency
- Supplements, which must arrive in new, unopened containers
- Electronic devices, including cell phones and laptops -checked in upon admission and returned upon clinical review and approval
What should I leave at home?
- Your car, as we provide transportation
- Clothing deemed inappropriate, i.e. provocative logos, bare midriffs, short shorts or any other clothing that may be considered distracting to the treatment process
- Any type of narcotics, including sedatives and muscle relaxants
- Any type of weapons, including pocket knives
- Aerosol cans
- Perfumes or toiletries containing alcohol (i.e. nail polish remover, mouthwash, hand sanitizers)
- Body-building and dietary supplements, i.e. creatine powder*
What medications and supplements are allowed?
All medicines and health supplements must be pre-approved by a Northbound Treatment physician and will be distributed by staff. Please fill prescriptions prior to admission, and bring any approved supplements in a new, unopened container.
Will I be able to use my cellphone and other electronics?
Electronics may be returned upon clinical review and approval. This allows your treatment team and you to be 100% focused on your recovery.
What is the policy on spending money?
Clients may receive Money on the Books (MOB) that they are able to spend. For safety reasons, MOB is only to be used at designated stores like grocery stores or Starbucks. You can’t get cash back, and you can only spend the preloaded amount on the card.
What is the smoking policy?
We do not deny entry into treatment because of the use of nicotine, but we do address this as an addiction. During the admissions process, residents will be made aware of our goal to support them in becoming nicotine-free. However, for those who do smoke, there is a designated outdoor area at each residential and clinical facility where smoking is permitted. We suggest bringing supplies for first 2 weeks of your stay. E-cigarettes are allowed, under the same guidelines as cigarettes. (Per California State Law, you are not permitted to smoke or use any nicotine products if you are under the age of 21.)
Can I work and go to school while in treatment?
Northbound Treatment Services® is here to support the next phases of life through a foundation of sobriety. We can help you make arrangements for personal growth with employers or teachers that better set you up for success so you’re capable of putting in quality work when you’re ready. Getting off drugs or alcohol can make the rest of your life, your real life, feel easier. You may need to accept going into treatment as a different path to achieving your goals, not as a setback.
Our Clinical Expertise
When and where was Northbound Treatment founded?
We got our start in Costa Mesa, California, in 1988
Who owns and operates Northbound Treatment today?
Paul Alexander owns and operates Northbound Treatment Services®.
Does Northbound Treatment’s expertise lie in detox (treating substance abuse and alcohol addiction) or in treating mental health disorders?
We are a licensed facility for chemical dependency and substance abuse recovery, and we treat co-occurring disorders and underlying mental issues.
What is Northbound Treatment’s reputation within the treatment industry?
We have accreditation from the top authorities in the medical industry: The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, the Association of Recovery in Higher Education, and the California Department of Health Care Services.
What makes Northbound different from other treatment programs and centers?
We really stand out when it comes to our addiction recovery success rates—in 30 years we’ve transformed thousands of lives—and our staff, who are unmatched in their passion and expertise. You will experience this high level of care, from the first person you talk to over the phone, to the person who greets you and gives you a tour at admission, to your dedicated therapist and addiction counselor. Our mantra says it all: Our client’s best interest is our best interest.
What if my question isn’t addressed here?
Call us at (866) 511-2458, or if dialing from outside the US, +1 (714) 515-3578, 8 AM – 8 PM PT, 7 days a week. Expect a confidential call within 12 hours from a knowledgeable and compassionate professional who will answer your initial questions.
Is confidentiality guaranteed?
Confidentiality is 100% guaranteed. We never share your identity with anyone, ever.
Do men and women receive separate treatment?
We find it effective for men and women to receive separate treatment. However, men and women do interact with one another.
Can I attend the program with a family member?
In our experience, entering into treatment with a family member distracts from the purpose. Northbound will be happy to refer any family members to the right program for them.
Is it possible to enter the program while maintaining my job or schooling?
Remember that addiction could cost you your job, addiction treatment cannot. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employers are legally required to provide time off for medical reasons and important family issues including treatment for addictions and mental health disorders.
If you require dual diagnosis treatment, you are entitled to 12 work weeks of unpaid medical leave per 12-month period. This also applies if you’re helping a loved one with a dual diagnosis receive treatment. Family intervention is covered by the FMLA as well.
What kinds of disorders do you treat?
At Northbound, we treat all kinds of disorders, from alcohol or drug addiction, to mental health disorders and dual-diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders. As a treatment center led by industry professionals, we are very knowledgeable on treatment best practices and are adept at guiding individuals overcome various types of disorders.
Common addiction treatment includes: alcohol addiction help, benzodiazepine addiction, heroin addiction, opioid addiction, addiction to prescription pills, stimulant addiction, ecstasy abuse and rehab for marijuana.
Mental health treatment includes: treatment for anxiety disorders, depression disorder, how to get over OCD, borderline personality disorder, codependency help, bipolar disorder and trauma treatment.
Our dual diagnosis treatment focuses on: codependency and alcoholism, stress and addiction, bipolar disorder and alcoholism, depression and alcohol abuse and benzodiazepine and anxiety.
Common addiction treatment includes: alcohol addiction help, benzodiazepine addiction, heroin addiction, opioid addiction, addiction to prescription pills, stimulant addiction, ecstasy abuse and rehab for marijuana.
Mental health treatment includes: treatment for anxiety disorders, depression disorder, how to get over OCD, borderline personality disorder, codependency help, bipolar disorder and trauma treatment.
Our dual diagnosis treatment focuses on: codependency and alcoholism, stress and addiction, bipolar disorder and alcoholism, depression and alcohol abuse and benzodiazepine and anxiety.
Is this a 12-step program?
There are many pathways to recovery, and we support all of our clients in whatever works best for them, but we have found that the 12-Step community in Orange County is very welcoming and robust, which is why we use the 12-Step program as an introduction for individuals finding recovery. We offer the 12-Step Program because of the great success we’ve seen it have on individuals’ lives.
Can you tell me about Northbound’s success rates?
Our success rates are due to our leadership team, industry wisdom, and belief in our code of ethics. As a treatment center we are dedicated to organizational health and our InVivo® model, which empowers everyone to interact with the outside world, with all of its challenges, while in a safe, supportive clinical setting. We’re most proud of our near 100% successful completion rate and the lifelong community of recovered individuals who leave Northbound the best versions of themselves.
Treatment Programs
How do I know which program I need?
Together, we figure out the answer to that crucial question. Our highly specialized admissions coordinators will recommend a course of action that works best for you.
Can I visit Northbound before admitting?
Yes. In fact, we recommend visiting our facilities, if feasible, so you can get a first-hand look at our facilities and a clearer understanding of our program. Please visit our Start Today form and indicate that you are interested in requesting a tour.
What happens once I decide to admit?
The best way to start the process is to complete our user-friendly Start Today online form. Alternately you may call us at (866) 511-2458, or if dialing from outside the US, +1 (714) 515-3578, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, and speak to one of our highly-specialized admissions coordinators. (Feel free to leave a message any time; we will call you back within 12 hours.)
We understand what you or your loved one is going through, and we are ready to answer any questions you may have about our program or recovery for addiction.We are here to listen, and to recommend a course of action that works best for you. Once we have decided on an arrival date, we will send you an admissions packet, and we will walk through the process together.
We understand what you or your loved one is going through, and we are ready to answer any questions you may have about our program or recovery for addiction.We are here to listen, and to recommend a course of action that works best for you. Once we have decided on an arrival date, we will send you an admissions packet, and we will walk through the process together.
What can I expect once I check in?
When you step through the doors of our warm, inviting facilities, you will be greeted by staff members who understand the feelings of apprehension, excitement, fear, and relief so many clients are juggling when they arrive. Your intake specialist will welcome you, give you a tour of the facilities, and walk you through our program and policies. We will help you settle into your room, and then introduce you to our team of dedicated professionals and other individuals who are also undergoing treatment like you.
What is a typical day like?
A day may include the following:
- Morning meditation
- Breakfast
- Experiential Group Process
- Yoga or gym
- Lunch
- Individual Therapy Session
- Outside Experiential Group Activity
- Dinner
- Outside Support Group Meeting
- Free time
- 11:00 p.m. nightly routine and lights out
If you are enrolled in our faith-based LINKS residential program, your day would also include bible study or church attendance.
What are the sleeping arrangements like?
Accommodations are comfortable with shared bedrooms with their own bathroom and shower.
What’s my interaction going to be like with others in the program?
We have highly specialized programs that are small and intimate with individualized care to help you identify the best path to long lasting recovery. We are strong believers in peer support and fellowship in the recovery process; our recovered individuals continue to grow together in our recovery community by attending meetings whether they are 30 days or 30 years sober.
In our young adults’ program, we offer independent living where you may have a single or shared room and we’ve seen individuals thrive in both living environments in our Orange County residential locations. At Northbound, we’re proud of our 1-to-1 staff to client ratio.
In our young adults’ program, we offer independent living where you may have a single or shared room and we’ve seen individuals thrive in both living environments in our Orange County residential locations. At Northbound, we’re proud of our 1-to-1 staff to client ratio.
What is the average length of stay?
The average length of stay depends on what phase of treatment you are in with us. At Northbound, we offer our clients what we like to call the full continuum of care; in other words, we support you from the first day you enter our doors to beyond the day you leave, so you can continue living a life in recovery. Our Detox Program typically lasts seven to ten days, while we’ve found an ideal stay in Residential Treatment is 3 months, our Outpatient Program typically involves 3 – 12 hours of involvement per week, and our Addiction Support Services Programs commonly lasts 4 months.
What types of activities will I be doing?
Whether you are receiving treatment at our Northbound Orange County, Garden Grove, or Newport Beach location, we try do our best to make your sober life experience great. Participants have enjoyed a variety of activities that enrich the path to recovery. Our Residential Program has gone on outings that included surfing or relaxing at the beach, hiking, kayaking, golfing, K1 Speed Racing, bowling, and much more. Orange County is a beautiful setting to enjoy the outdoors. At Northbound, we pride ourselves on treating the whole person, which means we address the spiritual, mental and physical.
Physical healing can happen at one of our yoga classes, a session at the gym, or swimming in the Pacific Ocean. The options are endless, and we are here to show you that recovery is fun and active. At Northbound, we are fully invested and dedicated to helping you be the best version of yourself.
Can I be a part of Alumni Programs if didn’t receive treatment from their program?
Yes, Northbound has strong ties with the recovery community and prides on being a resource for anyone looking for a safe place to find fellowship and fun. Anyone who is in recovery or has a loved one in recovery is welcome to join our alumni meetings and activities.
Does Northbound Treatment have a religious affiliation?
No. Northbound offers a faith-based program LINKS for those seeking a Christ-centered approach to the recovery process.
Common addiction treatment includes: alcohol addiction help, benzodiazepine addiction, heroin addiction, opioid addiction, addiction to prescription pills, stimulant addiction, ecstasy abuse and rehab for marijuana.
Mental health treatment includes: treatment for anxiety disorders, depression disorder, how to get over OCD, borderline personality disorder, codependency help, bipolar disorder and trauma treatment.
Our dual diagnosis treatment focuses on: codependency and alcoholism, stress and addiction, bipolar disorder and alcoholism, depression and alcohol abuse and benzodiazepine and anxiety.
Are visitors allowed?
Yes. Visitors are allowed at Northbound Treatment upon clinical review and approval. Families are strongly encouraged to attend our comprehensive monthly Family Program.
What sort of chores are involved?
Clients will be assigned chores each week to reinforce life skills; this may include anything from the basic responsibility of tidying the kitchen, living room and other areas of the living space.
Insurance
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Many insurance plans cover a large portion of treatment costs. Our admissions team can talk you through your coverage; call us at (866) 511-2458, 8 AM – 8 PM PT.
What is the cost of treatment?
We understand that cost is a factor when determining the right program. Our treatment costs vary depending on factors such as diagnosis and length of stay. What doesn’t vary is our dedication to you: We work to maximize your insurance benefits to minimize out-of-pocket fees, and we walk you through all payment options. We believe firmly in mission over margin. Your health is our priority, and we will help you find a manageable solution for you or your loved one.
How do I know if my insurance policy covers treatment?
Policies can be difficult and frustrating to interpret, but you do not have to interface with your insurance company on your own. Our team of professional admissions coordinators works with insurance companies every day to ensure that patients get the best possible benefits out of their policies. We can speak to them and convey all the important information to you. Our admissions coordinators will give you a free, confidential assessment and determine your benefits for coverage at no cost to you.
