Koala House receives referrals from treatment programs across the country, from various drug courts, from the public defender system, psychologists, psychiatrists, addiction professionals and of course word of mouth.
Welcome To The Koala House
RECOVERY - REJUVENATION - REHABILITATION
BRIEF HISTORY OF TREATMENT
In the twentieth century addiction treatment generally consisted of a 28 day residential program and a discharge recommendation of attendance at self help groups, find an IOP program and sometimes a referral to a halfway house. During the 1980s, when it became clear that a 28 day stay in a rehab was not working, essentially because of the relationship between addiction and other co-occurring mental health issues, patients often received a dual diagnosis.
This helped somewhat but there was a need for continuing care. The founder of Koala House was working as an addictions therapist in a psych hospital based treatment program, visited the halfway houses the hospital was referring patients to and was not impressed. Most of these houses were rundown properties filled with as many addicts as could possibly be housed. There were few standards aside from pay your rent on time. There was no certifying agency. Several years ago the state of Florida passed legislation requiring all facilities offering “halfway house” services be inspected and certified by FARR, the Florida Association of Recovery Residences. Koala House applied for certification and received it. We are inspected yearly. We are proud of our reputation.
FROM AFTERTHOUGHT TO AFTERCARE
CARING SUPPORT FOR ADDICTS
There was clearly a need for caring support for addicts after leaving a residential treatment program. Koala House was founded with the mission of providing safe and supportive group living to individuals wanting continued support in recovery efforts. Residents agree to follow certain recovery based protocols. These include daily attendance at support groups, random drug/alcohol screening, one weekly in house group therapy session, living skills assistance, a requirement to either attend school or find employment , medication monitoring, and performing normal household chores, This is designed to assist a resident in learning how to be a responsible citizen , a good neighbor and a loving family member.Koala House provides Certified Recovery Residences for both men and. women. They are not coed. Each house is staffed by a residential house manager
Average Length Of Stay
Koala House residents enter a Koala House on a monthly basis. We do not ask for a long term commitment. The average length of stay, however, over the past 26 years has been about two years. Some residents remain longer, some leave earlier. Residents may live at Koala House as long as they are benefiting from living at Koala House and continuing to follow a recovery program. Koala House believes that this average two year length of stay coincides with the minimum period of time needed to deal with what's called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS. No resident is ever required to complete a certain number of steps in a certain period of time. Working on recovery steps is personal and is something that should be accomplished in private work with your sponsor. As we often hear, recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Easy does it.
APPLYING FOR RESIDENCE
Acceptance into a Koala House requires a gentle and non threatening assessment. This can be accomplished in person or telephonically. You will be asked to tell us about yourself, why you believe that Koala House will benefit you. You may request an assessment by calling Tom Matthews at (813) 376-6998 or Dr. Donald Brown at (727) 430-8468
SORORITY / FRATERNITY HOUSES
WITHOUT THE BEER!
Koala House residents are learning a new way of life focused not simply on abstinence from drugs and alcohol, altho such abstinence is required, but also on learning how to enjoy life free from the shame and self degradation that inevitably accompanies a life burdened by chemical dependence. Koala Houses have often been referred to by residents as “sorority or fraternity houses without the beer.” We love that description. We firmly believe that if you are not having as much fun living clean as you were when you were using that sooner or later using will look attractive. Koala House has a coed softball team, touch football games, deep sea fishing excursions, canoeing down the Hillsboro River, bowling nights, movie nights and family dinners. Koala House believes strongly in assisting with family reunification and residents are encouraged to regard Koala House as their home.
FARR Certified Residential Recovery Residences Provider 6185
FARR Certified Residential Recovery Residences Provider 6185