Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible for the program? A: Our program serves adult men and women struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. Pre-admission interviews and medical record reviews are conducted to carefully evaluate the eligibility of each person who requests help. Clients must be drug-free when beginning the program. Our admissions counselors can recommend detoxification programs if needed. Clients with a history of violent behavior are not eligible. Clients with acute medical and psychiatric disorders are not well-suited for this program. While Phoenix House is equipped to support the treatment of moderate health problems, our facilities are not acute care hospitals.

Q: Where is the program located?
A: Citra, Florida — approximately 15 miles north of Ocala on Highway 301. The facility is within an hour and a half drive of the Orlando and Tampa International airports.

Q: How long is the program?
A: Time in treatment varies according to the individual, but, ideally, residents are expected to stay at Phoenix House for at least six months, although most remain at Phoenix House between nine and eighteen months.

Q: What are the rules of the program?
A: Upon arrival, residents are introduced to the daily routine and schedule of the program, including some hard and fast rules:

• We maintain a drug-free environment.
• The use of tobacco products is prohibited for residents and employees.
• The facility must be safe and free from violence or threats at all times.
• Sexual relations are prohibited.
• Residents must abide by a strict dress code.
• Access to and from the facility is regulated by the staff.

Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Residents are provided with almost everything they will need while at Phoenix House. Clients should only bring very basic clothing and personal toiletries.

Q: Can I receive visitors?
A:Contact with family members and significant others is limited during the initial stages of treatment, but later becomes an essential part of the treatment process and planning for the future.

Q: Can I go home?
A: In the early stages of treatment, clients remain on site at the residential facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Day passes and home visits are regulated by staff, and clients have frequent family visits in the later stages of treatment.

Q: What if I want to leave treatment?
A: Phoenix House is not a locked facility. Residents are free to leave the program. However, those who do leave must go through a full case review if they decide they wish to return. Research has demonstrated time and time again that the key to successful treatment is actually completing treatment.

Q: Does it work?
A: Phoenix House adult residential treatment programs are highly effective at eliminating drug use, encouraging personal responsibility, re-uniting families, and teaching constructive values. Nearly four decades of experience and independent research have shown that our methods work.

Q: What does treatment at Phoenix House cost?
A: Phoenix House offers high-quality services at a fraction of the cost of private treatment facilities -- as much as 50-75% less. Our admissions team will help potential clients develop a plan for payment.

Questions? Send a confidential email to: fladmit@phoenixhouse.org or call us at 1-800-706-9890.