AARS understands that an effective residential treatment program requires scheduled activities designed to support and enhance client change. Because of this, AARS is committed to providing client-centered services 24/7 that support the recovery, health, and well-being of the persons served and their families.
For more than 40 years, AARS has worked towards improving the quality of life of our clients. We help build resilience, restore and improve function, and support the client’s integration back into the community. Activities will be based and designed on established best treatment practices. Our trained staff makes every effort to empower clients in their recovery efforts.
AARS is a licensed Level 3.1 clinically managed low-intensity residential treatment facility.
Once a client is admitted, a customized residential treatment plan is created based on individual needs. Our treatment program is a finely balanced program that incorporates the 12-Step recovery philosophy of AA/NA, the search for personal spirituality, reconnecting with important people and activities in one’s life, and the development of a healthier self-concept that supports sober living. Each component is supported through the client’s treatment plan and all services are available to all clients.
AARS residential treatment program components include:
12-step meetings and participation
Individual and group sessions
Work therapy opportunities
Meditation, study, reflection and writing
Learning, information gathering and development
Community integration and responsibility
Recreation therapy
Mental and spiritual health
Aftercare and transitioning
For details on any of the above components, please reach out to us by clicking below.
Substance abuse can disrupt many areas of health, including nutrition. AARS incorporates nutritional planning into the overall addiction treatment plan, helping to provide the support of balanced, scheduled and satisfying meals that improve treatment outcomes.
Clients participate in three cafeteria-style group meals a day. Meals are planned by a certified nutritionist and special dietary needs are addressed individually. Clients also have access to a variety of snacks throughout the day, including fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, a staff nurse is available weekly to review a client’s nutritional needs.
Clients are housed in dormitory-style rooms (two persons per room). Two rooms share an adjoining bathroom and showering facility. While AARS is co-ed, men’s and women’s sleeping quarters are located in separate areas of the facility.
Health and fitness is a critical component of recovery. Because of this, AARS houses an indoor client gym area, equipped with various weights, a treadmill, an exercise bike and workout gear. During Summer months, clients utilize the outdoor volleyball, pickleball, and basketball courts.
Social and Interpersonal Relationships
The therapeutic environment of AARS provides unlimited opportunities for clients to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships. The benefits of healthy social interactions can be to:
Expand the concept of intimacy
Learn ways to manage the pervasive aloneness underlying addiction
Provide nurturance of self and others
Recognize one’s worth
Ask for and get help from others (Weiss).
Supportive family and friends are a key component of client recovery and regular visits are encouraged at AARS, usually at scheduled times each Sunday.
To assist in interpersonal relationships, clients visit outside AA or NA meetings weekly, as well as participate in quarterly group outings designed around fun and fellowship. Past outings have included the Alaska State Fair, movies, Settler’s Bay driving range, plays at the Valley Perfoming Arts theater, bowling, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race re-start in Willow, sledding, fishing, and more.
Health and Pharmaceutical Care
A licensed nurse is available for clients five days a week. Regular doctor and a psychiatrist visits to our facility address health and/or mental health concerns of the clients. All medications are managed by our medical team.
Our Outpatient Services and Transitional Housing
AARS recently launched outpatient services and transitional housing opportunities to accommodate graduates of its residential treatment program. Two on-site properties are being utilized as transitional living homes for male (Mallott House) and female (Tuttle House) clients.
