Bridges of Hope Review
Bridges of Hope is a non-profit addiction recovery organization that operates four long-term residential facilities for men and one for women. The program exclusively uses the 12-step philosophy. The Bridges of Hope founders developed the concept for the program in 1987, when they bought and renovated an old farmhouse in Argyle, Georgia, with the intent of creating an AA-based recovery program for men. Bridges of Hope has grown over the past 30 years to include several other locations, including the one for women.
Accommodations and Food
The five Bridges of Hope facilities are located throughout southeastern Georgia in the towns of Alamo, Chauncey, Homerville, Louisville and Morven. The facilities accommodate about 250 clients altogether, with about 50 beds apiece. Each location is set on at least 30 acres (some are much larger) and feature cabin-like dorms that generally offer spacious quarters without an institutional feel. There are shared bathrooms throughout the facilities and lounge areas with large couches. The grounds provide serene settings, with each location offering unique features like meditation areas, a volleyball court, a basketball court, a working farm, vegetable gardens, a greenhouse and a fishing pond. Cigarettes and smoking are allowed in designated areas.
All food is provided by the program and prepared on-site by residents with the guidance of a kitchen staff. The menus are designed by dieticians with a focus on providing healthy, home-cooked meals. Food allergies can usually be accommodated.
Treatment and Staff
Residents are required to make a minimum 60-day commitment to the program, but may stay as long as six months if needed. Bridges of Hope considers itself a recovery program—not a treatment center. As such, it does not offer dual diagnosis support or detox services, although referrals are provided for those needing that level of care. Medical, psychiatric and professional counseling services are not available and insurance companies will not pay for services. Clients are permitted to bring prescribed medications in their original containers, but the meds are subject to the approval of intake staff.
Residents are required to participate in a structured schedule of chores, community service, on and off-site 12-step meetings and daily small group therapy, which includes education about addiction and the Big Book. There are groups that focus on applying the principles of the 12 steps, developing communication and coping skills, as well as relapse prevention planning. The women’s groups also addresses past traumas, sexual abuse, domestic violence and parenting issues.
The staff of Bridges of Hope is comprised of men and women in long-term recovery and peer counselors who are alumni of the program. While some have accreditations, there are no professional counselors or psychiatrists on staff.
Extras
Bridges of Hope organizes occasional outings and recreational activities for residents; like attending sporting events, hikes and team-building exercises. It also has an on-site store where clients can purchase notebooks, snacks and necessities for personal hygiene.
In Summary
The Bridges of Hope organization has spent the past three decades building safe spaces for residents to learn how to heal from addiction. Bridges’ programs may not be a good fit for those with co-occurring disorders, as its primary emphasis is on the Big Book and a practical application of the 12 steps. Still, it could be an excellent choice for those with a primary diagnosis of substance abuse who are seeking an affordable, 12-step based recovery program in southeastern Georgia.
Bridges of Hope Georgia Location
Main Office
1326 Antioch Church Rd
Homerville, GA 31634
Bridges of Hope Georgia Cost
$800 (per month, for six months). Reach Bridges of Hope by phone at (912) 487-3645 or by email at bridgesofhope@windstream.net. Find Bridges of Hope on Facebook
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