The Basics
Located in the coastal town of Westport, Connecticut, Westport House is a sober living community designed for young men in their teens and twenties. Al Samaras, a recovering addict himself, founded Westport house in 2014. Westport operates four facilities—a primary house, designated for residents in Phase I of the program; two step-down houses for residents in Phase II; and a licensed outpatient treatment center in downtown Westport. The network is 12-step based with individualized programs for men in early recovery.
Accommodations and Amenities
Westport’s primary house is an expansive 6,500 square feet with six double bedrooms—all comfortably appointed with high-end plush furnishings, stone fireplaces and warm textiles and lighting. Reserved for Phase I clients only, it can accommodate up to 12 residents in the double-occupancy rooms (a single can be reserved if space permits)—each with its own bathroom. All bedrooms include a wall-mounted flat screen TV with cable and premium channels. Residents are allowed to bring in a video game system if they like.
There are two step-down houses for Phase II clients. One is roughly half the size of the main house with only four shared bedrooms. The other is a 5,000 square-foot colonial home, with seven bedrooms, two doors down from the Phase I home.
All three homes are equipped with new furnishings and finishes and aim for a comfortable, homey atmosphere. Westport has a common computer, printer and Wi-Fi throughout the house. Laptops and cell phones are allowed in Phase I after a one-week blackout period, however the house phone and computer are available in the meantime. There are laundry rooms where residents do their own laundry with their own detergents and softeners.
Food is only included for clients in Phase I of the program. Dinner is prepared by an in-house chef. Grocery shopping is managed by the chef with assistance from the residents.
Rules and Regulations
The first phase is typically 30 to 90 days, depending on the needs of the client. Clients are required to attend nightly 12-step meetings and find sponsors within their first two weeks of residency. Westport provides transportation to and from these meetings and residents are normally regularly involved with activities outside the house including going to the gym or school; attending an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP); participating in recreational activities with other clients; meeting with sponsors or working. On-site case managers work with each Phase I client to identify work and school opportunities. Ideally, clients have a job and are at least signed up for school prior to completing this phase. The idea is to get everything lined up in Phase I, practice the lifestyle and demonstrate its manageability then transition to independence in Phase II.
During Phase II, residents have much more independence and are expected to be working, in school or enrolled in an IOP. Curfew during Phase II is 11:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 1 am on the weekends.
As previously mentioned, Westport operates its own IOP in downtown Westport, and it was developed specifically for its young male population. It usually takes place during the first four to eight weeks of Phase I. Clients then step down to outpatient level of care after completing IOP, regardless of their current phase in the program at large.
Upon admission, urinalysis and breathalyzer tests are given and thereafter performed two to three times a week at random. If a resident tests positive for drugs or alcohol, they are immediately transported to a safe and supervised environment outside of the house. Westport then works with the client and his family to determine the next level of care needed to deal with the relapse.
Smoking is permitted only in designated areas in the houses but is generally discouraged as Westport believes that smoking can hinder recovery. Most medications are allowed, however prescriptions drugs which can be abused are highly discouraged—including ADHD medications. There is a staff member on site 24 hours a day who helps monitor and care for the residents.
Residents’ funds are deposited to a True Link card (formerly known as Next Step), a debit card created for recovery environments and managed via a web portal by the client’s designated case manager.
Westport has partnered with Fairfield University and its Collegiate Recovery Program. For high school students, it’s aligned with Newport Academy in Darien and Fusion Academy in Fairfield.
Extras
In addition to an on-site gym, Westport promotes physical activity throughout each resident’s recovery and regularly takes groups of clients on outings including hiking, kayaking and bicycling.
Westport has a family program which includes weekly group and individual therapy led by an LCSW. The goal of the family program is to help the family members of residents understand how to cope with addiction and assist in their loved one’s recovery.
In Summary
Westport is a great option for young men who need a high level of structure and oversight in their living situation. The house’s approach helps residents adjust to normal life in a healthy and gradual fashion. The structure and rules are a good fit for young men in early recovery or who risk relapse. Westport offers top-of-the line accommodations and a great deal of services and amenities.
Westport House
162 Kings Highway North
Westport, CT 06880
Westport House cost: $8,950 (Phase I, 28 days); $4,950 (Phase II, 28 days); depends on insurance (outpatient clinical services. Reach Westport House by phone at (888) 302-6790 or by email. Find Westport House on Facebook and Google+
Do you have a complaint or review of Westport House to add? Use the comments area below to add your Westport House review.
Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
