55PLUS Program
The Retreat 55Plus Program immerses you in a vibrant and welcoming community of peers who understand what it is like to be getting sober in the second half of adult life, and are motivated to change and grow.
Entering into recovery from addiction can bring an entirely new sense of purpose and meaning to life. Our program provides you with 12 step tools, guidance, and the peer support you need to build a rewarding new life.
The Retreat's time-tested approach has helped thousands of individuals establish a solid foundation of recovery, grounded in the spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. We introduce people who are motivated for change to those who are living recovery at the highest level. By creating a supportive, integrated community, our Day Program; promotes emotional and spiritual growth for adults 55 and up; Creates a bridge to the recovery community and to other resources; Provides a supportive context for addressing major life issues; Employs a holistic, age-specific approach that removes barriers and establishes social connectedness.
The 55Plus Recovery Community at The Retreat is enhanced by our Elder AA meetings on site Tuesdays (8 and 10 am), Thursdays (10 am), Fridays (10 am), Sundays (10 am). Come check them out!
During Your 16 Weeks You Will:
- Explore the 12 Step Principles and Practices as the spiritual foundation for recovery.
- Gain insight into issues related to life transitions, such as grief and loss, retirement, isolation, physical health challenges, and other major life stresses that impact recovery.
- Learn about aging and recovery/emotional, physical and spiritual wellness as we mature.
- Experience daily speakers, homework and curriculum tailored to the maturing adult.
- Participate in the collective wisdom and mutual support of Twelve Step recovery.
How It Works:
- 16 Weeks - participants may enroll any time
- Monday and Wednesday from 9am - 12pm
- This is a Hybrid Program. Groups meet at The Retreat's main campus, 1221 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, MN 55391 or meets conveniently in a virtual on-line setting that can be accessed anywhere from your mobile device, laptop or home computer.
- Participants are invited to join the 55PLUS program alumni Big Book study group Fri. 9-10am
Cost:
- $3,400 for the 16 week program
- $2,800 as a step down from the Residential Program
Latest News
Heavy Drinking Into Old Age Ups Health Risks: Study
TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Long-term heavy drinking may lead to significant weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke in older adults, British researchers warn.
Baby boomers driving surge in hospital admissions for alcoholism
The latest figures released by the UK’s National Health Service show an increase in the number of hospital admissions because of alcohol by well over 25%, over the last six years, alcohol also caused 6,000 deaths last year.
Why Older Adults With Addictions Fare Better in Age-Tailored Rehab
The numbers are, pardon the expression, staggering: The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reports that 2.5 million older adults have an alcohol or drug problem. The journal Psych Central ups the ante, reporting that around 3 million people over 65 battle alcohol abuse, and this number might jump to more than 6 million in the next few years.
Alcohol consumption can lead to serious health risks for the elderly
Having a glass or two of wine at night may seem harmless but research has shown it comes with great risks for the elderly who are more prone to the effects of alcohol.
Binge drinking affects 1 in 10 older adults in the US
Binge drinking can be harmful for older people because it increases the risk of injuries and falls and the chances of developing chronic health problems.
Jack Odom
Minnesota became home for Jack Odom in 1980 when he moved from Louisiana seeking recovery in "The Land of 10,000 Treatment Centers." He participated as a guest at The Retreat in The Retreat's early years at Upland Farm and has been sober since. He has had the benefit of being both a resident and a manager of The Retreat's sober living homes for men. Jack was eventually recruited as the Coordinator of The Retreat's Residential Program for Men, where he served for more than 10 years. During that time Jack received training from The Christos Center for Spiritual Formation as a Spiritual Director and continues an active Spiritual Direction practice working primarily with alcoholics and addicts in early recovery. Jack has both attended and led numerous spiritual retreats and workshops.
Doug Anderson, MA, LADC
Director of Non-Residential Programs
Virtual Recovery Program , Evening Program & 55PLUS Program