How long will I need to be in treatment?
What if I need more treatment after the initial 32 days?
What Aftercare Programmes do you have?
Does Treatment work?
Why do you treat addiction as a disease?
Is this illness genetic?
Can I have visitors?
What should I bring with me?
What if I want to leave treatment before it has ended?
What can I expect when I am admitted?
What say will I have in my treatment?
Are private rooms available?
Is Nova Vida a Boot Camp?
How much does treatment cost?
Can you arrange my travel?
Will someone pick me up at the airport?

How long will I need to be in treatment?
The length of time you will need to be in treatment is individually assessed. Research has indicated that the longer you remain in treatment the greater the chance you have of a positive outcome. We hope patients will remain in treatment for at least 32 days but in some cases it may be clinically indicated to stay longer and for patients with other mental health problems; a stay of up to 56 days may be recommended.

For patients who are admitted to Nova Vida following a relapse we offer a 21 day Relapse programme which includes a series of purpose written assignments as well as, where indicated, the ERP programme. You will not be asked to sit through the same programme you recently left which is, unfortunately, the case in many treatment programmes.  
TOP

What if I need more treatment after the initial 32 days?
Your progress is discussed with you on a regular basis throughout treatment and when it is felt further treatment would be of benefit the options are thoroughly explored.  These options vary from staying an extra week or two at Nova Vida, admission to one of the many aftercare options or admission to a specialised facility for intensive treatment.  Many of these options are facilitated through our sister organisation, Recovery in Reality.  
TOP

What Aftercare Programmes do you have?
We have Aftercare Programmes in Nova Vida, London and Holland. If none of these are convenient for you we can arrange for you to have regular contact with a Nova Vida approved counsellor closer to your home. However, we will ensure you are not alone when you leave us.
TOP

Does Treatment work?
We believe treatment can be successful if:

In many cases relapse occurs when one of the above has not been followed.
TOP

Why do you treat addiction as a disease?
Addiction, Eating Disorders and Emotional Illnesses are seen as  Primary Chronic and Progressive Diseases: Primary because they are an entity in themselves;  Chronic because the illnesses remain in remission and  Progressive because symptoms and consequences continue to occur with increasing severity as use continues. They follow a predictable course.  Addiction has long been accepted in the US medical profession as an illness and increasingly so in Europe. It is not dissimilar to many other illnesses and like many illnesses it is treatable.
TOP

Is this illness genetic?
There is increasing evidence to support the genetic theory of addiction but not all become addicted because of genetics.  The risk for developing addiction does run in families (Research shows that children of alcoholics are about 4 times more likely to develop alcohol problems).  The genes a person inherits partially explain this predisposition but lifestyle is also a factor. But  risk is not destiny.
TOP

Can I have visitors?
Yes. Visitors are not allowed during the first 7 days of your treatment. After this ‘settling in’ period visiting is ok Sunday  afternoons only.

We will encourage close friends and family to participate in the Family Programme every weekend, following which there will be time for you to spend together to begin to heal any relationships with your family and friends that may have been damaged by this disease. Anything your visitors bring in for a patient will have to be opened in front of a member of staff on duty.
TOP

What should I bring with me?
Please refer to our Pre-Admission Leaflet for information about what you will need during your time with us. To view the articles you will need to have Adobe installed. If you do not, please install it here
TOP

What if I want to leave treatment before it has ended?
If indicated, the Clinical Team at Nova Vida will encourage patients to remain in treatment and to deal with emotional difficulties in order to provide the best outcome and avoid immediate relapse. If significant family matters suddenly arise Nova Vida will arrange transport and flights to your home.  
TOP

What can I expect when I am admitted?  
We will ensure that you are welcomed by the staff and introduced to other residents. You will have a full medical examination, blood screening and an appropriate detoxification regime if indicated. A psychiatric assessment can be useful in looking at helping other symptoms such as depression.  
TOP

What say will I have in my treatment?
Abstinence based "12-step" treatment probably has the best outcome of any intervention in addictive disorders. Each patient has an individual care plan but the emphasis at Nova Vida is on group therapy which is usually the best way of tackling this illness. The care plan is reviewed on a weekly basis. Individual issues, which are not appropriate to be discussed in group, can be discussed in 1:1 sessions. It is expected that patients adhere to the rules and expectations of Nova Vida Recovery Centre.
TOP  

Are private rooms available?
All of our residential rooms, with the exception of our detoxification room, are double occupancy. Experience tells us that it is important for the alcoholic or addict to stop the process of isolation and to provide opportunity to develop healthy communication skills. Each of the residential rooms opens onto the gardens where you can socialise and relax.
TOP

Is Nova Vida a Boot Camp?
No but we do have rules, regulations and expectations which have been written based on the experiences of ex-patients around the world.  You will not be asked to clean, cook or do the housework although it would be appreciated if you kept you room tidy to make it easier for our housekeepers.
TOP

How much does treatment cost?
Full details of our costs and methods of payment can be obtained by telephoning +351 282 570020 or email Sally

Although Nova Vida is a limited company with shareholders, all the shareholders are united with one aim which is to help the patient into recovery. We are not motivated by profit. Quality treatment does, however, come at a cost and we have cut no corners in our endeavours to offer effective treatment.
TOP

Can you arrange my travel?
Travel to Nova Vida is simple and with the abundance of no frills airlines flying into Faro from around the Europe you may wish to make your own arrangements. However, if you find the Internet daunting or you are inexperienced in making your own travel arrangements let us take away the strain. On receipt of your deposit we will make your travel arrangements for you, charge your account at cost and all you need to worry about is arriving at your home airport in good time for departure.
TOP

Will someone pick me up at the airport?
A member of the Nursing team will meet you at the airport and bring you to Nova Vida for admission.  We will also take you back to the airport following your completion of the program.
TOP