When drinking, using, gambling, or other addictive behaviors result in adverse consequences for the person and others, there is a problem. Consequences may be interpersonal, financial, occupational, or legal to name but a few.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Genetic factors account for about half of the likelihood an individual will become addicted. Many other bio-psycho-social-spiritual factors contribute to the development of addiction. We may not change biology but individuals can learn how to manage their addiction and achieve recovery.

Addiction is characterized (per ASAM) as
A. Inability to consistently abstain
B. Impairment in behavioral control
C. Craving or increased “hunger” for drugs or rewarding experiences
D. Diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships
E. A dysfunctional emotional response. (ASAM)

Yes and No. Often individuals who are depressed, anxious, stressed, or in pain self-medicate with alcohol, other drugs, or gambling. People who become addicted usually experience stress, anxiety, even depression. Assessment and treatment with mental health professionals are needed to address these co-occurring problems.

When there is addiction in the family, life often revolves around the addicted person. Rules become rigid, unrealistic, and difficult to keep. When children live in homes with active addiction they often adapt to family dysfunction by playing certain roles: hero, scapegoat, lost child, or mascot. Role reversal among spouses is stressful. Losses and damage to families because of addiction include:
• Trust: the first casualty in a family with addiction.
• Respect: usually lost when the addiction surfaces.
• Relationships: difficult without trust and respect.
• Employment: underemployment, unemployment.
• Financial: family security threatened or lost; with gambling savings, home equity, retirements accounts, children’s savings lost or damaged.
• Reputations: difficult to protect as the addiction problem and the person’s life become more public outside the family.

Enabling includes all actions by family or friends that prevent people who drink, use, or gamble from experiencing the full impact of the negative consequences of their addiction. Enablers protect the addict: e.g., a wife calls in sick for her husband when he is hung over.
Although the intention is care, concern, and protection, enabling allows the person to continue in addiction.

Codependency describes a pattern of unhealthy behavior family and friends may develop to survive the stress caused by a loved one’s drinking, using, and gambling. Symptoms of codependency include controlling behavior, distrust, perfectionism, avoidance of feelings, problems with intimacy, excessive caretaking, hyper-vigilance, physical illness, and even clinical depression. Check out useful books by Melody Beattie such as Codependent No More.

Show CARE.

C = cite specific drinking, using, or gambling incidents.
A = affirm your concern and willingness to help.
R = respond to the person even if he or she is angry, hurt, or surprised.
E = enact an explicit action plan with the person.

Remember SELF-CARE.

Intervention is a planned, prepared, rehearsed process facilitated by a professional whereby family, friends, often employers, and others who care meet together to confront individuals about their drinking, using, or gambling. One by one participants show CARE. The group has agreed and emphasizes together consequences if the person does not follow through with treatment NOW! This is tough love.

Yes. Addiction treatment helps individuals learn how manage their addiction much like someone who manages Type 2 diabetes: one day at a time. Intensive treatment also addresses conditions that contributed to addiction and could trigger relapse. Intensive treatment initiates the recovery process: a different better way of life with purpose and meaning.

Where can I get support to help in the best way possible?

• Check out local support groups such as A.A., N.A., and G.A. Use companion support groups for yourself.
• Remember self-care. When adults fly we are reminded to put the oxygen mask on ourselves before trying to save our children.
• Call Williamsville Wellness if someone you care about has a drinking, using, or gambling problem. A Family Therapist will return your call promptly.

1-877-559-WELL

You can bring your laptop, cell phone, personal clothes, personal hygiene items, money for expenditures.  Keep in mind your laptop and cell phone will be used at the facilities discretion. There is a safe on site to lock up your valuables.

We have a casual dress code and advise you to focus on comfortable clothing. Distracting or overly revealing clothing is frowned upon and we reserve the right to remove someone from a session in order to change into something more appropriate. We have a fully equipped gym and physical training is part of our therapy program so be sure to bring loose fitting and comfortable workout clothes. We occasionally go out to a nice restaurant so be sure to bring at least one appropriate outfit. We have laundry facilities on site so we suggest bringing about a week's worth of outfits.

For any medications or vitamin supplements:

• Bring a 30 day supply of all currently prescribed medications in their original bottle
• Any over-the-counter medications must be in original and sealed/unopened packages
• Vitamins and or supplements must be in original and sealed/unopened packages

Yes, you are allowed to smoke outside our facility at the designated smoking areas. You will be responsible for the cost of your cigarettes/tobacco so bring cash or a credit card. You will also be expected to practice common courtesy to other guests and staff by following all posted smoking rules.

Yes, you may receive phone calls, as long as the phone calls do not interrupt your therapy sessions.  You may make phone calls on your free time.

There is no restriction on sending or receiving letters. Please address the letters to:

A patient has quite a lot of independence while on the Williamsville Wellness grounds. They are free to fish, walk around the yard (we have a lot of acreage), use the gym, or use the computers as long as this does not interfere with their sessions.

If the patient is taken out by one of our staff, they are restricted to stay with the staff.

Family can visit during visiting hours (Saturday 3-6 & Sunday 2-5) with approval from the Treatment Team. Patients need to arrange this 24 hours in advance.

Medication is kept secured by our staff and is administered according to prescribed directions. A client's adherence to medications is reported to the treatment team.

A clinical staff person is always on-call in case an emergency arises. We have Resident Managers after-hours to assist our patients.

Yes, we have both male and female patients at our facility. Only patients of the same sex will share bedrooms.

Weekdays usually have 4-5 individual counseling sessions and 2-3 group sessions

Typical daily schedule

Yes, we are in-network with CIGNA insurance. If you have private insurance including Anthem, Aetna, Humana, Optima, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or any others, we would have to verify your insurance. We do not take Medicare or Medicaid. If you would like to verify your insurance, please give us a call: 804-559-9959.

Yes, we accept checks, credit cards, and PayPal payments.

Our treatment model is all inclusive. Meals, lodging, and therapy sessions are all factored into the pricing as well as group activities and outings on the weekends. Compared to other addiction treatment programs the pricing is quite low. We focus on the individual, not group. We have at a maximum 8 patients per house. You are not just a number here.

Treatment costs vary by patient since each patient gets a customized program created for their personal needs. A deposit is required to reserve a room. We accept checks, credit cards, and PayPal payments. There is an additional charge for a private room.

To discuss your costs and financial options, please contact our Intake Coordinator, Lisa Judd at 804-559-9612 or 804-559-9959 x 504.

1. Take I-95 S towards Richmond.
2. Take exit 98 / VA-30 towards Doswell/W Point/Kings Dominion.
3. Keep left at fork toward VA-30 S/Kings Dominion Blvd
4. Turn left at VA-30 S/Kings Dominion Blvd. Continue along VA-30 S.
5. Turn right at US-301 S/VA-2 S/Richmond Turnpike. Continue to follow US-301 S/VA-2 S.
6. Turn left at River Rd/State Route 605.
7. Turn right at Williamsville Road.
8. Turn right at Cabaniss Lane.

1. Take I-64 W towards Richmond.
2. Take exit 200 for I-295 toward US-60/Washington/Rocky Mt NC
3. Keep right at the fork to continue toward I-295 N and merge onto I-295 N.
4. Take exit 34A for VA-615 E/ Creighton Rd
5. Merge onto Creighton Rd/State Route 615
6. Turn right at State Route 615/Walnut Grove Rd
7. Turn right at Pole Green Rd/ State Route 615/State Route 627
8. Turn left at State Route 615/ Williamsville Rd
9. Turn left at Cabaniss Ln.

1. Take I-95 N towards Richmond
2. Take exit 75 to I-64 E toward Norfolk/ VA Beach
3. Exit onto US-360 E/Mechanicsville Turnpike. Continue to follow US-360 E.
4. Turn left at State Route 615/Walnut Grove Rd
5. Turn right at Pole Green Rd/ State Route 615/State Route 627
6. Turn left at State Route 615/ Williamsville Rd
7. Turn left at Cabaniss Ln.

1. Take I-64 E towards Richmond
2. Take the exit onto I-295 S.
3. Take exit 41A to merge onto US-301 N/VA-2 N/Chamberlayne Rd toward Hanover.
4. Turn right at VA-643/Rural Point Rd.
5. Turn left at Studley Rd/VA-606
6. Turn left at State Route 615/Williamsville Rd

Turn left at Cabaniss Ln