Bayshore Retreat
Q: Tell me about your son's journey and how it led to the creation of Bayshore Retreat.
A: Jeff had issues with self-esteem and alcohol was his answer until it became an issue. He went to one of the ‘big box” rehabs in his early 20’s, but the alcohol continued to be a problem. Finally he admitted he had a problem and I took him to a smaller place in Destin. He worked there for about 4 years and there were many things that he didn’t agree with. Then one day he said, “Mom, can we do this and do it right?” I said “Yes we can do this.” All of his experience to this point from cooking, to scuba diving, EMT training, to working in a rehab, and yes, even his misuse of alcohol came into play with creating Bayshore Retreat.
Jeff died Aug. 14, 2017, not from addiction, but from a heart condition that was masked with chronic indigestion. He was a genius and was at home reading a book — his favorite thing to do. His purpose in life was always to help people — his goal, now my mission.
Q: Tell me more about the environment around Bayshore Retreat.
A: Bayshore Retreat is in a beautiful home on the bay. Clients walk into my foyer, not a lobby. We provide sauna therapy as well as a deep tissue massage each week. We also give them vitamins and chef-prepared meals. Most importantly, Bayshore Retreat is Joint Commission accredited. This is the highest accreditation that a rehab can have.
Q: What's the process like?
A: When clients first arrive, our doctor sees them and goes over their medical history and orders blood work and any medication that might be needed to help clients through the first week or so. Clients bring whatever meds they might be using, and the doctor will advise what to do with them. When the blood work is completed, we begin the sauna, which is monitored very closely. Then the counseling begins with at least two individual sessions weekly with our Clinical Director. Group sessions are after dinner, and meanwhile, they are working with a coach on Life Skills, which covers things such as Irrational Thinking, Relationship, Money Management, Relapse Prevention and Coping, etc. Saturday is an “off day” when clients go deep sea fishing, dauphin cruises, or visit their families.
Q: What's the MOST important thing you hope people learn from reading this?
A: Unlike most rehabs where clients go from one 12-step meeting to another, Bayshore Retreat is different, and this can make a difference. It’s about physical and mental health.
Also, we have only six clients at atime, so clients get the individual attention they deserve.
