How Surfside Works

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Surfside in NJ is a men’s addiction recovery environment that provides structure, accountability and a tangible way for participants and family to monitor the progress being made. Developed by a Master’s Level Clinician, Surfside combines self-efficacy, 12-step immersion, and fulfilling hobbies to empower men and their families. We encourage participation in outside, off-site wraparound clinical services.

Our approach and wraparound support is rooted in peer-reviewed neuroscience that underscores the critical nature of physical movement & fitness in treating mental illness and substance use disorders. This brain science informs our rules around participation in sports and physical activities.

phase 1

Rebuild

This phase is about becoming a self-sufficient, sober man. More is involved than “just not using.” The goals outlined in this phase are designed to encourage a young man to build character, seek guidance and ask for help.

  • Participants will gather all previous work history for resume.

  • Collect 3-5 work references for Resume.

  • Participant will get an approved sponsor.

  • Get a home group.
  • Obtain a service commitment at a home group or on a committee.

  • Participant will complete Steps 1 through 5 with Sponsor.

  • Completion of “Family Letters.”

  • Participant will showcase responsibility for himself/his items by cleaning up after himself wherever he goes.

  • Participant will participate in all activities, including trying new activities without complaining.

  • Participant will complete 10 hours of community.

  • Sneaky and manipulative behavior has ended.
phase 2

Rediscover

Staying sober requires participation in life and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with honor and respect. The goals of this phase encourage young men to implement what they have learned and try new activities. Participants will complete steps 6-9 through the readings and with Sponsor.

  • Complete personal objective statement for resume.

  • Participants will complete a cover letter and resume and reference list and be able to demonstrate how they will tailor it for different jobs.

  • Each Participant will call 3 members in the fellowship daily (not counting current Surfside participants).

  • Continued action in keeping the house and personal space clean.

  • Participant will pass 3 mock interviews.

  • Participant has developed a desire for hobbies that do not include TV or video games.

  • Participant will complete another 10 hours of community service.

  • Participants will complete at minimum 10 amends.

  • Participant begins helping new participants and other members in the 12-step community.

phase 3

Recover

Recovery is not a sprint, it is a marathon. The goals of this phase will encourage participants to set a strong, steady pace that will prevent burnout in the face of challenges that are sure to come.

  • Participant will complete Steps 10 through 12

  • Participant will complete 5 job applications per day until a job is secured

  • Participant will begin working while balancing their responsibilities

  • Participant asks for help & allows others to be part of his life

  • Participant is an active participant in 12-Step recovery & checks in via app

  • Participant will balances cleanliness and personal hygiene with his work, school and other obligations.

  • Participant is able to cook for himself & eat with basic nutrition

  • Participant will complete another 10 hours of community service.

  • Participant will call his sponsor and 3 other alcoholics in the fellowship daily

35+ Years Old

  • The needs of different age demographics can vary significantly, so our rules/requirements for men ages 35+ are altered slightly to accommodate an individual’s circumstances. Upon admission, participants 35 years and older complete a thorough assessment and we tailor the rules to meet their needs. Often this means the program length is closer to 90 days, with more focus on 12-step involvement and rediscovering life’s joys.

Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development because success is something you attract by the person you become.
Jim Rowen
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Why Structure?
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