"A wonderful experience overall"

When I first arrived, it was all totally confusing and emotionally exhausting, not being notified of the detox at Wyla before transporting to Elouera and being told of the costs last minute as well as receiving the welcome pack 3-4 days into my detox. I wasn’t shown around the campus until day 2 so I felt the organisation in the beginning of the process could be a bit better but I had the greatest experience in Wyla! The staff and patients I interacted with were all so kind, welcoming and loving which made the days fly and the ability to interact in group sessions so much easier. The chef's cooking and parently advice was nearly my favourite part of the entire thing. My absolute favourite was the consistent routine and lovely company from all of the residents and staff. I wish I could go back for a holiday!

Things I would change: 

When in detox, I felt a welcome pack DAY 1 and an easygoing routine/schedule for detox residents would be great as I felt lost and isolated from the other residents during my week in detox. It was nice having a day to get used to the place and having the option to attend groups but I felt the schedule we received was for rehab residents once they complete a week of detox and I was disheartened to find out we couldn’t go for walks, exercise at the gym, go shopping or go to community outings. Coronavirus affected our visitation anyway so I can’t complain about that but I believe having a detox schedule would help with the adjustment period, as well as saving people from getting let down and then abusing staff whose fault it is not.

In my opinion, the pre facility assessment could have been more informative and reliable as I called twice within 2 weeks before attending for the brochures I was told I would receive by email to gain an idea and plan ahead but did not receive any info until a few days before attending which was stressful. Also, I recalled being told there would be no costs other than a single admission fee which I could barely afford, to then find out there was another admission fee once transferred to Elouera plus the costs of staying for 6 weeks after organising only 4 weeks in total due to being very pregnant. 

One staff member had decided I believe, that they were not prepared for the group after being late and chose to cancel the group which I felt was unprofessional and unorganised as I believe we are all in a routine and are there voluntarily to learn. This was frustrating to me.

Things I wouldn’t change:

The group sessions, morning and evening meetings were super valuable and I felt the foundation of all sessions were pretty solid in maintaining a calm group that could easily interact with one another. The sessions were informative and uplifting majority of the time, allowing me to leave the session feeling motivated and happy. 

The meals and mealtimes were perfectly planned and the chef was absolutely amazing! I felt full of energy, healthy and balanced after every meal and couldn’t wait to sit with the group to read or chat at mealtimes. 

The rehab booklets were great and having the ability to do them at our own pace was, I felt, awesome! I feel more confident within myself when working on them and talking about my achievements in group. 

The case workers were great and having someone to tell all your personal issues to without causing a scene is awesome, adjusting to the idea at first sucks in my opinion, but becoming a better human feels great.

Once in rehab, the days go quickly and they are filled out well! I loved the schedule and following routine just as much as I loved the chef's cooking. 

Thank you to all of the amazing staff and residents at Wyla who helped make my recovery journey a wonderful experience and a time in my life I will never forget. One of the best decisions I ever made in my entire life was to attend Wyla and I would do it again in a heartbeat if they didn’t help me so much lol.