FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Choosing the right place for recovery is an important decision, and it's natural to have questions. We want you and your loved ones to feel informed, comfortable and confident in the support you choose.
Your questions
The questions we're asked most
If you can't find what you're looking for, call us. Every conversation is confidential and obligation-free.
Getting started
How do I know if I or someone I love needs rehab?
Residential treatment may be worth considering when alcohol dependency or drug and multiple substance use has become difficult to control, is affecting health, relationships, work or everyday life, or when attempts to stop have not resulted in lasting change. A structured residential environment can provide the space, support and stability needed to focus fully on recovery.
What is residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation?
Residential rehabilitation provides a structured environment where people can step away from alcohol or drug use, everyday triggers and outside pressures to focus fully on recovery. Treatment typically combines therapeutic support, recovery work, healthy routines and planning for life after residential care.
At Keystone Lodge, each guest's programme is personalised around their individual needs, circumstances and recovery goals.
At Keystone Lodge, each guest's programme is personalised around their individual needs, circumstances and recovery goals.
How do I know if I need rehab for alcohol or drug addiction?
It may be time to consider professional support when alcohol or drug use has become difficult to control, is affecting relationships, health, work or everyday life, or when repeated attempts to stop have not resulted in lasting change.
You don't need to wait until you have reached a crisis point to ask for help. A confidential conversation with an addiction treatment provider can help you understand what level of support may be appropriate.
You don't need to wait until you have reached a crisis point to ask for help. A confidential conversation with an addiction treatment provider can help you understand what level of support may be appropriate.
What is the best rehab for alcohol or drug addiction?
There isn't one rehabilitation centre that will be the right fit for every person. When choosing a rehab, consider the type of therapeutic support provided, staff experience, programme structure, accommodation, individualisation of treatment, family involvement and the support available after residential treatment.
Most importantly, look for a programme that treats the person as a whole, rather than focusing solely on stopping substance use: a focus on life outside of rehab, connection and regaining purpose to help sustain long-term sobriety.
Most importantly, look for a programme that treats the person as a whole, rather than focusing solely on stopping substance use: a focus on life outside of rehab, connection and regaining purpose to help sustain long-term sobriety.
What should I look for when choosing a private rehab in NZ?
Consider whether the programme offers individualised treatment, appropriate addiction therapy, structured daily support, relapse-prevention planning and aftercare. It is also worth asking about the residential environment, staff, privacy, accommodation and how the programme will be tailored to your individual circumstances.
A good first step is speaking directly with the treatment provider and asking questions about how their programme actually works.
A good first step is speaking directly with the treatment provider and asking questions about how their programme actually works.
Is Keystone Lodge private and confidential?
Yes. Every conversation with our team is confidential, compassionate and obligation-free, and we respect each guest's privacy throughout their stay and beyond. Keystone is a private residential lodge on rural land north of Auckland, away from everyday environments and familiar faces.
How do I start the admission process?
It starts with a conversation. Call 0800 539 888, text or call James on 021 596 159, or send a confidential enquiry through our contact form. We'll talk privately about what's happening, what support you're looking for and whether Keystone may be the right fit, then guide you through a pre-admission assessment, detox planning if required, and preparing for your stay.
Detox
What is the difference between detox and rehab?
Detox and rehabilitation are different stages of recovery. Detox focuses on safely managing the physical effects of stopping alcohol or drugs, while rehabilitation focuses on the psychological, behavioural and lifestyle changes needed to support longer-term recovery.
Depending on the substance being used and individual circumstances, detox support may be required before beginning a residential rehabilitation programme. Keystone Lodge offers a supported social detox environment for those who require it.
Depending on the substance being used and individual circumstances, detox support may be required before beginning a residential rehabilitation programme. Keystone Lodge offers a supported social detox environment for those who require it.
Do I need to detox before going to rehab?
Not everyone requires detox. This depends on the substance being used, frequency and quantity of use, withdrawal risk and individual circumstances.
Where withdrawal may require medical management, this should be appropriately assessed and planned before residential rehabilitation begins.
Where withdrawal may require medical management, this should be appropriately assessed and planned before residential rehabilitation begins.
What is a supported social detox?
A supported social detox is a calm, structured residential environment through the early stages of withdrawal, with regular observations, prescribed medication support where required, nourishing meals, rest and compassionate recovery support. Keystone Lodge provides a supported social detox rather than a medically managed detox service. Where medical assessment or prescription medication is required, this remains under the direction of an appropriate medical practitioner.
Will a doctor be involved in my detox?
Where required, a doctor can attend Keystone Lodge to complete an initial assessment and establish an appropriate detox plan. Our trained staff then securely store and administer prescribed medications in accordance with the prescriber's instructions, recording observations such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature at each administration.
How long does detox take?
The length of alcohol or drug detox varies from person to person and depends on the substance used, level and duration of dependence, physical health, withdrawal history and medical advice. There is no single detox timeframe suitable for everyone.
What happens after detox?
Detox addresses the immediate physical process of stopping alcohol or drugs, but it does not address all of the patterns, triggers and behaviours associated with addiction.
Following detox, residential rehabilitation can provide structured therapeutic support, recovery mentoring, education and healthy routines to help a person begin building the foundations for sustained recovery.
Following detox, residential rehabilitation can provide structured therapeutic support, recovery mentoring, education and healthy routines to help a person begin building the foundations for sustained recovery.
During your stay
What happens in residential rehab?
Residential rehab provides a structured daily programme focused on recovery. At Keystone, guests participate in individual AOD therapy, group sessions, recovery mentoring, physical activity, wellbeing practices and recovery-focused activities while living within a supportive residential environment.
Treatment also focuses on understanding triggers and patterns, developing healthier coping strategies and preparing for life after rehab.
Treatment also focuses on understanding triggers and patterns, developing healthier coping strategies and preparing for life after rehab.
How long should you stay in residential rehab?
There is no single treatment length that is right for everyone. The appropriate length of residential treatment depends on the person's circumstances, substance use, recovery needs and progress.
Keystone's core residential programme is 30 days, providing time to establish stability, engage meaningfully in recovery work and begin developing healthier routines and strategies for life beyond treatment. Because we are client-led, we understand that some people may need a shorter or longer stay.
Keystone's core residential programme is 30 days, providing time to establish stability, engage meaningfully in recovery work and begin developing healthier routines and strategies for life beyond treatment. Because we are client-led, we understand that some people may need a shorter or longer stay.
What does a typical day look like?
Each day follows a consistent structure to support stability and progress: group therapy, scheduled one-to-one sessions with an AOD counsellor and your keyworker, recovery mentoring, exercise and Pilates, breathwork and mindfulness, recovery education, chef-prepared meals eaten together, and off-site 12-Step meetings three times a week, with time set aside to rest and reflect.
Can I contact family during rehab?
This depends on where you are in the programme and what supports your recovery. We encourage connection wherever possible and welcome family visits when suitable, because maintaining meaningful relationships can be an important part of recovery, while respecting each guest's individual needs and privacy.
Does rehab work for addiction?
Recovery from addiction is highly individual, and no treatment programme can guarantee a particular outcome. Residential rehabilitation can provide the structure, therapeutic support, education and recovery tools needed to help people make meaningful changes.
Ongoing engagement in recovery, support networks, healthy routines and aftercare can all play important roles after residential treatment ends.
Ongoing engagement in recovery, support networks, healthy routines and aftercare can all play important roles after residential treatment ends.
Can I stay longer than 30 days?
Yes. Additional support may be discussed based on individual needs and recovery progress. The decision is made together with you and your therapist rather than set by a calendar.
Families
Can I contact Keystone on someone else's behalf?
Absolutely. Sometimes the first person to reach out for help is the person who loves them. You're welcome to call us and simply tell us what has been happening. We'll listen without judgement, answer your questions and help you understand what the next step might look like. There is no pressure and no obligation.
How can I help a loved one struggling with addiction?
Start with a calm, compassionate conversation about what you have noticed and why you are concerned. Try to focus on specific behaviours and impacts rather than blame or judgement.
Families can also seek professional advice themselves. You do not have to wait until your loved one asks for help before learning about addiction, boundaries and the treatment options available.
Families can also seek professional advice themselves. You do not have to wait until your loved one asks for help before learning about addiction, boundaries and the treatment options available.
Can you make someone go to rehab if they don't want to?
In most circumstances, lasting recovery requires some willingness from the person themselves to engage in change. Families can encourage treatment, establish healthy boundaries and seek professional guidance about how best to respond to a loved one's addiction.
Even if the person is not ready to enter treatment, family members can still seek support and information about the options available.
Even if the person is not ready to enter treatment, family members can still seek support and information about the options available.
What if they aren't ready for help?
Watching someone you love struggle while knowing you can't make the decision for them can be incredibly painful. You can encourage them, love them and help them see that support is available, but you cannot carry their recovery for them. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is create healthy boundaries while leaving the door open for help. And while you wait for them to be ready, your wellbeing matters too.
Do I need to wait until things get worse?
You don't have to wait for someone to reach rock bottom. Addiction affects every person and every family differently, and reaching out earlier can help prevent further harm to the person you love and those around them. If something doesn't feel right, trust that feeling. It's okay to reach out, ask questions and simply have a conversation.
After rehab
What happens after residential rehab?
Recovery continues after residential treatment ends. A strong transition plan can include ongoing therapeutic support, recovery meetings, healthy routines, connection with supportive people and strategies for recognising and responding to potential triggers.
At Keystone, aftercare and relapse-prevention planning form an important part of preparing guests for life beyond residential treatment.
At Keystone, aftercare and relapse-prevention planning form an important part of preparing guests for life beyond residential treatment.
What does aftercare at Keystone include?
Our structured 12-month aftercare programme begins before you leave. For the first seven days at home, our registered AOD therapists provide daily contact. Within the first three weeks you have a dedicated follow-up session, and ongoing check-ins continue throughout your first year, providing connection, support and accountability.
Is aftercare included in the programme?
Yes. Comprehensive 12-month aftercare is part of every residential stay at Keystone, not an optional extra.
Can I come back and visit after I leave?
Yes. Our guests remain part of the Keystone family. Sometimes that means asking for support when things feel difficult, sometimes it's sharing a milestone, and sometimes it's simply coming back for a coffee or lunch and reconnecting with people who understand the journey.
Cost & logistics
How much does rehab cost in NZ?
Costs vary depending on the type of programme, length of stay and level of support. Keystone Lodge is a private, self-funded programme; a stay includes private accommodation, chef-prepared meals, therapy and mentoring, movement and wellbeing, and 12-month aftercare. Call us for a confidential conversation and a clear outline of what your stay would cost.
Why does private rehab cost more?
Private residential rehab includes accommodation, structured daily support, a higher staff-to-guest ratio and a more intensive, personalised environment than outpatient or community options.
Is there funding, ACC or insurance cover?
Treatment at Keystone is funded privately by guests and their families. We don't currently have an ACC or health-insurance funded pathway. Payment options are discussed when you enquire.
Where is Keystone Lodge?
On private rural land north of Auckland on the Hibiscus Coast, within 8 minutes of Orewa Beach and township and 15 minutes from Albany. We don't publish a street address, to protect the privacy of our guests.
Do you offer airport pick-up?
Yes. For guests travelling from Australia or overseas, we provide airport pick-up from Auckland Airport and immediate admission once your pre-admission assessment is complete.
Still have questions?
Every journey begins with a single step.
Recovery doesn't begin when you arrive at Keystone. It begins the moment you reach out. Whether you're seeking help for yourself or someone you love, we're here to listen, answer your questions and walk alongside you every step of the way.
- Freephone
- 0800 539 888
- [email protected]
