At Burkwood Treatment Center, our philosophy of treatment is based upon the understanding that alcoholism (also called by different names, including “chemical dependency,” “addiction,” or even “Reward Deficiency Syndrome”) is a chronic, progressive disease that can be diagnosed and treated, and that abstinence is the beginning of permanent recovery. Most importantly, that recovery is a Way of Life! We understand that getting help is often the hardest step toward sobriety and we work diligently to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to each person who chooses to begin recovery with us. We honor the unique experiences, voices, and strengths that each participant brings to the treatment process, and we endeavor to incorporate these elements into treatment whenever possible. Also, we place a premium on ensuring that all participants and their family members are treated with dignity and respect. A cornerstone of our program is the knowledge that accepting personal responsibility for wellness is a key to lasting sobriety. In the words of Bill Wilson, “The essence of all growth is a willingness to make a change for the better and then an unremitting willingness to shoulder whatever responsibility this entails.” At Burkwood, we recognize that many people with this disease fall into the pattern of managing their illness instead of managing their recovery. In other words, we recognize that the best “Relapse Prevention Plan” is a “Strong Recovery Plan” based on years of evidence delineating the recovery process. The ultimate objective at Burkwood Treatment Center is for each participant to achieve his or her treatment goals and develop the recovery skills and strategies that will support long-term recovery. By teaching participants and family members about the nature of the disease and empowering our participants to effectively manage their associated symptoms, we help them to place themselves in the best possible position to successfully pursue happier and healthier lives, free from the biphasic cycle of the illness. We also work diligently to ensure that our actions always reflect our five core values: Respect for our participants, our employees, and our community Integrity in our dealings with all those whose lives we touch Accountability to participants and their families, and to fellow professionals Responsibility for the decisions we make and the actions we take Excellence in every task we perform