FAQ - Suncoast Rehabilitation Center

A. Suncoast Rehab Center provides long-term treatment and intensive physical detoxification. The program handles the physical deficiencies, weakness and problems created through drug use without the use of additional drugs. Clients are helped to uncover the issues that led to their drug use through counseling, therapy and life skills that puts the client back in control of his/her life and future. We don’t believe “once an addict, always an addict” and believe anyone can overcome their addiction and get back in the driver’s seat of their life. Suncoast’s purpose in drug rehabilitation is to heal the whole person and give the person tools and education to remain drug–free, long-term.

A. We can treat all forms of addiction, street drugs, prescription drugs or alcohol, no matter how severe the problem is. Our program has proven success with long-term drug users.

A. At Suncoast Rehabilitation Center we offer a natural holistic approach that does not include medication. We do not believe in “curing” addiction by replacing one drug with another. If a potential client is on high doses of methadone or other prescription drugs and cannot safely come off those drugs, we will transfer them to a Medical Detox facility where they will be medically stepped down to a safe level to then be transferred back to Suncoast for treatment.

A. The average success rate is 76% over a two year period as compared to a 20% percent success rate of traditional treatment programs.

Q. How long does the program take to complete?

A. The program takes, on average, three to four months. Our program is based on results, not time and for each person getting the result takes different amounts of time and effort. It takes work to overcome an addiction that a person has had for many years but the result is well worth the time invested. A few months is nothing compared to a lifetime of sobriety and happiness.

A. Our staff is very well trained and continues their training on a regular basis. Many of our counselors are recovered addicts themselves which allows for a strong common bond with our clients and gives them the ability to recognize, on a first person basis, how our clients feel. The staff knows where our clients are coming from and what they are going through because many of them have been there. Our clinical team and treatment plans are overseen by our Mental Health Professional and Certified Addiction Professional who has been working in the field of addiction and mental health for almost two decades. Our second Certified Addiction Professional is on-site weekly for one-on-one counseling with the clients. Our medical team is overseen by our Medical Director and at Suncoast we strive to always raise our standard and quality of care and this is achieved through our quality assurance programs and regular continuing education so that every member of the team continues to improve their skill and ability.

A. On August 2, 1965, William Benitez jumped down from his double bunk in the old cellblock where he was housed and made the following notation on his wall calendar: “Decision to set up Narcotic Foundation.” He also circled the 18th of the same month, his target date to approach prison officials to request permission to set up a drug rehabilitation program inside the prison walls. Mr. Benitez’s drive to set up his drug rehabilitation program was further fueled after he read the book “Fundamentals of Thought” written by American author L. Ron Hubbard with whom he developed a correspondence. Mr. Hubbard made his innovative discoveries in drug and alcohol rehabilitation available to Bill as the program developed. Mr. Benitez with the help of prison administrators set up the first Narconon program which began on February 19, 1966. Mr. Benitez chose the name Narconon for his new program. NARCONON means (NARCOtics-NONe).

A. Through research done since the early 1960’s it has been found that drugs, once taken, leave residues in the body’s fat tissues. These residues remain in the body for years after taking a drug. This is the reason for the occurrence of “acid flashbacks” among LSD users. These drug residues also play a large role in an addicted person’s physical craving for a particular drug. Through vitamins, oils, exercise, and sweating daily with our New Life Detoxification Program. Our physical detoxification  program cleans out a users system, leaving them free of physical drug cravings and healthier than they have felt in years.

A. No. Every facility that uses the Narconon program is completely separate and has its own corporate identity, financial & legal set-up, management and staff. In the case of Suncoast, we also have our own 501(c)3 and are independently recognized as a non-profit charity by the IRS so all support, donations, etc. including sponsors of the SRC Scholarship Fund are fully tax deductible.

A. No. The Narconon program does not require clients or staff to make any religious choices nor does it attempt to dictate any belief system. The staff at Suncoast respect and support every person’s right to worship freely, or not to worship. Religion is not addressed except for the agreement to respect other people’s religious beliefs.

A. Generally yes. We make every effort to get clients to the Church of their choice. Some requests require an overly long drive, additional staff which isn’t always feasible so we attempt to assist the majority and will do our best to make sure every client can attend Church and strengthen their faith while enrolled on the program. We also recommend clients bring their preferred religious literature as there are therapeutic locations on the property and time to read and pray during the day and/or evening hours.