Freedom from Addiction
The Humaniversity Addiction Program Intensive (HAPI) serves all addictions and, in cases of substance abuse, is a drug-free and non-medicated process. We are unique and unlike any other residential rehabilitation center. A participant in the HAPI is treated as an individual trying to heal, grow and create a satisfying new life. We regard each participant as unique rather than as a patient with a case number. Since love is a central feature of the rehabilitation process, it is vital that you can experience personal acceptance and respect for your commitment.
Living with an addiction has a detrimental impact on all aspects of our lives. Sometimes its effects can be more obvious, like alcohol, drug or food addiction with their devastating effects on the body. However, addiction can also present itself in harmful behavior such as gambling, excessive exercise, over-working, shopping, internet/social media attachment, controlling our environment or OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and their effects can be more subtle.
A key aspect of addiction is that despite the negative consequences we create for ourselves and in our environment, we are unable to stop. We continue to use the substance, or negative behavior to numb the pain we feel and are unable to process healthily. Over time our world becomes smaller as we destroy the relationships around us, leading to loneliness, isolation and loved ones who feel helpless and desperate.
The root cause of addiction can often be traced back to childhood where we did not learn to process our emotions, leading to an adaptive behavior we created in order to cope. Simply, addiction is a way to self-soothe and creates a disconnection from our true selves. The first step out of this behavior is to realize that this strategy is no longer benefitting us and to ask for help. Then we can address the emotional impact of the addiction.
We will support you to deal with the unresolved emotions from the past that are driving the addictive behavior, helping you to heal the burden you are carrying by processing it in a safe environment. Additionally, you will be part of a peer group, teaching you how to create healthy and nourishing friendships that are supportive. Addicts typically have a very limited social network that mostly involves other addicts. HAPI participants will engage in sessions and workshops with both addicts and non-addicts. This broadens your contact and understanding of people outside of your usual circle, promoting healthy connections. Finally, we will teach you self-love and how to create a fulfilling life for yourself.
The Humaniversity operates as a residential community. We find that addicts benefit greatly from experiencing our community lifestyle. As far as possible, it mirrors ‘real life’ but also aspires to a very high standard and quality of lifestyle. Our community is different: we are available 24/7 and this is why we are so effective. The purpose of our commune is to support participants in their process, meaning the more experienced members of the program can support you in your most challenging moments. Our staff live on the campus and are available whenever necessary. Healing is our life’s work, it is not a 9-5 job that we clock in and out from. We offer round-the-clock attention.
The fact that some of the program leaders are recovered addicts, who have passed through the HAPI process themselves, creates a strong sense of fellowship and friendship within the program. This not only establishes trust and empathy with participants but also enables them to detect and cut through the psychological games used by the addict to avoid treatment. Beyond the treatment of the addict the core value of the HAPI is to learn to become friends – not only with the other participants but also and most importantly with the program leaders and the other Humaniversity staff. This bonding will provide emotional strength and a safety network after completion of the rehabilitation process. It will help the participants to overcome obstacles in their personal life and remain stable in their new life path.
With over 40 years of experience we understand what it is like to live with an addiction: it can be crippling mentally and physically, characterized by intense feelings of shame, guilt, loneliness and self-hate. Being addicted can feel like being in a prison with no way out. We are here to guide you out of this isolation and into a healthy life that offers you happiness, fulfillment and freedom. We will teach you how to replace the addictive highs with authentic, nourishing connections with others and to cultivate self-acceptance and love. With our support you can create lasting change.
