Frequently Asked Questions of Refocus
Who is the program for?
- People wanting to quit drugs or alcohol, whether it’s their first time or they are trying again
- People wanting to continue and enhance their recovery success
- People who want to consolidate treatment
- Those who are engaged in after care or other day programs
- People awaiting access to other long term recovery programs
What is expected of you?
- Remaining abstinent from alcohol and other drugs
- Adherence to the structure developed for you and the entire therapeutic community
- Attending community meetings, counselling sessions and 12-step meetings
- Performing household chores
What do I need to bring?
- We provide all bedding, linen and towels
- Personal clothing
- Medications
- Books, magazine and photos of friends and family
What will we provide?
- 1 on 1 and group therapy
- Your own private room withensuite within luxury facilities and amenities in Bayside Melbourne, close to public transport
- Support and supervision 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Personalized care plan
- Breakfast, lunch and evening meals every day
- Real life environment with like-minded peers
- Urine drug testing
- Access to health and medical professionals
- Building and strengthening living skills
What is the cost of the program?
- Check out our Cost of Rehab page or more information about Refocus fees
How long can I stay?
There is no set time for each stay however the minimum is generally 28 days. You can stay weeks or months. We have tailored two month and three month programs or longer. The length of time is determined by your needs. Individual treatment plans are constructed to allow you to rebuild your life.
What are the chances of staying clean or sober?
Every client is different. Many of our clients go on to live drug and alcohol free after leaving Refocus and some will need extra support. Regardless of you or your loved ones journey, we are here to provide support and give you the best chance of continuing with recovery.
Benefits & Objectives
You will be able to rapidly return to your daily life with the support you need to ensure your continued success.
- Family members/significant others will be involved in the recovery process to enable you to rebuild relationships
- Refocus establishes a support network for you for all the services needed to maximize success
- Refocus is always here for you. You can trust us to be there to support you if problems occur. We are vitally interested in helping you have lifelong success
- Liaison with employers, professional bodies and legal bodies ensuring you have the best assistance in overcoming any problems that have arisen as a result of addiction
- Reintegration into the workplace. We arrange your support network and monitoring with employers and professional organizations
To begin your new life today, call our friendly team on (03) 9537 0880 or head to our Contact Us page.
Google Rating
4.7
Based on 44 reviews
Refocus Drug & Alcohol Rehab Melbourne
4.7
Joachim Vernon
00:11 15 Jul 22
It has been challenging to write these words. Finding a credible and suitable rehab for my sister was a daunting task. Our family wanted the best program and support available to stop the addiction. We also needed to have an environment that would encourage her to go and stay once she got there. The Refocus team were all fantastic in listening to all our concerns and challenges. The facility is lovely. My sister finally went and did the 28-day program. She extended her stay with our support because she felt she needed the extra time to get on top of things. Being in such a wonderful environment was a crucial factor. It made it easier for her to commit to the program. She did not feel “punished” nor that she was being confined in a hospital setting. We have also been learning so much about addiction along with her. Now we can help in her recovery. Refocus give us the support and guidance in putting ourselves back together. Words cannot express our gratitude enough, not only has this saved my sister, but it has given us our family back. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Deutsch Aus
09:14 28 Mar 22
The past two years have been incredibly rough for all of us. Some of us survived and some of us are not in a good place. Watching my brother's substance abuse spiral out of control, I decided that I needed to support him in the very best way I could. After reading several extremely positive online reviews, I reached out to the team at Refocus. My initial contact was with Michael on the telephone and he arranged the clinical team to assess my brother's suitability for the programme. Thank goodness all went well and my brother was admitted to Refocus. Fast forward three months and I have my brother back. The team cared for him so well, supporting him along this difficult journey. He and I both understand that rehabilitation is a process and we are both incredibly grateful that a facility such as this exists in Australia.
Tracey Dean
21:59 05 Dec 21
My time at Refocus has been life changing. After a few hard years, I unfortunately developed an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. After arriving at Refocus, I discovered so much about myself and all the factors that let to this unhealthy lifestyle. The staff and counsellors are second to none, and ensure you feel supported and safe at a time of extreme vulnerability. You will learn so much about yourself, and be challenged in the ways you need to be, to ensure you reassess and can achieve the life you deserve. The setting at the Brighton Savoy is nothing short of amazing, with gorgeous rooms and ensuites for all, and this location combined with this world class program meant I was truly comfortable to be uncomfortable and push myself to achieve everything I set out to. I can’t thank Barb, Heath my counsellor, and the whole Refocus team enough!
Emma Paterson
22:45 14 Nov 21
I attended Refocus earlier this year for 4 months, for treatment of substance misuse issues. The Refocus program and all the wonderful people who work there have absolutely changed my life. They provide a safe and nurturing environment to get out of the comfort zone and get well. I have a beautiful life today and that is thanks to the program at Refocus and the foundation I was able to set for my recovery during my time there. I am incredibly grateful to Barb and the team at Refo. Thank you xx
Tony Wong
20:46 08 Nov 21
A great environment for recovery. Staff genuinely cared about your recovery and the program gets you out of your comfort zone and really works ! Thanks so much to Barb and her awesome team for helping me through one of the toughest times in my life :)
William Jabbour
06:58 03 Nov 21
Refocus and the Staff were there for me at a time I needed them most in my life even though at the time I thought I didn't. Looking back now I am forever grateful to the team there who helped me progress in my life. Even to this day I get phone calls from them checking to see how I progressing in my life. 😊💐
Lana Krpic
09:53 20 Jan 21
This place saved our lives. Our whole family survived with the empathy and knowledge from all staff. If you need a way out, this is it.
Mitch Sheridan
00:56 19 Jan 21
My time at Refocus has not only been one of the most rewarding, life changing experiences of my life but has also made such a positive difference in the life of my family. Before I got to Refocus I was miserable with no hope for changing what I was doing. Despite all my best efforts I could not stop using substances. Barb and the team there showed real care and concern for me and my families wellbeing during my 11 month stay there. Barb looked at the root causes to what fueled my substance use and replaced them with things like self esteem and self love, which she herself put so much time into helping me with. I have a fantastic life with a beautiful partner, amazing friends and my family back in my life. I truly believe I would not have the quality of life and the awareness of myself if it weren't for the time I spent learning from Barb and the professional staff she has there. Thank you doesn't seem to cut it.
Leo Mac
14:25 11 Dec 20
Best rehab in Melbourne. The staff are genuine and compassionate. They will tell you what you need to hear.
Dashiell Bourke
09:33 10 Oct 20
Refocus has been instrumental in changing my life. I had been a daily drug user for nearly 17 years when I attended Refocus and I didn't believe that there was a future in which is didn't use drugs. During my time at Refocus, the staff, counsellors and peer support workers all helped me to develop a program of recovery which has allowed me to create a life free from the shackles of addiction. Refocus is not simply a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. Through a skilful combination of therapy, community accountability, education and consistent lifestyle change, Refocus has facilitated me to transform my entire self.
Denise Lambrou
03:34 05 Oct 20
I can not believe how effective this program is. I had almost lost any hope of getting my Brother back. We had tried everything we could as a family to help him but nothing worked. Our last chance was Refocus and although I had my doubts, the program has changed all our lives. The team at Refocus were amazing to deal with and were so supportive of the entire family not just my Brother. Without their help I don’t know where my brother would be, but thanks to them he is back home and finally back to being the person we always knew he was, a loving uncle, brother and son. This program not only saved his life but it saved our family. Thank you Barb and the rest of the Refocus team!
oruaqt
03:46 28 Feb 20
Though it does not look like this facility is the best for my families needs, the counsellor that answered the phone was so informative and helpful, giving options with explanations. Heath was better than the Santa in Miracle on 34th Street.
Abbey Mcgrath
07:28 02 Dec 19
I came to refocus in a rock bottom state and completely and utterly broken. In my time of residency, yes I became sober and clean but I also became a stronger person with the program that is in place there. The daily therapy and strong community that is maintained there brought me back to life. The support staff were always available at any time of the day and I felt heard for the first time in my life. I was surrounded by people who believed in me and encouraged me all the way. The environment is safe and positive and I have made life long friends that I still continue to stay in contact with. The entire staff went above and beyond for me and genuinely wanted nothing but the best for me and others around me.Thank you Refocus, my recovery all started with you.
Erik Locke
01:51 01 Jun 19
This place saved my life. I had been to another rehab which was demeaning, dispiriting and just locked me away from alcohol. This place has kept me sober by showing me a better life and a better me.
Hung Huynh
13:50 17 May 19
I came into Refocus a broken man, having lost my friends and family through drugs. From the first day til the very last day at Refocus I felt like I was at home surrounded by family, and I ended up staying at Refocus for over 7 months!! It was such a great journey! I could not have had this amazing experience without the support of the staff and the amazing community I was surrounded by. I've gained so much out of the group therapy sessions and one on one counselling sessions with very engaging and knowledgeable counsellors. I also made the most of all the yoga sessions and the gym provided.Refocus has given me the tools, knowledge and shared experiences that I was lacking and unaware of my whole life. Today I am able to identify my feelings having come into Refocus feeling like a ROBOT! Through Refocus I have met a lot of amazing people who are now my closest friends supporting me on this life journey of recovery. My family are now back in my life and all I did was follow the program Refocus provided and today I am now over a year clean. For the first time in a long time I am now living my life and not just existing.Thank you Refocus for the life changing experience!
Luke Sims
03:38 16 May 19
Refocus and their amazing team changed my life. My story is unique but unfortunately shares so many similarities with allot of people in our community. There is a stigma around drug users that they are low life's and chose to be drug addicts. This is so far from the truth that it creates horrible judgement on people when every single person has such a different up bringing and life journey and we all go through difficult periods or experiences that can lead to using substances like alcohol or drugs to help create a false feeling of dealing with the pain. I was a successful business owner and had a wife and 2 beautiful children and had everything I could ever asked for in life. I maintained a normal life and ended up being addicted to ice for 3 years as it helped me continue to do longer hours at work and I completely took it for granted and lost absolutely everything including my business, house, marriage, children and majority of my friends and family. I went to refocus in Melbourne at complete rock bottom with the only thing I had left which was a suitcase full of clothes. I was at refocus for the 28 day program and cannot explain in words how amazing Barb, Marni and the entire team are and the time and sacrifices they make to help people not only get clean but rebuild their entire life. I've not only learnt skills to deal with my addiction but also life skills to continue to grow as an individual physically, mentally and spiritually to help continue to be the best version of myself I can be. I have now been clean for nearly 3 years and owe it all to refocus and the amazing program they offer. I have completely rebuilt my life from nothing and am now running a successful business and have my family and friends back and now spend allot of my spare time staying connected to people that are struggling from addiction and helping them find a better path.I understand that private rehab can seem expensive and overwhelming to some people but I would honestly recommend Refocus to anyone that is seeking help or any friends and family members of people suffering addiction as the price for their amazing service doesn't compare to the opportunity I have been given to live me life again and be the best version of myself I can be.
Andrew B
12:07 13 Mar 19
I write this review after not using drugs or alcohol for 130 days, the longest period I’ve ever been sober.Two weeks ago I left Refocus after spending 3 months there. I was referred there by another rehab as previous 28 day programs hadn’t worked for me. I reached a point where I totally surrendered. When I was told to do at least 2 months at Refocus, I signed up for 3. I needed help.The program at Refocus is unlike any other I had tried. Plenty of group and 1:1 therapy, some freedom to do normal things like go to the local shops and cafes and most importantly, in my mind, the focus on re-learning how to live.Refocus isn’t just about drugs and alcohol. It’s about relationships, connection, lifestyle and being witnessed. The small therapeutic community and close attention by staff and counselors is what I needed to get me back on track. I’ve made life long friends and I feel more connected than ever to my recovery.I can’t recommend Refocus highly enough to anyone who is wanting to recover from drug and alcohol addiction and is genuinely willing to change. I am taking up the opportunity to stay connected with the rehab so that I don’t forget where I came from and how I finally made a shift away from the road I was on.
Nat Elise
06:33 02 Mar 19
My partner recently completed a 3 month inpatient rehabilitation program at Refocus. The professional team of staff and councillors provided continuous ongoing understanding and support to both my partner and our family from day one. The program was very thorough and tailored to suit his needs, as he is now clean, and on a successful recovery path. Refocus and the the beautiful staff there have changed our lives forever. Highly recommend to anyone struggling with addiction.
johnathon maniam
03:00 27 Jan 19
I arrived at refocus 10 months ago having lost everything and in desperate need for help. I tried numerous other solutions, but couldn't stop.Over the 3 month period, Refocus taught me how to live. With the guidance and support from the counselors and staff I now have my life back and am an asset to my family and the community as a whole. I can't speak highly enough or express my gratitude for my new found piece of mind. Thank you 🙏
Alexander Purcell (Alex)
03:01 05 Aug 18
Refocus was amazing. The help from the staff and community was 5/5. I received overwhelming love and laughter from the community. It was a great 28 days and restart of my healthy and clean life, if anyone is wanting to start clean and free life I highly recommend you do that at refocus.
Peter Peterson
00:21 13 Jul 18
Life changing.I entered Refocus after over 15 years of continuous drug and alcohol abuse with my life in tatters and my spirit broken.Immediately I was made to feel safe and supported by the experienced staff who showed me there was hope left and the promise of a healthy and fulfilling life ahead.My detox period (approx. 7 days) was managed with great care and efficiency while I was eased into their holistic rehabilitation program of counselling, meditation, exercise and daily AA/NA meetings.Through Refocus I learnt to face my uncomfortable truths and developed the tools needed to manage my new life with honesty and integrity.Not only has my own life improved beyond measure but also the lives of those closest to me who had suffered in my destructive wake for so long.Highly recommended.
Sam Gatiss
09:25 25 May 18
This year I had my first baby, as well as turning 4 years clean. I don’t think it would have been possible had I not walked through the doors of Refocus all those years ago. That is where my recovery journey started, though it did take me a few go’s till I finally became ready. Barb, along with the other staff there, taught me so much about myself and all my negative behaviours that kept leading me down the path of relapse. On top of this, I was able to learn basic living skills- of which I had none and that I now realise are so important. The small community was ideal for me as I otherwise had a tendency to fly under the radar. I still stay in touch with Barb to this day.
Julie Lorenz
02:02 20 Mar 18
When I first took my relative to refocus I felt hopeful, optimistic and terrified. I wanted recovery for so badly for him and so did he but I didn’t know if he could do it , but with the staff support and knowledgeable insightful no b/S approach making all residents accountable yet held with loving hands so to speak he emerged a different person , now a decade later the “normal” successful life he has with his wife ,children , a great job and continuing NA meetings our family is so happy and relieved, I can’t thank you enough .
Sama Mirzaagha
04:46 23 Feb 18
This place changed my life in more ways than one. Getting off the drugs was the easy part, what refocus does that is so amazing is show you path and give you the tools to deal with life and the problems that come with it that most of us struggle to deal with and so we turn to drugs. The beautiful staff at refocus really make the time you spend there so enjoyable and the support they give the clients is what stands out the most about this place.Being an emotional drug addict I struggled to show any emotion and or discuss any emotions. But as I spent more time here at refocus with the help of the staff and residents I learnt quickly to feel again, to be able to deal with my emotions and to express them in a healthy way.Every aspect of this program is thought about and is put in place for a good reason. Even simple things, living in a clean environment, eating healthy, meditation, the importance of reflection, I could go on and on.One of the most appealing parts about the staff at refocus is that each and every one of them has lived and breathed addiction at some point in their lives. So they can fully understand and relate to what we all are going through.This experience is life changing and to be honest I would go on and say it’s priceless. Worth every dollar and every minute of the 3 months I spent.
Rob Polwarth
03:58 22 Feb 18
Refocus has not only been a life changing experience for me, it’s been life saving. The diverse team of counsellors and support staff at Refocus provide a dynamic, inclusive, therapeutic program of recovery and provides a safe, supportive environment for self exploration, personal development and healing which has given me the life skills, coping tools and self discovery that has allowed me begin living a life beyond anything I could have imagined.
Jake Cohen
04:56 03 Jan 18
Barb and the crew are amazing thank you all so much for the last to months you guys saved my life and saved me so much pain i love you guys !
Travis Trewarne
23:32 21 Sep 17
I had a life transforming experience at Refocus and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make important changes in their life.At 40 years old I found myself unhealthy, unhappy and lonely. I had been stressed and uncomfortable for years and my solution was to medicate with alcohol and drugs. It worked well for years but I couldn't deny that things had gone too far and I couldn't stop if I tried. It was hard to accept but that was the hard truth.I was apprehensive to go into treatment of course but the alternative was either a mental hospital or death. After a 28 day detox I went to Refocus for three months. It was very challenging and very rewarding. The program was disciplined and well structured. I learnt so much and was able to develop and maintain new habits that made a big positive impact on my physical and mental health. The councelling I got was outstanding and as a very stubborn, cynical and willful guy, (did I mention controlling and manipulative?), I had a team of professionals that I couldn't talk my way around and knew me much better than I knew myself. In fact, that was the main benefit of the program, I got to know myself.Gradually I got my happiness back and was on the way to becoming the man I always wanted to be but had given up on. I'm over six years clean and sober now and my life is amazing. I am healthy, happy and I have a peace of mind that I never thought possible. My life is full of loving relationships and so much joy. I have Refocus to thank for helping me lay the foundation for change and for supporting me in establishing new habits and life learnings.It's the best thing I've ever done in my life, money well spent. I would always recommend this place to anyone seeking a solution to their misery and chaos. I certainly got one.
Ashleigh Foster
07:13 23 Jun 17
Refocus has changed my life! I had been battling a drug addiction, primarily ice, for over a decade and it was when my family brought me to Refocus that I finally got the help I had needed. The supportive staff and therapeutic environment are top notch. The counselling and education I received around my addiction have been vital to my recovery. I would recommend it to everyone looking for a rehab facility.
Shannon Bird
11:55 09 Apr 17
My partner attended 3 months at Refocus Rehab. It was the hardest 3 months of my life but I knew he was in an amazing place. The help and support that Refocus gave him was commendable and I cannot thank them enough. The program they provided for him not only helped with his addiction but also helped him to re discover himself as my partner and as a father, bring structure back into his life and give him the individual care that he needed for his recovery. The support they provided was also given to myself and our family and is still continuous even after he left Refocus. Refocus was the ideal place for him to beat his addiction and set himself up in life with all of the tools he has needed to succeed.Thankyou Refocus
paul prima
05:09 19 Jan 17
Refocus was recommended me by my counsellor when in hospital. We knew I would use once I got out of detox. I knew I could not do it on my own. I needed some boundaries set up around me. I surrounded myself with people who wanted recovery. It got me out of my own head and stopped me from thinking of using. I still attend counselling. If someone asked me if I should go to Refocus I would say "yeah, go, it was alright"
Adam B
05:35 20 Dec 16
Refocus was a down to earth place were I felt at peace. Can't thank you enough barb for fixing the broken man I once was.
Cameron Gillies
03:39 02 Jul 16
When I walked in I was very sick and unwell with a deep feeling of hopelessness. It felt like I was walking out of the jungle and into a comfortable and supportive home. Who would of thought that 19 months later I would be clean and living with one of my mates from rehab, working, in a relationship, and when I enter my dad's home he is no longer on high alert and is actually glad to see me. This programme offers a therapeutic community and awesome/inspirational staff with whom I still have a strong relationship with today. Don't buy into slick marketing and what other programmes offer... refocus delivers ongoing recovery for those who want it
Chris Wallace
11:45 04 May 16
Refocus offers a safe, stable and secure environment as a foundation for reconstructing a fulfilling life. The staff are highly qualified and a stimulating program designed to facilitate individual insights is implemented. The experience of the staff is further apparent by the strong sense of community which is fostered. The wholistic treatment approach of Refocus gives a realistic basis for commencing on the path to recovery from addiction.
Zac Eddy
01:31 28 Apr 16
I recently completed a 28 day program at Refocus which has completely changed my life for the better.Before attending Refocus my life was a mess, completely ruled by addiction for almost 20 years, I never thought I would be able to return to a normal life without drugs and alcohol.The team at Refocus gave me the tools and the experience to turn my life around for good, something I will be for ever grateful
Kat Wright
03:19 17 Apr 16
I arrived at refocus from another facility - I was fragmented and completely defeated. Refocus gave me a safe and supportive environment to learn how to become a whole person, how to relate to another human being on an emotional level, how to understand & accept myself for who I am, how to relate to the world and how to become a member of a community. My life today is full of more than I could have ever anticipated was possible.I am extremely grateful to Refocus, their staff and their programs – they taught me skills which gave me an opportunity to experience an authentic and full life.
Paul Fellows
12:47 15 Apr 16
Drug and alcohol addiction had violently crashed landed my life into a sea of oblivion, a vast isolated region of nothingness, the wreckage wide and far-reaching.From that wreckage came a surrender, a call for help, to heal the physical carnage and emotional blood bath that had engulfed me.Within the community of Refocus, Barb and her fabulous team of counsellors have empowered me with a new found understanding and acceptance of the disease of addiction.By instilling in me their therapeutic program of recovery, Refocus has allowed me, over time, to find a peace in my life I never could of dreamed of.The strength of that peace, and the emotional growth that has evolved from it, has pulled me from the living hell that I had created and allowed me to rebuild my life from the ruins of addiction.The journey continues....😊🙏
Cassandra Fahey
12:45 21 Feb 16
I had reached my rock bottom when I surrendered to the idea of rehabilitation. My ex-husband legally threatened to take my children; he had met the "so called" love of his life and I couldn't think....at all. My mind and my soul were destroyed from years of self hatred and substance abuse. Refocus was recommended to me by a very close friend who had had success there and I let him take me in (finally!!). There is nothing that can fully describe the miracle that is the change in my perspective on life and it all began at Refocus. Barbara nurtured me and Gordon my favorite councilor blew my mind, over and over again....until it was transformed. I loved my six weeks in rehab. I did the suggested things and I am now two years clean & sober, healthy, AWARE and sharp witted (sharper than ever). There's a journey called "the hero's Journey"...it transcends life as we know it...yours can start here too. I am eternally grateful :)
Dame Hill
08:49 15 Feb 16
The team here are the best. Barbara navigated a course of treatment that changed my life and those of many other clients. This came after years of attending other facilities to no avail. Highly recommended. For services, location, structure, care and individual attention.
