Bernadette L. Jannusch, CSAC

I stayed here ready to get help after struggling with addiction for a long time. As a disabled veteran I was able to try this facility out and was discharged early for taking 2 tablets instead of 1. I was approached by my councilor and asked about it so I admitted to taking 2 vs 1 tablet then the next day was kicked out, hidden in a room for 3 hours and felt like I was being treated like a dangerous threat. I never was aggressive with staff and always respectful here. I'm not sure why they had to treat me like that. I actually felt discriminated against, but they can do whatever they want it happens all the time according to current clients here. It's sad because I was willing to start my days over to day one and do whatever they wanted. To be banned for life is demoralizing and not helpful to future sobriety. Luckily there are many other good places to choose from that don't throw you to the wolves after one mistake. Were here to get better and are not perfect. The whole reason why we are seeking help is because of a lifetime of mistakes why hammer the addict when just one is made during treatment when otherwise working hard? Just something to think about. Other clients are returning after not completing the program when I was told I couldn't come back because of not completing treatment. This isn't consistent treatment.

I am the spouse of a recently discharged patient. Although we are separated by choice (his addictions)I feel the program was an in and out deal. Never once was I talked to about my concerns over the impact this ordeal has affected his whole family as a unit.His little " impact" letter was for 1 person only his biggest enabler next to the way I used to be.This place will take your $$ and let your loved ones run the show.

Good therapy. Some patients inappropriate.

A joke. They tell you what you feel and/or think. What you say you feel and think is wrong. Your an addict and they know better. If your on state aid they will keep you in “treatment” as long as possible. They do the same to those that volunteer. They believed it was was important for my loved one to stay in “treatment” for an additional 90 day after 28 days instead of trying to find a way to transition back into life. Even though that would have ment losing their home, pets, and car. They were playing the “victim”. And the recovery was more important than keeping the most important things in life. The truth is, the guaranteed money is more important than you. In the end. My loved one snuck out of their “secure” facility, never looking back. It’s all about them. Not you. Find some other choice. I recommend Rogers Memorial.

Overall an expensive disappointment. My advice would be to look elsewhere. Zero mental health attention. Nova treats the "disease" of addiction, that is all. In the entire 28 days, no time was ever spent on getting their clients head's wrapped around why they seek to hide from the world with their substance of choice in the first place. When I asked why, I was told that wasn't important. The disease is the "real" issue. Couldn't it possibly be both...? At Nova there was almost no attempt at engaging the clientele and their specific needs. A very cookie cutter approach. And..."if this isn't working, it's your fault, not ours. We know what to do, you don't. Submit to power (Nova) and never forget that you are powerless..." Nova is big on instilling a mindset of addict for life. Including letting you know that it may take several times at treatment to make any headway. In addition, I am a counselor at several of the northern Wisconsin's prisons, and the staff that I met and spoke to at Nova were on an ego trip much like what I've observed when corrections officers interact with inmates. "Keep your mouth shut, we aren't interested in what you think." The message is, "listen to the lectures, read these papers and complete these assignments, then you'll be healed", rather than, "tell me about yourself and let's tailor something to you". Cold, impersonal and stern, often to the point of being militant. Thankfully my son went into Nova with his head on mostly straight and was able to ride it out or it would have been a disaster. Not what we had hoped for him at all.