faqs

Antedote is a truly holistic, integrative program designed to help young men with moderate substance use issues, emotional challenges, and developmental struggles. We focus on personal growth, resilience, and developing life skills through therapy, coaching, and community engagement. Our approach draws on the Five Levers of Well-Being: Nutrition & Hydration, Rest & Restoration, Movement & Breath, Relationships & Community, and Mindset & Perspective.

Antedote is tailored for young men, typically aged 14-30, who are facing moderate substance use issues, emotional or behavioral struggles, and developmental challenges (anxiety, depression, substance abuse, avoidance of responsibility, isolation, etc.). Our clients often seek a structured but non-restrictive environment that fosters personal growth, accountability, and self-reliance.

Our program is truly holistic and integrative, focusing not just on substance use but on the whole person—mind, body, spirit, family, and community. We combine therapeutic work, life skills training, and wellness practices to create a balanced, long-term approach to growth. We also emphasize participatory, perspectival and procedural learning, helping clients expand their perspectives, experience a sense of belonging and develop practical skills like cooking, time management, and budgeting that are critical for independence.

Our Five Levers framework is what we use to promote overall well-being. The levers are:

• Nutrition & Hydration: Focusing on healthy eating and proper hydration.
  
  
• Rest & Restoration: Prioritizing sleep, rest, and practices like meditation.
  
  
• Movement & Breath: Using physical activity and breathwork to regulate emotions.
  
  
• Relationships & Community: Building meaningful connections with others.
  
  
• Mindset & Perspective: Shifting negative thought patterns to empower positive growth.
  
  

Each lever plays a critical role in supporting clients as they work through challenges and build a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

Our Guides are trained therapists and coaches who provide both individual support and group facilitation. Each client meets with their Guide twice a week—one session for coaching (focused on actionable goals) and one for therapy (focused on deeper emotional work). Guides also lead Circle Work, group sessions where clients share and support each other’s growth.

Our assessment process is comprehensive. In addition to traditional Bio-Psycho-Social assessments, we evaluate a client’s core conflicts, growth opportunities, and overall well-being. This includes assessing both internal (emotional, cognitive) and external (behavioral, relational) struggles. We also use the Five Levers model to get a holistic understanding of a client’s physical, emotional, and relational health. Once in the program, individuals begin a 2 week assessment period for a more in depth understanding to be gained by our team. 

Antedote offers a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to the needs of each client, including:

• Individual therapy focused on core conflicts and emotional issues.
  
  
• Coaching to address practical life goals and skills.
  
  
• Group therapy in the form of Circle Work, where clients support each other through shared experiences.
  
  
• Antedote Network “add-ons” give access to specialists in areas such as trauma therapy, neurofeedback, and mindfulness-based practices.

Circle Work is a form of group therapy where clients come together in a supportive environment to share their experiences, challenges, and victories. Facilitated by our Guides, Circle Work helps clients develop communication skills, gain perspective from peers, and build a sense of community accountability.

We integrate wellness into daily life through structured routines that address:

• Physical health (nutrition, exercise, sleep)
  
  
• Emotional regulation (meditation, mindset work)
  
  
• Community building (group activities, relationship skills) Clients learn to take care of their bodies and minds, and these practices become a therapeutic tool in their recovery and personal growth journey.

Clients at Antedote gain essential life skills that prepare them for independent living, including:

• Cooking and nutrition: Taught by chefs who help clients learn how to prepare healthy meals.
  
  
• Time management & scheduling: Guides work with clients to build structured daily routines.
  
  
• Budgeting & financial management: Clients learn how to manage their finances responsibly.
  
  
• Household management: Cleaning and organizing skills, taught by housekeepers and mentors.
  
  
• Communication skills: Reflective listening, non-threatening assertive communication, non-violent communication

The primary goals at Antedote include:

• Building self-confidence and a positive self-image.
  
  
• Developing a healthy routine and life structure.|
  
  
• Addressing and transforming negative habits and behaviors.
  
  
• Cultivating authentic relationships and social skills.
  
  
• Preparing for full-time employment or education. Our mission is to help clients create a sustainable path toward independence and well-being.

After completing Antedote, clients are equipped with the life skills, emotional resilience, and support systems needed to thrive. Many clients transition into full-time work or school, continue outpatient therapy, and stay connected with the Antedote community through alumni programs and ongoing support.