12 Step Immersion in the Hills of Middle Tennessee
12 Step Immersion in the Hills of Middle Tennessee
Discovery Place is a 12 step spiritual retreat for men struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. We are not a conventional, insurance based treatment center. This means we are not beholden to insurance companies requirements on what to say or how to treat alcoholism and drug addiction. Instead, we employ an approach using the 12 Steps.
We have seen countless lives transformed through learning how to practice the spiritual principles of the 12 steps, so we know it works! As a guest at DP, you will be guided through the practical application of the 12 steps, as a way of life. We strongly believe, based on the evidence in our own lives, that this enables the addict or alcoholic to become “unthirsty” for the drink or drug in the first place. We believe that the “inner work” inherent in the 12 step way of life is essential for long term sobriety and a life that is happy, joyous, and free.
How it Works
The Discovery Place program consists of three phases. While you do not have to commit to all three phases now, studies have shown that long term sobriety outcomes drastically increase after 90 days of inpatient treatment. All phases of our program are residential, meaning you stay on one of our campuses with 24/7 staff availability. Here is a brief description of each phase:
Phase 1: Steps 1-5
30 Day Rehab
Phase 1, 30 day rehab, is where willingness meets opportunity. We believe that having the willingness to stay at Discovery Place is all you need to begin a fresh chapter in your life. We don’t believe in coming to treatment for “the wrong reasons”. Willingness is all that is required. Our first goal is to make our guests feel comfortable and get them acclimated. Our staff members, called Guides, have all been guests themselves, and know exactly how it feels to be new to sobriety and new at DP. They will be with you each step of the way through Phase 1.
Fear, resentment, anger, and simply being uncomfortable with early sobriety are all common emotions new guests wrestle with. Our goal is to help each guest over these hurdles, and show them the way out. We do this by sharing our own experiences of addiction and recovery. We believe there’s no one better suited to help an addict or an alcoholic than someone who has personally been in their shoes.
Each Guest is guided through the first 5 steps of the 12 step program with one-on-one meetings and small groups. This approach has shown to be incredibly effective for alcoholics and addicts in attaining sustainable recovery.
Phase 2: Steps 6-9
Long Term Recovery
Alcoholism and addiction are diseases which center in the mind, meaning they don’t go away just because we have abstained from drugs and alcohol. In fact, many of the “underlying issues” that cause us to drink and use in the first place become apparent after a period of sobriety. In our experience, most alcoholics and addicts need time to adjust to their new sober lives, and there is more work to be done after the initial 30 days.
We have found that it takes many of our guests more than 30 days to “let their guard down” and learn to form healthy relationships with other men, family, and society at large. Many alcoholics and addicts have been presenting a character for years, and Phase 2, long term recovery allows them the space and time needed to be themselves. In Phase 2, you will be guided through steps 6-9 of the 12-step program, addressing character defects, practicing humility, and learning how to make amends for past behavior. This phase allows us to get to the root of the problem, not just its symptoms. This gives our guests the opportunity to begin living with integrity and dignity. Our hope for every guest at DP is for them to have long term sobriety and contented, useful lives.
Phase 3: Steps 10-12
Discover Living Program
Discover Living Program is our transitional program designed for taking responsibility for one’s own recovery and reintegrating back to life. With the help of a Guide, the guest will learn how to integrate the program of recovery taught during Phase 1 and 2 into everyday life. He will actively be working with a 12 step sponsor, and continue practicing the 12 steps, with an emphasis on steps 10-12. He also will address any needed life skills; holding down a job while sober, budgeting finances, individual grocery shopping, time management and other life skills that need to be addressed per individual upon request.
Discover Living Care Provides:
- More freedom to explore your recovery
- A Guide to help navigate your recovery
- Transportation
- Help with budgeting
- Supervised environment to start working and having a vehicle
- Gym Membership
- Outside activities
- Volunteer opportunities at DP and in the community
- Treatment exit plan
Discover Living Goals Include:
- Continued work with sponsor and the steps
- Get all documents and IDs needed for employment
- Search for and find employment
- Expand your recovery network within the community, such as rides, hanging out, calling other alcoholics
- Become an asset to family, friends and the community
Articles & Resources
12 Step Program Guides
Our articles break down the 12 Steps and explain how their principles guide recovery beyond early sobriety.
Step 1 in AA – Why You Aren’t Powerless
The concept of powerlessness is always a hot button topic amongst those sober (and not sober). I’ve heard heated post meeting debates on this topic.
What Is the 2nd Step of AA? Finding Hope in a 12-Step Recovery Program
Key Takeaways Once you decide to get sober, you may find yourself impatient to begin making progress. While we’d all love to discover a shortcut
Understanding Step 3 of the 12 Steps: Turning Life Over to a Higher Power
Key Takeaways Whether you’re in early recovery or contemplating treatment for your drug or alcohol addiction, there comes a point along the journey when you
THE CAMPUS
Tour Our Addiction Recovery Facility
Learn how to manage your addiction in a judgment-free community. Unplug at our beautiful campus just outside Nashville, eat great food, and enjoy plentiful activities with a community of men committed to finding sobriety.
FAQs
Understanding 12 Step Immersion
Answers to common questions about 12 Step immersion and how it supports lasting addiction recovery.
What does “12 Step immersion” mean for addiction recovery?
At Discovery Place, 12 Step immersion means learning how to live the 12 Steps as a way of life, not just attending meetings. You’ll be guided through the practical application of the Steps daily, with support from men who actively live this program themselves.
How do the 12 Steps help with long-term sobriety?
The 12 Steps help with long-term sobriety by teaching men how to apply recovery principles to everyday life, not just during treatment. Through continued practice, accountability, and community support, the Steps address the thinking and behaviors that lead back to alcohol or drugs—making lasting recovery possible. Hear from men who’ve gone through addiction recovery and found long-term sobriety.
Do I need to be familiar with the 12 Steps before coming?
No. Many guests arrive with little or no experience in the 12 Steps. All that’s required is willingness. We meet you where you are and guide you step by step through the process.
Will I attend 12 Step meetings while in the program?
Yes. Guests attend on-site and off-site 12 Step meetings, giving real-world exposure to the recovery community and helping build relationships that continue long after treatment.
What role does community play in 12 Step recovery?
Community plays a central role in 12 Step recovery by providing connection, accountability, and shared experience. Being surrounded by others who understand addiction firsthand helps reduce isolation, reinforce healthy choices, and support long-term sobriety through ongoing relationships, service, and mutual support.
What makes Discovery Place different from other treatment programs?
Discovery Place is a men-only, non-profit, insurance-free spiritual retreat. Our program is led entirely by men in recovery who have worked the 12 Steps themselves. This allows us to focus on what has worked for generations, without outside mandates or short-term approaches.
Is Discovery Place a faith-based or religious program?
While Discovery Place is spiritually focused, it is not affiliated with any specific religion. The program is grounded in the principles of the 12 Steps, which emphasize a spiritual solution to addiction, but people from all backgrounds and belief systems are welcome. Many guests find renewed meaning and purpose without needing to subscribe to any particular faith.