The SHiFT 5-Week Program is mandatory for those attending a SHiFT Progam for the first time. Click here for more details.
At SHiFT we are passionate about making our programs accessible to everyone. If finances are an issue please contact us and we will work with you as best we can to work out a financial situation that suits all.
Brief payment plans may available for those who demonstrate financial assistance. Please call 941-378-2122 to discuss details.
Participants will stay at the program site, which is a private home in a residential neighborhood. Bedrooms will be shared by 2 or more participants. Click here to view photos of Sugar Free Place.
Additional lodging before and after the group is available for $45 per night.
At times, limited scholarships are available or a brief payment plan may be set up for those who demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Please call us at 941-378-2122 to discuss details.
ACORN Intensive
The ACORN Intensive© begins at 6:30 p.m. on the first day. We encourage participants to arrive by 6:00 p.m.
The event will end on the last day after lunch (approximately 2:00 p.m.). Departing flights should be scheduled accordingly.
Living in Recovery
The Living in Recovery Program begins at 6:00 p.m. on the first evening and ends approximately 4:00 p.m. on the last day.
3 Days with SHiFT
The 3-Days with SHiFT program is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. This program typically begins on Friday morning and ends Sunday afternoon.
Alumni Weekend
The Alumni Weekends begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and ends approximately 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Bradenton, Florida
If you are flying to Florida, you have two options for airports: Sarasota/Bradenton International (SRQ) or Tampa International (TPA)
SRQ is closer to the site (about a 20-minute ride), but it is a smaller airport and therefore has fewer flight options. You can catch an Uber from SRQ for about $20.
TPA is about a 1-hour drive from the site. This airport has several transportation options, including Uber/Lyft (about $75) or Airport Transporter.
Vancouver, BC
If you are flying to Vancouver, your best option is Vancouver International (YVR). As soon as you exit the airport, you will find a line-up of taxis waiting. It’s about a 30-minute ride to the site and will cost about $40.00 CAD.
All of our programs are open to people struggling with abstinence, have slippery abstinence or for those who are stable in their recovery. The Acorn Intensive allows up to 5 days for those who are not abstinent to remove certain foods from their food plan and detox from addictive foods.
5 Week Program/ACORN Intensive: Yes, meals are included. Dinner is NOT provided the first evening but feel free to bring your own meal or eat before you arrive. Meals will be provided beginning with a metabolic snack the first night through lunch on the last day, including any meals you may need to pack for your return trip. Food is prepared according to the Acorn Food Plan, which excludes sugar, flour, caffeine and alcohol. You will be responsible for weighing or measuring your portions. If you have questions about your particular food needs, please let us know in advance!
Living In Recovery: Meals are not provided during the Living In Recovery. The purpose of this program is for folks to get comfortable in a more real-life setting. You will grocery shop and prepare your meals with other participants.
3 Days with SHiFT: Meals are not provided during the 3 Day program, there will be plenty of time for people to prepare their meals in between groups.
Alumni Weekends: Yes, meals are included. Dinner is NOT provided the first evening but feel free to bring your own meal or eat before you arrive. Meals will be provided beginning with a metabolic snack the first night through lunch on the last day, including any meals you may need to pack for your return trip. Food is prepared according to the ACORN Food Plan. If you have questions about your particular food needs, please let us know in advance!
Typically, insurance policies do not cover programs for food addiction. We will provide an invoice upon request for you to submit to your insurance company. Please check with your provider as we do not submit claims to insurance companies.
During the Acorn Intensive the complete focus is on your recovery, no outside distractions are permitted. This means no telephone calls, no TV/video/audio, no e-mail, computer, non-recovery books or activities. Please do not make commitments (e.g. job concerns) requiring outside attention during the Intensive. When you arrive, we will ask for your cell phones (for safekeeping)!
But … In Case of Emergency:
Please have your family members the emergency number provided in the Event Details you will receive upon registration if there is an emergency. This number will be checked for messages several times each day.
You will need:
- Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes
- Bring a sweater due to air conditioning
- Digital food scale
- Your personal toiletries
- Prescribed medications
SHiFT will provide:
- Towels, linens (you are welcome to bring any bedding that makes you feel more comfortable)
- Writing paper and pens
- Binder with materials
Special Considerations:
In support of those with environmental sensitivities, we wish to make the meeting space as scent-free as possible. Please do not bring or use cologne, perfume,
In support of those with environmental sensitivities, we wish to make the meeting space as scent-free as possible. Please do not bring or use cologne, perfume, scented lotions, scented aftershave, aerosols, etc. as these products may cause reactions in some people.
It is recommended that you plan at least one day with little or no responsibility following the Primary Intensive©.
Rest, get your abstinent foods in place and ensure implementation of your aftercare needs.
Herbal teas are provided at all SHiFT events. Caffeinated tea/coffee or decaf coffee are not permitted at any of our events. Caffeine is an addictive substance that has been found in some people with food addiction to elicit cravings. Caffeine withdrawal can be hard for some folks so we suggest if possible that you slowly wean yourself off caffeine before you attend (being off caffeine before you attend is not mandatory).
Smoking is permitted outside at all events. We have had several people who choose to give up nicotine while they are with us and we will support them through this. If people choose to continue smoking that is fine, they will need to do so outside.