The Acorn Intensive

Our 7 night/8 day residential program, the Acorn Intensive, is our signature food addiction treatment program.

Patterned after inpatient treatment for food dependency, this program has been successfully lifting people out of the trenches of food addiction for over 30 years. We have seen thousands of people start their journey towards freedom from food obsession in this state-of-the-art residential treatment program.

In just seven days, participants report a radical transformation in their relationship to food. They undergo detoxification from addictive foods, experience truly sober eating, and begin the recovery process of addressing underlying issues at a profound level.

The Acorn Intensive is for you whether you are:

• unsure if you are addicted to food
• brand-new to food sobriety
• in relapse
• a stable “long-timer”

Immediately following the Acorn Intensive is a 10 Week Aftercare Program — this is mandatory for first-time participants and optional for those returning.

If you are ready to receive treatment for your food addiction, join us to experience the SHiFT: Sobriety, Hope, Freedom, and Transformation.

We hold several Acorn Intensives throughout the year in Vancouver, BC, Canada and Bradenton, Florida, USA.

Cost:

The cost of the 7-Day Residential Program (including meals and lodging) is US $3,200. Payment plans can be arranged in special circumstances.

What’s Included:

• 7 nights lodging at a cozy home in a residential neighborhood (extra nights can be arranged)
• Delicious meals prepared by our personal chef
• 3 process groups a day led by world-renowned food addiction professionals
• Educational lectures on food addiction
• Structured activities that support recovery (e.g. group walks)
• Individual reading and writing assignments
• Techniques to deal with difficult emotions
• On-site staff that are recovering food addicts
• A personal food plan, including detailed information and one-to-one coaching
• Peer support and feedback from other group participants
• A detailed aftercare plan so you can continue your recovery when you leave
• Access to a large alumni network in stable long-term recovery

Click here to view a sample daily schedule

Intensive Begin Time:

The program begins at 6:30 PM on Day One and ends at 2:00 PM on Day Eight.

Lodging:

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.

Travel:

Kissimmee, Florida

If you are flying to Kissimmee, Florida, you will want to fly into Orlando International (MCO).

MCO (Orlando) is about a 45-minute ride to the location.

This airport has several transportation options, including Uber/Lyft or Airport Ground Transportation.

Bradenton, Florida

If you are flying to Bradenton, 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.

Gabriola Island, BC

If you are flying to Vancouver, your best option is Vancouver International (YVR).
Additional Sea Plane and/or Ferry required for this location. Please call or email the SHiFT Office for further details prior to booking your flight.

Meals:

All meals will be provided during the program, beginning with a snack on the first evening and ending with lunch on the final day. For those travelling long distances, we will provide food for your return trip home. *Dinner is not provided upon arrival. Please bring a prepared meal or have your dinner before arrival.

Food is prepared according to the Acorn Food Plan, which excludes sugar, flour, caffeine and alcohol. If you have been stably abstinent on a different food plan for 30 days or more, we will accommodate your food plan to the best of our ability. Please notify us of your needs upon registration for more details.

Focusing on YOU (this is important!):

Because the complete focus of the Acorn Intensive is on your recovery, no outside distractions are permitted. This means NO telephone calls, TV/video/audio, e-mail, computer, or non-recovery books or activities. Please do not make commitments (e.g. job concerns) requiring outside attention during the program. Phones will be collected for safekeeping at the start of the intensive (an emergency number will be provided).

What to bring:

• Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes
• Digital food scale
• Personal toiletries (unscented)
• Prescription medications
• Reusable water bottle with lid
• Slippers
• Rain gear (raincoat, shoes or boots)

SHiFT will provide:

• Towels, linens
• Notebook and pen
• Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous, travel edition)

Special Note:

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.

Registration and Final Payment:

The cost of the Acorn Intensive (including meals and lodging) is US $3,200. Payment plans can be arranged in special circumstances.

All participants must submit a completed registration form along with a $500 deposit. Full payment is due 14 days prior to the event.

Aftercare Note:

The 7 Week Aftercare Program is a mandatory add-on for first-time participants, as part of the SHiFT 11 Week Program. This is to ensure a successful start to your recovery upon returning home. For returning Acorn Intensive participants, we highly recommend that you join in.

We also strongly recommend at least 1 to 2 days with little or no responsibility following the 7-Day Residential Program. This is to ensure abstinence upon return to normal activity.

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact Raynea at the SHiFT Office: 941-378-2122 or contact@foodaddiction.com

We look forward to seeing you and sharing in your recovery journey!