LOS ANGELES, June 23, 2024 – In addiction recovery, long-term treatment programs are often the key to lasting sobriety. Mike Bradshaw, co-founder of Kokua Wellness in Ventura, California, has dedicated his career to developing effective addiction treatment methods rooted in both personal and professional expertise. 

Bradshaw’s journey into addiction treatment began in 2009, inspired by his own battle with substance abuse. By 2013, he had become a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor through the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE). 

Bradshaw’s firsthand experiences have profoundly shaped his approach to treatment. “When I got sober, I wanted to figure out what was wrong with me, so I went to school,” he explained. “I found a passion for addiction and treatment.” 

Over the years, Bradshaw has ascended through various roles within the industry, from overnight tech to executive positions, ultimately leading to the establishment of Kokua Wellness with his business partner.

Kokua Wellness, a facility that emphasizes long-term care, strives to revitalize the “lost art of residential treatment.” The program includes medically supervised detox, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and a strict 12-step regimen. Clients are immersed in a comprehensive 30-day program designed to build a solid foundation for recovery. 

Bradshaw’s own recovery experience highlights the significance of long-term care. He recalls his transformative time in a three-month residential program, where he learned essential life skills and routines. 

This foundation, coupled with an additional nine months in sober living, was crucial to his sustained sobriety.

 “The treatment center I worked at was a year-long program, and the success I saw there, I thought was industry standard,” Bradshaw said. 

He contrasts this with the current trend of shorter, less intensive programs, which he believes contribute to higher relapse rates.

Continuing care is vital for effective substance use disorder treatment because it helps maintain initial treatment gains and addresses relapses, according to the National Library of Medicine. It connects patients to additional support and addresses recovery-related issues like employment and housing. This ongoing support is especially crucial for individuals with severe substance use problems.

Bradshaw argued that the industry’s shift towards shorter treatment durations, driven by insurance companies and financial considerations, has resulted in a troubling increase in relapse rates. Terms like “chronic relapser” and “failure to launch” have become common, reflecting the inadequacy of many modern treatment approaches. 

According to American Addiction Centers, relapse rates for drug and alcohol use are similar to those of other chronic diseases, with 40-60% of individuals relapsing during recovery. Only about one-third of people with alcohol use disorder attempt to quit each year, and just 25% succeed in reducing their intake for over a year. Relapse is part of the process, and new treatments and aftercare plans are designed to help reduce this risk and support long-term recovery.

Kokua Wellness aims to counter these trends by providing robust, evidence-based treatment. From day one, clients receive personalized care from a medical director renowned in Ventura County for his expertise in addiction medicine. The program integrates intensive CBT and DBT sessions, psychoeducation, and daily 12-step meetings, fostering a structured and supportive environment.

Bradshaw places a strong emphasis on community engagement. Clients participate in activities like hiking and pickleball, integrating into the local community while learning to navigate social settings without substance use. This approach not only builds physical health but also reinforces the social and psychological aspects of recovery.

Bradshaw’s advice for those considering treatment is straightforward: “Do your research. Go on a tour, meet the team. Do it in person.” 

He believes that personal interaction and firsthand experience are crucial in choosing the right program. At Kokua Wellness, the focus is on equality and genuine care, ensuring that every client receives the attention and support they need for successful long-term recovery.

Bradshaw’s vision for addiction treatment is clear: a return to the comprehensive, long-term care models that have proven effective in the past. By combining traditional approaches with modern best practices, there is renewed hope for those seeking lasting sobriety.