Life of Purpose

The Basics

Life of Purpose is the first primary care substance abuse treatment facility on a US college campus. The original location opened its doors in 2013 in Boca Raton, Florida, on the campus of Florida Atlantic University. It offers a full continuum of treatment for college-age adults with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Services include combined residential care and a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), an aftercare program and transitional housing options. Its second location at the University of North Texas in Denton, opened in May of 2016. However, this program currently only offers IOP and aftercare. Additional locations around the country are coming soon.

Life of Purpose was inspired by the founder Andrew Burki’s experience trying to get and stay sober as an adolescent. He struggled with addiction issues and after finally achieving sobriety in his late teens, his therapist told his parents he shouldn’t go to college until he had five years clean. In 2013, one year after receiving his Masters degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University, Burki opened Life of Purpose Treatment.

Accommodations and Food

The flagship Life of Purpose Florida program is situated among three academic institutions in Boca Raton, Florida. The modern condo-like facility is located at Research Park on the FAU campus, which is also just north of Palm Beach State College and in close proximity to Lynn University. Clients reside in a group living facility with 24-hour, on-site supervision. The building offers a comfortable and attractive environment conducive to both social interaction and quiet study time and contemplation. Clients live in nice two-bedroom apartments with a roommate of the same gender who is also in the same phase of treatment.

The modern, attractive units are furnished and have full beds, dressers and desks. Each unit is equipped with a full kitchen and residents are expected to do their own grocery shopping and meal preparation. The staff is available to assist with transportation, shopping supervision of recreational activities and provide support.

Treatment and Staff

The PHP and residential phase of treatment lasts 60 days. Clients attend a minimum of 25 weekly hours of group and individual therapy using evidence-based practices, such as CBT and DBT. Treatment happens Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 am to 5 pm, with an optional workout at the FAU fitness complex to end the day. Transportation is provided for required evening AA/NA meetings in the community. Plenty of time is also set aside for studying.

The IOP is a 60-day program that offers a minimum of nine hours of group and individual therapy. Clients must attend at least three 12-step meetings a week during this phase. They are also encouraged to find a sponsor, work the steps and build a support system for ongoing recovery. The curfew for residents in this phase is 9:30 pm.

Clients with co-occurring disorders receive medication management in addition to attending specialized group sessions that address their needs. If necessary, staff members can work closely with outside medical or mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care. Detox is not offered but referrals can be made if necessary.

The staff includes an MD, a psychiatrist, various accredited therapists and social workers.

Extras

Alternative experiential learning activities at Life of Purpose include: yoga, meditation and art therapy.

The Life of Purpose transitional housing sober dorms are open to all students in recovery, not just members of the Life of Purpose alumni community. Life in Progress is the name of the gender-specific luxury housing option for male clients at the Florida location.

The Life of Purpose aftercare program includes alumni meetings one evening a week. These offer ongoing sober support. Alumni are encouraged to drop in anytime. Alumni group activities are also planned throughout the year, like hiking, sporting events and sober socializing.

In Summary

Andrew Burki’s early recovery left him feeling like he had to put his life on hold to pursue recovery. Inspired to make sure others didn’t have this same frustrating experience, he has made college recovery his life’s work. The chance to attend college in a structured and sober environment is unique and possibly life changing for young people in early recovery. Life of Purpose’s specialization in treating college students makes it a perfect choice for those seeking help for substance abuse who don’t want to lose ground in their education.

Life of Purpose
3848 FAU Blvd #100
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Life of Purpose Cost: Depends on services and insurance (clinical and residential costs billed separately). Reach Life of Purpose by phone at (888) 787-7673 or by email at info@lifeofpurposetreatment.com. Find Life of Purpose on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+ 

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