Aftercare Program

Supporting your recovery from day one and beyond.

When it comes to addiction recovery, aftercare plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term sobriety and preventing relapse. Understanding the process of addiction recovery, recognising the risk of relapse, and implementing effective aftercare plans are all essential elements in supporting successful recovery.

Residential Aftercare - Beginning from Day One

At Keystone Lodge, we believe that aftercare starts at the start, not as an afterthought at the end of rehabilitation. True, lasting recovery requires preparation, structure, and continued support — right from the moment a client begins their journey with us.

We understand that transitioning back into the outside world after completing treatment can be a daunting experience for those in early recovery. That's why we offer our clients a comprehensive aftercare support service as part of our therapeutic programmes.

Many public facilities openly admit they don’t have the capacity to provide long-term aftercare. Other private rehabs make promises they can’t sustain. We do things differently — and our clients deserve nothing less.

What Aftercare Looks Like

From the moment of check-in, each client is paired with a qualified Keyworker Therapist who becomes their personal guide throughout their stay and beyond.

Your DAPAANZ or Certified Addiction Specialist Keyworker Therapist provides one-to-one therapeutic support, tailoring every session to your individual needs.

Working alongside our AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) Psychologist, your Keyworker helps design and implement a customised treatment plan for while in residence and for your life after leaving.

This same Keyworker remains in touch and provides structured aftercare for a minimum of 12 months following residential treatment.

The Aftercare Journey

  • Daily support calls from your Keyworker or Residential Support Team.

  • Regular weekly check-ins to help keep you accountable and on track with your recovery plan.

    • A dedicated 1-hour follow-up session with our full-time AOD Psychologist to assess progress and reinforce coping strategies.

    • On-going aftercare support for 12 months.

    • Keystone knows it takes time to settle into a new normal, so each month past residents are contacted by their Keyworker or Residential Support Team for the first year.

Aftercare Community

Recovery doesn’t end when you leave our doors — you remain part of the Keystone whānau.

  • Past residents are encouraged to visit, share their stories, or simply drop in for lunch or a coffee.

  • Our regular aftercare emails include motivation, recovery tools, and articles written to inspire ongoing growth.

  • Staying connected helps build confidence, belonging, and purpose — because being heard matters.

Our Belief

Addiction recovery requires accountability, connection, and structure — especially during the first critical year.

Keystone Lodge offers New Zealand’s most robust aftercare program. Founder Damon and the entire Keystone team hold this program with a firm belief:

Aftercare isn’t optional — it’s essential for lasting recovery.

General Aftercare Support

We understand that transitioning back into the outside world after completing treatment can be a daunting experience for those in early recovery. That's why our aftercare is designed as a continuing journey, ensuring clients continue their recovery long after their treatment course has ended.

Upon completion of our programmes, clients leave with a new outlook and perspective, as well as a set of tools and coping mechanisms to thrive in their new life.

Begin Your Journey To Healing - Reach Out Today.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out through the form below, and our team will be in touch to answer questions and offer gentle guidance about what support at Keystone could look like.

  • “The most special place on earth!"

    I found keystone on Google search while desperately seeking help for my alcoholism and I got a response almost immediately from Damo to firstly check I was okay, and then fill me in on what the lodge has to offer in terms of the start to recovery.

    After a few weeks stay I now consider this place a second home and the most special place on earth, the staff are warm and welcoming, all with their own stories and journeys to share, the facilities are awesome, from a well equipped gym to beautiful outdoor views and last but not least the therapists and time taken with you to working through the twelve steps of recovery is invaluable.

    I would highly recommend Keystone to anyone crying out for help, the hardest part is to reach out but once this has done, this special place will take care of the rest for you, I promise. I will be forever grateful I found Keystone.

    — Emma

  • "10/10 — Truly Life-Changing Experience at Keystone Rehab."

    My experience at Keystone Rehab was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel genuinely welcome and supported.

    The team is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to helping every person who walks through the door.   The program itself is incredibly well structured — it doesn’t just focus on recovery, but on real growth, understanding yourself, and building the tools to live a better life beyond rehab. The counsellors, therapists, and facilitators all go above and beyond to make sure you feel heard, valued, and encouraged.  

    The environment at Keystone is calm, safe, and filled with positivity. It’s a place where you can be honest, heal, and actually start to believe in yourself again. Every day brought new insights and real progress — both mentally and emotionally.  

    I left Keystone a stronger, clearer, and more grounded version of myself. I’ll always be grateful for the people there and the support they gave me through every step of the journey. If you’re ready to make a real change, I couldn’t recommend Keystone Rehab enough.  

    Thank you, Keystone — you helped me get my life back.

    - Nick

  • “Best thing I ever did in my life!”

    When I contacted Damon at Keystone Lodge, I had been dealing with various forms of addiction since my teenage years. I had come to a point where, even though I was prepared to do anything to stop, I could not imagine living my life completely sober forever, and I could certainly not have imagined how much better my life could be if I was sober.

    I had never been to a rehab before, but I can say with conviction that Keystone Lodge sits right up there in terms of the care, the quality and the efficacy of the treatment it offers.

    The quality of life, happiness, and spiritual peace I have found now is beyond anything I could have ever thought of achieving. I would recommend Damon and his team to anyone looking to improve their lives through sobriety, either for those who have reached rock bottom or simply those who have just realized life is better without any substance but are struggling to let go.

    — Peter

  • “Wonderful people. I will be eternally grateful!"

    I had been battling to put down the bottle for over 20 years when I came to Keystone Lodge. For my time spent here, I was treated with kindness and understanding. I felt accepted and not alone. I met people who had been in my shoes who shared with me how they came out the other side. I received counselling to help me understand myself, the how's the why's and wheres. I was introduced to AA and taken to meetings within an environment that felt safe and reassuring. I had my own personal space when needed, and positive, helpful company any time of the day. Keystone is a safe haven with built-in structures to repair and nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits. I received the tools here to embrace my sobriety.”

    — Katrina

  • "Keystone gave me a safe, peaceful space to gather the tools I needed to rebuild my life"

    I found my crew there, a community of people who understood me, encouraged me, and accepted me exactly as I was. Both staff and clients became part of a family that I know will stay with me for life.

    The holistic nature of the program nurtured every part of me.. mind, body, and spirit. The mix of personal training, yoga, healthy meals, and time spent walking the beach or through the bush brought back a strength and clarity I hadn’t felt in years. The rooms are restful and the communal spaces calm and welcoming, perfect places to reflect, connect, and heal. Even the surroundings feel like they are part of the therapy, peaceful, natural, and grounding.

    What I loved most about Keystone was the gentleness of the recovery process. It’s not about being told what to do, it is about being guided with kindness and understanding. There is a real feeling of safety, and of people genuinely caring. And I love that clients can bring their small dogs, the comfort of having animals around adds something truly special to the healing process.

    With the support of the team, the psychology and counselling sessions, and the aftercare that continues once you leave, I have embraced a whole new life, one that feels authentic, hopeful, and connected.

    If you are reading these reviews wondering if Keystone is the right place for you, please, take that as your sign. Pick up the phone and call them. I know how hard it is to reach out, but it might just be the call that changes everything. There is life beyond addiction, peaceful, connected, and full of meaning. Keystone helped me find mine, and you can find yours too.

    - Holly

Discover our tranquil surroundings and the care our lodge offers

Find a space to relax, heal, and reconnect with yourself. Surrounded by nature, our lodge nurtures well-being and supports every guest on their journey. Watch our drone video to experience the serenity for yourself. Let this glimpse inspire your first step toward healing and renewal.