In the world of addiction treatment, establishing a world-class facility comes with its own set of trials and tribulations. The journey of creating The Ohana, a detox and residential inpatient treatment program nestled in the tranquil landscapes of the Island of Hawaii, is no different. But the complications for The Ohana were a bit more, well, complicated.
To see The Ohana today as it embarks on an expansion from 8 beds to 12 is to see the model of rehabilitation success. The luxury drug and alcohol rehab and detox center is the picture of island tranquility. The road here? That was the opposite of tranquility in every way.
“The vision for The Ohana was to create a sanctuary of serenity and healing, where individuals could embark on a transformative journey towards recovery,” says Elliott Michael Smith, the founder of The Ohana. “But turning this vision into reality was far from easy.”
The Ohana was born from Smith’s own recovery. When he was seeking treatment, he immediately thought of Hawaii. He yearned for the peace and mystical beauty he had experienced on the island. However, Hawaii had no viable options for his treatment.
Smith sought treatment elsewhere, but never forgot his dream of a Hawaiian rehab. For years, Smith solidified his dreams. He would establish a beacon of hope for his fellow addicts. And he would establish it in Hawaii, where the lush and mystical environs would contribute to recovery.
Fast forward to 2020. As the world shut down Smith found himself with time away from his busy career as a film and television producer. Though all the uncertainty in the world should have dissuaded him, Smith jumped into making The Ohana come to life.
Logistics, masks, supply chains, and social distancing. Just a few of the obstacles Smith encountered in the first few months. These challenges would prove short-lived and Smith was soon facing several obstacles that threatened to derail his dream, but never his commitment.
“Getting sober has many obstacles too. I had to take it day by day and not lose sight of the big picture,” Smith remembers.
The next biggest hurdle The Ohana faced was obtaining accreditation and licensing for the facility. Smith, accustomed to the challenges of the entertainment industry, suddenly had to traverse the difficult waters of the healthcare industry.
“It took us over a year of perseverance and dedication to navigate the complex process of obtaining the necessary approvals,” reflects Smith. “But we knew that every obstacle we overcame brought us one step closer to realizing our dream of providing world-class addiction treatment in Hawaii.”
Another significant challenge was recruiting qualified staff to work at the facility.
“Finding professionals with the expertise and experience needed for a luxury rehab center was no small feat, especially on an island with a limited pool of talent,” explains Smith. “But we were determined to assemble a team of compassionate and dedicated individuals who shared our commitment to excellence.”
Person by person, Smith built his team. In retrospect, he is glad for the challenge of staffing The Ohana. He was forced to really get to know his recruits and ensure that they were a good fit for executing his vision.
The final challenge was built into his location. Hawaii is thousands of miles away from the mainland which presented its own set of logistical challenges.
“The remoteness of our facility meant that we had to be resourceful and adaptable,” says Smith. “But we saw it as an opportunity to harness the natural beauty of Hawaii’s landscapes to enhance our adventure therapy program and provide our clients with a truly immersive and transformative experience.”
The obstacles paid off. The Ohana is thriving and true to Smith’s dream, they offer adventure therapy where clients get the most out of the Hawaiian location.
The Ohana’s success story is not just about overcoming challenges but also about its commitment to excellence and innovation. As a Joint Commission Accredited, State Licensed, and State Accredited facility, The Ohana upholds the highest standards of quality and safety in addiction treatment.
“We believe in treating the whole person, addressing not only the symptoms of addiction but also the underlying causes,” explains Smith. “Our goal is to empower individuals to reclaim their lives and build a brighter, healthier future.”
At The Ohana, clients have access to a team of highly qualified professionals, including medical doctors, therapists, nutritionists, and holistic practitioners, who work together to create personalized treatment plans.
Smith continues, “Despite all the obstacles, our focus has always been on providing comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based addiction treatment services. From medical detox to residential inpatient care to outpatient support, we realized my dream of offering services to meet the unique needs of each client.”
Through perseverance, resilience, and unwavering dedication, The Ohana overcame these challenges and emerged as a top-rated luxury rehab center in Hawaii. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of vision, passion, and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
For more information on The Ohana, visit www.TheOhanaHawaii.com.