December 10, 2011; 22 months clean & sober!!!
VCS staff and Michelle,
The only reason I'm alive today is because people came together to help me. I want to take a moment to say thank you and tell you how I'm doing. For many years I missed out on life because the disease of addiction robbed me of the things that mattered most. In 2009, I was in a place where I could not live with or without the drugs; I accepted the fact that I was going to die. The guilt and the shame were overwhelming and I was at the end of the road. I didn't believe there was a way out. I hated who I had become and I was going to kill myself.
Out of complete desperation, or perhaps an act of God, i begged for treatment and my parents finally called to tell me that I could come to the Vince Carter Sanctuary if I really wanted help. The healing process started for me when I finally got honest with myself and became willing to do what was suggested of me. I thank God for the VCS staff. There are many different people who are all equally important to my early recovery. The institution saved my life!!
My life is so full of beauty. I'm so thankful to be alive and free from the horror of addiction. I know who I am today. I know inner peace. It might sound crazy, but I wouldn't trade the disease of addiction for anything in the world, because of what it has done for me as a son, a brother, a friend, and a human being. Thank you for being a part of my recovery and for having a desire to help others.
Sincerely, LJ
November 8, 2011 GC writes
There are some things we should hold on to. There are some things we should let go of. I spent 45 days at Vince Carter Sanctuary learning that, and much more. With the help of the therapists, counselors and all the rest of the staff, I learned that I can't control everything-in fact, not much at all. That I don't have to be a perfectionist. That I don't give myself enough credit for my own worth and abilities. That the inner child in me needs to let go of the fear that has guided my life. That no amount of wishing and suffering is going to allow me to return to my childhood to relive those years stolen from me when I caused to fear.
I have started to live a better life than I have known for decades; a life free of alcohol. I feel healthy and relieved and whole. The amount of support and encouragement I have received since returning home, and not just from family but from friends and neighbors as well, has been so reinforcing. Attending VCS may well have been the most valuable thing I have ever done, not just for my addiction but for my life.
Every one of the program staff touched me in some way...I came to Vince Carter Sanctuary only wanting to please my children, not really understanding my addiction. That my mind changed in those 45 days when it had not done so in 45 years was amazing to me. And I know that it was solely the work of the people and the program at VCS.
I will close by asking ...to express my thanks to all for your caring, kindness and love. You have truly helped to change my life!
NC in June 2011 writes;
" When I first went to expressive therapy and equine therapy I thought: this is pretty geeky! I stayed open-minded to it, as I have this program and learned some really neat things.
We were given a task in equine which involved getting a horse to complete an obstacle we'd made as a team: we were given certain rules. After some frustration we found a way to accomplish the task and didn't break the rules. What I realized then was that instead of focusing on what we can't do, focus on what we can do That's important in recovery because I was down about the things I wasn't gonna be able to do anymore and life was going to be boring. After learning that, recovery doesn't seem that boring anymore.
In expressive therapy I was amazed when I was able to remember how much as a kid I'd loved being happy- I hadn't realized I'd lost that. Now I see that I can work towards getting it back and being that kind of happy again."
A current patient MW writes;
Dear Cocaine/Alcohol,
....our relationship is over for good this time....My family needs me.....I am no longer afraid to admit you have me powerless and made my life unmanageable....I am letting a power greater than myself take the reins and guide me....My friends and family are well informed of you and are no longer going to enable me.....I have made amends to all that I have harmed. I now know their is life without you. In my life I hope to help others who you have a spell on.
A recent graduate of the program ST writes
....Falling in love was where all of hell on earth began for me and any promise of a "normal" life ended....After the age of 18 my life began to spiral downward so fast and hideous that I could not even stop to take notice....Days turned into months and getting high turned into getting well....The lying, manipulating, stealing and avoiding had finally caught up with me. I was arrested....
Fortunately, I began treatment with a positive attitude. I quickly realized that I could choose whether or not I was miserable. I no longer have to lie or isolate because I am free from active addiction. By learning to accept things out of my control and let go of the false sense of power. I am able to devote my time to positive things, my energy toproductivity and my thinking to healthy ideas.
Throughout my new found recover at Vince Carter Sanctuary, I have given some thought to my future...the best part is that I can begin to see it in a psoitive light now that the fog has lifted. I have finally found in recovery what I was looking for in drugs; peace of mind.
A recent client SS writes:
Dear drugs, When we first met you told me everything would be fine and I would have a great time. You did not let me down... I thought you were my best friend. You helped me to be comfortable in my skin...Quickly you turned into venom...You were the voice in my ear telling me it was okay to take and do what I want.....You hid me from the truth of my broken life...but I have learned my dependence on you took me directly to my demise. I no longer see the world upside down and can make my own decisions...I have my freedom now and I want to live my life as it was meant to be. Please do not respond because it is over.
Client LR writes:
....I knew my adiction affected others, but it wasn't until I came to VCS that I truly saw the love & support around me & the level of fear my friends and family felt or my health and safety.
...Coming to VCS has been a great experience for me. I feel like I've learned more valuable information here in 60 days than I could have learned in an entire semester of Grad school.
...Every aspect of VCS has been helpful to me, but I benefited the most from our small group and my one-on-one sessions....AA meetings have also had a positive impact on my sobriety.
...VCS has only helped to change my life for the better and I thank everyone who has helped me through this experience. I wouldn't change anything about my life and the events that led me to VCS because it has been an amazing experience. I feel confident about facing the world and it's challenges with a healthy body and a sober, peaceful mind.
Client LL writes:
Dear Alcohol, you have been such a great friend to me the past 2 years, or so I thought. We started merely as acquaintances strictly in social settings, and slowly but surely you became an essential part of my life - the best friend a girl could ask for. Anytime I needed you, you were there....
... Since you have been out of my life, everything has become more manageable. Even my worst days cannot compare to how I felt when you were a part of my life. You still enter my thoughts on occasion, but the good memories are much less prevalent than the pain and suffering you have caused me.
....Please do not write back
The family of a 2011 resident writes:
....The support of VCS has been wonderful from every step of the way, from the first call that was responded to, to the family meetings and return responses of our exasperation... We could never say enough to express the thanks or gratitude. I will definitely be sharing my experience with my supervisors, CMO and CEO, of what a refreshing approach to the disease of addiction. In my profession, and the medical field in general, there has been an outdated mentality or approach to treatment, and VCS is for sure on the cutting edge for a treatment regimen that has been so long needed. As a parent or nurse, the fear of what you know is available, to limited benefits that are a joke to imagine an insurance plan could consider a true BENEFIT, ( I guess better than not having any coverage) can bring a desperation that promotes a fight for life, or survival mode. VCS has brought us the relief and ability to breathe knowing who we love so much, is in the right place. God Bless.
DF a 2011 resident writes:
It has been said that life is not a destination but a journey. Certainly, one's life should be measured by its experiences rather than by it's conclusion...Looking back I can see how the sum of all my experience has led me to this very moment and how it may shape my future....I was largely unaware of the danger I was in or of the havoc I recked in my life and the lives of those around me. Trapped in the clutches of my addiction, I was unwilling, perhaps unable, to look honestly at myself and what I was doing.
...I manuevered through this maze of deception. For a time, I even managed some success.... transfixed, I found myself overpowered and forced to watch idly as my life, so carefully woven, quickly unravelled and burned around me. This de-evolution started small. A missed day of work, or a social event cut short seemed insignificant in the grand scheme....Over time these incidents became increasingly frequent...quicker than I could have imagined, I completely lost control.....The business I once tended to, I now neglected....bills began to pile up as my checking account shrank...Financially I was ruined. The very best of my friends became strangers, mere shadows in my mind....
...I was free to pursue my own annihilation. Alone with my false idol, I sank ever deeper into the shadow. There was nothing else for me. No love, no hope, no desire.
Although they had given up on getting through to me, my family had not given up hope for me. Recognizing the desperation of my situation and my inability to help myself they sought help for me. With much time and effort, they found a place that could help me. Vince Carter Sanctuary.
Through an intense, painful intervention, I came to trust their decision and away I went....Since arriving at VCS, I've been exposed to many new things. Through working with my therapist, I've uncovered many feelings and experiences that make me who I am today...I've also learned of my strong spirituality, my love for others and the power of one addicted person reaching out to another.
I've ...been introduced to AA, NA and the twelve steps. By working with a sponsor, I've come to realize how crucial these steps are to recovery. I've come to accept the absolute power of my disease and I've also re-established a relationship with God.... My relationship with my family has improved dramatically.
Whatever the future holds for me, I believe that God has a plan. At times I struggle to allow that plan to unfold, but when I'm able to trust Him I see how everything works out...
The past few years have been extremely trying for me. I see now, however, that they were only a small part of my journey. They do not define me. I've received a wonderful gift; the gift of recovery, the gift of salvation. I've been given a guide for a new way to live. No longer must I regret the past nor fear the future. I live today, knowing that with God in my life, tomorrow can be beautiful.
J a recent resident writes:
Dear drugs and alcohol,
Well guys as you know I'm in recovery right now, rehab as you know it. We've been on the ropes for a while now, been watching each others back. Well, I can't have your back anymore.
I know that sounds harsh, but lately, you've just been getting in the way. You're running my life man, suffocating me. I told you to give me some space, you knew I was in a hard spot, what with a wife and kids and all, but you wouldn't respect that and you got me by your little finger and I let you.
I remember 10 or 20 years ago when we met, we had so much fun. You were with me through some tough times. We pretty much grew up together and you taught me a lot. A lot of things that now I am ready to forget. You see I've found someone new. Her name is sobriety. She says she wants to help me with the new life I am going to start. She's just better for me you know. Anyway, with luck, diligence and hope this will be the last time we talk.
Unfortunately, I'm sure you'll find someone else. Goodbye
PS - Don't write back.
K a recent graduate states:
Dearest Vodka and Family:
I am writing this letter to you. Today is my final day here at VCS. Tomorrow I'll actually be "going out the front doors" without supervision or permission.
I would like to let you know that you have a lot of "former friends" here, including myself now. It's amazing how many people you know and how many lives you've messed up! Thank God for places like VCS and their wonderful therapists and CA's. I actually haven't found one person here that likes you! To be perfectly honest, which I know you all don't know what that means, you have made some powerful enemies here.
I think you might want to know there is someone here named the Higher Power that watches over all of us and his soldiers, a group only known to you as "A.A." have everyone's back.
Well, there's not really much else to tell you except that I won't be seeing you anymore. I have found new friends, strong forgiving and very protective of me. So, word of advice, don't try to contact me ever again.
Signed,......Without Regrets,
J., an RN states:
As nurses we are in the business of taking care of other people. We sometimes do this to the detrement of our own wellbeing. It is difficult for us to ask for help as we see ourselves as the caregivers. VCS has given me the tools I need to take care of my self, mind, body and soul so that in the future I can continue my work as a nurse, knowing that I myself am health & sober.
B., a Dentist states:
When I arrived at the Vince Carter Sanctuary I was physically, emotionally, spiritualy and financially bankrupt. I was powerless to my addiction to drugs and my life was unmanageable. The intensive treatment I received here has given me the tools of recovery to allow me to live the life I have always dreamed of.
RS - a nurse states:
Vince Carter Sanctuary helped save my life. Every staff member has valuable attributes to offfer. They were all very approachable and available when needed. I would recommend this progam highly.
AS - A LRRT states:
I have found VCS to be a huge help and has given me the motivation to find a new happines and sober life. ...I was able to find a sponsor ... who has helped me understand my "higher power", and AA steps. I felt welcome here at VCS and my family is very thankful to have the old me back and I am too. It was great to get bgetter here. The staff showed that they really care.
A prior 2010 client T.R. states:
Before being admitted to the Vince Carter Sanctuary I was a "dead man walking!". I had been using drugs and alcohol on a regular basis for over 20 years. Drugs and alcohol were the only way I knew how to deal with the stresses of: faily, childhood and life in general. I had zero coping skills and at the time going through a nasty divorce plus trying to deal with the fact that my son was moving to another State with his mother. I was underweight and had physical injuries as a result of my drinking and drugging. My family and friends had pretty much given up on me and were just waiting for the phone to ring and somebody to tell them I was dead or in jail.
As soon as I walked through the door at VCS, I was greeted with open arms by staff and clients. I was checked out physically by an MD and had a one-on-one therapy session within 24 hours after arrival. I was more than impressed with the fact that VCS had a variety of Group activities and also gave me the one-onone attention I was seeking. I had been in another rehab a few years ago and it seemed like the staff always had something to do and didn't have time even for a quick hello. This is not the case at the Vince Carter Sanctuary. The friendly staff always made time to give individual attention when needed and the individual program for recovery for me was right on.
I have been out of VCS for a few months now and continue to take advantage of the aftercare program(s) they offer. Also, I have made great friends in the meantime. The relationships with my family and even ex-wife are better now than ever before. Not to mention my physical and mental health have drastically improved. I share in a lot of twelve step meetings that I could not have been sober this long without the foundation that the Vince Carter Sanctuary gave me. I will forever be grateful to the Vince Carter Sanctuary for teaching me whtat it would take to save my life!
A family member (2010) states:
I want to write you to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for how your team handled my brother's situation. They are a great group of people and you are very lucky to have them on your team. I've been in Human Resources in the corporate capacity for over 20 years and I know good service when I experience it. Lisa Huser, Jennifer and Pat have all been instrumental in ensuring that my brother is taken care of and is being placed in a proper 90 day program upon his completion of treatment in your care. ....I understand from your team that my brother is one of your extreme cases and you have gone above and beyond to ensure he is treated properly.
I truly wanted you to be aware that I cannot thank your team enough for all their hard work and dedication. They are truly professional and returned all my many calls.... Please forward this email to your Board of Directors so they know what a great impact your team is making in people's lives.
Keep up the great work and I would highly recommend your facilities to any future clients.