Family Program Testimonials
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Registration Form (pdf) | Family Program Testimonials
As a 15 year old, coping with a mother suffering from alcoholism was extremely difficult. My mom entered treatment at Hope By The Sea last December wanting to improve life for herself and her family, and to learn how to deal with her addiction. What seemed like any ordinary treatment program turned out to be far from it. The amount of dedication from the staff, their warm hospitality and good nature was inviting not only to the clients, but to the family members as well. They made us feel she was in good hands.
Fortunately, she has remained sober since treatment and it has been the best year and few months for as long as I can remember. She came out of treatment truly a happier person which has personally made my life so much better knowing that I’m growing up in a safer environment.
I participated in the Family Program last month and I’m so glad I did! In the first day alone I learned so much more about the disease of addiction than I could ever imagine. I learned about how alcohol and drugs affect the brain, which made it so much easier to understand the reality of the addiction. The second day, the best part for me was the “psycho drama” portion. This is where we set boundaries in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones. On the third day, we learned about forgiveness and the realities of relapse and how to prepare for it.
Throughout the entire program I loved being able to communicate and share stories with the other families. By talking with the other kids, one who was my age and the other a little younger, we were able to express our thoughts of addiction from a teenager’s point of view rather than someone who was coping with an addicted spouse or child. Overall, the experience was truly amazing and I would recommend the Family Program to anyone with a family member either in or out of treatment as it is informative for everyone and extremely kid friendly. Thank you Hope By The Sea for the gift of healing and recovery!!!
~M.S.
I think for me the Family Program experience was very personal and a great opportunity to learn from others experiencing the same situations. Everything I learned was educational and helped me obtain tools to help my daughter and myself. I try very hard not to panic or take things personal when I can't reach her, but use what I learned in class to help me not jump to rescue mode. When I think she is struggling, I refer her to the tools she has been given. If one tool doesn't work, than what is the next tool, step, or person for her to call. I am very proud of her and her willingness to fight this disease. My eyes have been opened to the fact addiction is a disease and she will always have to work through her addiction. I know she has been given the tools, and she will have to make healthy choices for the rest of her life.
As I sat and listened to others share their story, I learned we are not alone. Your Family Program helped me begin my own healing which is vital for every family. I do not know if this is a new program, but wish we had attended before. As a mother, I learned I have the right to express what I think, what I feel, and there are consequences, too, even if my daughter is an adult. I was always afraid if I said anything it would push her over the edge and be my fault. Through your drama time, my feelings and fears hidden deep inside were allowed to be expressed in love, and not anger. Also, I really appreciated the personal touch provided by Cyndie, Karin, and Dr. Q! Your wisdom, knowledge, personal experiences with addiction and recovery are truly amazing. You have such life long experiences and are a great support for us.
I want to add one more thing! For myself, healing only begins when you forgive yourself and ask God's forgiveness. My daughter must forgive herself and allow God to help her grow and develop into the beautiful woman she truly is. Knowledge surrounds all of us and if we learn from our past experiences, good or bad, we can and will change. Sometimes we are too busy talking and don't take time to listen to one another. Your education was amazing, but meeting these wonderful families, children, spouses, sisters and your Team will forever be etched in my heart. May God truly bless all of you for your loving, gentle kindness.
~S.K.
Thank you for the opportunity to write my feelings about the Family Program. Our family recovery has definitely been a trying and challenging time. But, so far it has been successful. I’m not sure I would have had any insight or preparation for this time without the Family Program. The messages and examples presented at the Family Program have been right on. I have told my loved one several times, “I don’t know how other families can get through this without some education into the disease of addiction.” The ramifications of addiction are so complex. The ramifications of recovery are equally complex. The affects on friends, family--all the relationships in the loved ones’ life, change. The Family Program provided insight as to why and how this happens. The program is so real. Most of the presenters have personal experience with addiction, either their own or a loved one’s. No theory here. The information provided is stark reality. The program provides information and coping tools. To me, it is a “must do” for the family of a loved one with the disease of addiction.
~N.M.
“You can pick up any book and learn addiction is not just the user’s problem, that it’s a family problem. We found ourselves addicted to our son’s addiction, trying to manage every aspect of his life from helping him get up in the morning, to paying his bills, and everything you could think of in between. Without even realizing it, his addiction was taking a toll on every aspect of our lives as well.
My wife and I lay awake night after night worrying about where he was and waiting for a dreaded phone call. We begged him to get help…. yelling, screaming and demanding. You’d think I would know better how to handle the situation being a recovering addict myself. I have to admit it was easier to seek my own help and work a program, than to see my son deal with the devastation that had become his life.
Hope By The Sea’s Family Program is an absolute must for anyone desiring to fully understand the depth of the disease of addiction and how you can best equip your family to support your loved one. Often the case, what you think is the right thing to do is not the best thing for the addict’s recovery program. The Family Program guided us through that amazing realization, that each person is responsible for their own journey and as much as we want to, we can’t manage that journey.
Since experiencing that amazing weekend, my wife and I have been consistently practicing what we learned, including finding a home Al-Anon meeting that we attend weekly. Our son is thrilled we’re working our own programs, and I can’t emphasize that enough. He’s had several challenges throughout his 90 days of treatment, but for every challenge he’s faced, we’ve learned to listen and turn the challenge back to him to ultimately resolve. We are now working a healthy program of recovery and have begun to heal. We can only thank the Hope By The Sea Family Program for providing those guidelines.
We’d like to thank everyone at Hope: Penny, Ernie, Chad, Kelly, Cyndie, Nicole, Bryan, Dr Q, Dr Stafford, Frank, Karin, George, Jose, Pete, Candy and all of the house managers (we love you). I’m sure I’ve left some people off this list… just know we love you all. A special shout out to all the family members that we participated with in the program as well. And last but not least, to all the clients at Hope, you made the weekend amazing and you will always be in our thoughts and prayers.”
~ D.C.
“There are not enough words to express the gratitude that I feel for what you are doing for my son. Your genuine care and compassion for what you do is evident in him. I was so afraid that I was going to lose him. I am so blessed to have been led to you, for you gave me hope in a dire situation. Your staff is second to none. The family program was so intense and informative that I feel it has forever changed my life. It opened up my eyes to see, and my heart to hope, for all the today’s as well as all the tomorrows to come. My son truly feels he has been given a second chance. He knows it’s going to be a lifelong challenge, but the tools and all the information you gave as well as the full time care you have in place helps tremendously. Thank you for all the time and effort you give to my son and to me. You all are a blessing, for you have given me back my son, for that alone I can never thank you enough. I just pray that if anyone is looking for a place for their loved one, that they would give you a call. I do not believe there is a better place to get the kind of care your people can give. As I said, words will never be enough to express my gratitude. Thank you. “
~ S.C.
“I am still overwhelmed with all the events and traveling of the last few days, but I do know that this program was a great fit for us. The first program we attended was a good start, but this one certainly went beyond and focused on the things we really needed reinforced. Especially relapse and a more aggressive rehab. Thank you with all my heart.”
~ S.H.
“Thanks to everyone who participated this weekend. I now appreciate more than ever how much work lies ahead. I just scheduled myself for an Al-Anon meeting tomorrow (using the material you printed for me).”
~ J.H.
“The program is very informative and another reinforcement of how wonderful Hope By The Sea is! Each staff member has their own style and talent to deliver the information to us which was excellent. It was a perfect time for my husband and I to be here. We want to bring our other two children to experience it, too.”
~ M.D.
“Thank you for all of the information, tools, time and compassion this staff has shared with us. This has been a wonderful and profitable experience. We know we are leaving our daughter in good hands.”
~ N.P.
“Thank you for helping me increase my resolve to not enable and to take care of myself.”
~ C.M.
“Excellent!!!”
~ J.P.
“I thought the program was all wonderful and so, so beneficial. Thanks to all of the beautiful people at Hope By The Sea! I am forever grateful for your love!”
~ N.B.
“This program opened my eyes to so many things that I did not realize. Great program!”
~ J.F.
