I went to Longbranch in-patient recovery after several alcohol relapses. I knew nothing about AA, the big book or the science behind this disease. I thought I knew, but I knew nothing.
After my most recent relapse I went to the hospital, where I was for two weeks with liver failure and a horrible case of jaundice. My entire upper body had become pail and yellow. My eyes were bright yellow.
I went straight to Longbranch in really bad shape, mentally & physically. I was so clueless about any type of rehab that I believed I would be there for 30 days and would leave a sober and healed man. There are two requirements to obtaining truly valuable therapy. A staff that takes pride in helping people in need, and the humility and desire of an addict to receive and benefit from this treatment.
Two years ago I went to AA meetings and participated in an outpatient therapy program. I didn’t do these things for me. I did them for family with a false confidence that I was in control of attaining sobriety, and didn’t need help.
I was surprised when Longbranch took my phone, having only 45 minutes a week access to it. There were times when I felt I was treated like a child, or a prisoner, when it came to following the many rules and guidelines. After only a few days I didn’t think about my phone anymore, and had numerous casual conversations with complete strangers from all walks of life. It was the first time I experienced true honesty when discussing my addiction, and I never once felt like I was being judged. If us patients had our phones none of these conversations would have taken place. And I’ve become a believer that a fellow patient can be just as valuable as trained staff when it comes to helping and changing the mindset of an addict.
I had a personal therapist that I had many one-on-one sessions, and 24/hrs a day access to. All of my medications were organized and distributed by the nursing staff. The nurses took a lot of pride in their performance, and weren’t hesitant to get on a patient’s a$$ if they slacked maintaining their medications or other medical requirements. All in a good way.
The food was really good, and prepared daily by chefs and other staff.
There were times when I questioned the need for some of the requirements placed on patients. Like packet work. I thought it was redundant and way too time consuming, but as I approached my final days at Longbranch, I realized everything done at Longbranch was a well thought out program based on past experiences. And the benefit of packet work wasn’t always recognized as something beneficial.
I would recommend Longbranch to anyone in need of help, especially those people that have recognized this need and take advantage of all the ways Longbranch has helped so many people.
Longbranch saved my life. The staff and faculty aid in my recovery to a large degree. I could not have done this without the community and everyone who works here. My counselor and all of the staff work a godsend to me. They all gave me so much compassion as I worked through so many different issues. I can’t think the RA is enough for always lending me a shoulder to cry on. No hard moment here for me went unnoticed by anyone. I never felt alone here for a second. I am forever grateful to each, and everyone of you who has helped me recover from this addiction, and giving me all the tools I need to be successful in all the years to come.
I treasure my experience at Longbranch. I highly recommend it! Good for the mind, body and soul. I made fast, life-long friends in the community and the staff is top notch. Chefs are amazing and serve delicious food. The accommodations are beautiful and spa-like. It was a life changing experience and plenty knowledge blossoms here. It’s a magical place, very close to my heart. ❤️
Longbranch came highly recommended by people close to me for whom I have tremendous respect and who deeply care for me and my family. Longbranch met and exceeded all of my expectations. The program focused on areas of recovery which I personally had previously been reluctant to embrace. The ‘faculty and staff’ were caring, knowledgeable, and passionate about this work, including engaging my family in the recovery process. And, I feel prepared to begin the next phase of my recovery journey, in large part due to the thoughtfulness and support that has gone into my after-care plan.
Thank you Longbranch. Godspeed to all the newcomers and those still yet to discover this amazing place.
I’ve learned first hand, people should let go of the stigmatize of the word ‘Rehab’. Disband the word shame and embrace the word Re-Birth. After one week I surrendered from denial and ignorance about addiction to gratitude and pure appreciation to have a place where selfishness is the part of growth. It’s a gift to take 30-45 days to really have only the time for you to reset, rest, get healthy, and heal emotionally, mentally and physically with the support of the most empathetic and caring team of Experts. Not one staff member shows an ounce of apathy, only patience and understanding. The fellow patients become your family. Who else can you learn to be open, vulnerable, humble and honest besides those who have walked a similar path of addiction and hold no judgment. Only support. You will learn confidence and self advocacy here at Long Branch. You will have the education and tools to take with you on your daily path to sustained sobriety. After meeting patients who’ve come in and out of rehabs elsewhere and my own failed attempts at IOPs. Why try sobriety on your own when you can expedite your life and happiness with the foundation you can find at Long Branch. I wish I would’ve done this sooner instead of battling alcoholism for 5 years alone, with no one to feel comfortable to trust or lean into for support. I can honestly say, I LOVED my Wellness Summer Camp. And the Process Group, Skills Group and 12 Step Program has set me on my way to a happy and peaceful, confident future for myself and my family. I stand the best chance ever to stay sober and go BIGGER in life! A happy and fulfilling one, that Long Branch and the Counselors, Resident Advisors, Case Managers, Medical Staff and Support Staff/Kitchen has provided. You CAN NOT go wrong with choosing Long Branch and their post care resources!