St. Joseph Institute for Addiction

To make a long story short: SJI saved my life. To make a short story long: I came to SJI ~1 year after a suicide attempt left me in the hospital and ~2 weeks after I formulated a more elaborate plan to end my life that absolutely would have succeeded if external factors hadn't sabotaged it. I was at the absolute end of my rope. I've struggled with my mental health and depression for 26 years, attempting to strangle myself when I was just 7 years old. Despite having all the boxes in life checked and on paper everything to live for, I was drowning in a pit of despair. I no longer cared who I would destroy if I ended it all, I just wanted out and the pain to end. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was drowning myself in alcohol to numb the pain and barely keeping my head above water. I came to SJI a husk of a person but determined to work the program, if not for myself than the people I loved. What I found here was an opportunity to learn to love myself for perhaps the first time. The beautiful, secluded campus offered me plenty of time to untwist in nature, get to know an amazing group of people that I am still in contact with, and receive help from some wonderful counselors, RAs, and nurses. I got the opportunity to meditate daily and experience a sound bath for the first time, two practices I've brought home and continue to this day. Despite having years of therapy under my belt, both the large and small groups helped me get in touch with my issues and learn some better coping skills in a new way, though I definitely preferred the small groups with my counselor and her other clients. The psychiatrist re-balanced my medication to a better treatment and listened when I needed adjusting. I won't say it's all sunshine and rainbows, there's always room for improvement and there are some members of the staff that could definitely benefit from some additional training and organization. Mindset definitely plays a big part of recovery, though, and because I was willing to put everything I had into working the program I absolutely got a new lease on life. I'm writing this 4 months after discharge. I am 5 months sober. I am 4.5 months free of suicidal thinking. I still have bad days, I'm human, but they no longer pull me down into the dark pits they used to. I have a new, amazing group of friends that _get it_ and I know that when I'm having a bad day that I'm not alone. I want to specifically thank my counselor, Carol, the RAs Joe, Summer, Mike, Lenny, Dave and Tommy, the nurses Amy, Tanya, Jordan and Bridgette, and the alumni coordinator Melissa. Everyone I crossed paths with played a huge part in saving my life, but you all especially stand out in my heart.

SJI is in an idyllic setting where the peaceful atmosphere integrates wellness, educational programming, and both individual and group therapy sessions lead by competent and compassionate staff. Homemade meals include a well stocked salad bar and fresh fruit. If Grace is cooking, you are in for a treat! The individual therapy was most beneficial to me. I was fortunate to be assigned to Emily B. (but all counselors are lovely and I benefited from the group sessions they provided on a rotation schedule). Guest speakers were profound, offering hope and keys to resilience. The peace, quiet, and support I received allowed me to unplug and really get to the crux of my personal issues in ways outpatient therapy didn't, and could never, touch. As a client, I took ownership of my progress, never "skipping" sessions, no excuses given, and took advantage of early morning sessions that were optional offered by Val during the week (She's a true gem, and I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunities she offers). The RA's Joe, Dave and Bri were supportive and compassionate, and always available throughout the day and into the night, 24/7. My counselor, Emily, was firm, fair and consistent. She called me out when necessary and truly helped me get where I needed and wanted to be - Happy, Joyful, and Free. It was a pleasure to serve as community leader during my time at Saint Joseph's Institute (when I was ready). Happily sober now, involved in daily AA meetings both virtually and in-person in my local community, I refer others to SJI on the regular, and am pleased to do so here in this forum. Freedom from alcohol addiction is attainable if you work for it (other addictions, too), and I was given the tools I needed to live alcohol and hangover free for life, full of patience, forgiveness, tolerance of others, and love. Is everything perfect for me? No. But SJI gave me what I needed at a time when I was lost and desperate for change and hope. I got what I needed, and you can, too. I'm determined to make it despite the challenges I face personally today at work, at home, and in my relationships. Make the call. Give yourself this gift of sobriety, and do it at St. Joe's. One Day At A Time.

Very friendly, both peer ran and counselors, in beautiful nature area, trails are gorgeous so is the chapel!! I give thanks to the staff here! All the RAs and counselors oh and don’t forget the nurses! They are all super friendly and supportive