I am also a former employee of AFR. Most of my clients could tell right away that I was there for them, not the money. There were weeks that I would work 70+ hours, away from my husband and children, because I cared so deeply about helping my clients in any way that they needed help. I was a Withdraw Specialist. I also am a certified Nursing Assistant.
The management there is definately not the best. As a matter of fact, management is why they lose a good portion of the employees that actually cared about a client's journey and recovery. HOWEVER, for the majority of the staff that clients come into daily contact with, these are people that TRULY care about a clients best interests, and will go that extra mile to make sure that everything that can be done, is being done. When I left there several months ago, it hurt me to know that I was leaving my clients. I don't miss the place, or the management (or the lack thereof), but I do miss working with people to change their lives.
I suspect that no matter what Rehab you choose, there will always be problems with upper management and the "bottom line", but the people that truly make a difference in the recovery of an addict are the ones they come into daily contact with, and those people truly care. While the facility is not a "luxury resort", and is an older building, it is better than most state run rehabs, and definately has a great program. I hope that any addict wanting to enter recovery, no matter what facility they choose, is successful. I will always have a passion for helping addicts get on the right track to recovery, and I plan to continue on this path.
Karma,
Perhaps a bit more research would have shown both sides to the story and that there is more than one "Forever Recovery". There were some scary stories about some locations but I found great reviews for the one in Michigan (and inspired by some of these posts since my mother was just admitted today for her 3rd time, all different facilities that each have their share of pros and cons. Remember-these people are addicts and recovery is a bumpy ride)
Also http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/a-forever-recovery-now-narconon-stonehawk-940196.html
klanigan
Your post in November 2009 is extremely well put and empowering for those of us who have alcoholics/addicts in our lives. Our recovery is also an ongong struggle, but it is vital we learn to continue working on the concept of dettachment. Most importantly, learn it is not our job to fix it (because we can not ever) and learn to be happy in our own lives, without letting the choices of another affect us negatively. I am interested to hear more about which approach my mohter and her counselors decide on from Forever Recovery. I studied psychology and thus took on the hours of research I did the second time she went to rehab. I wonder to this day how the staff we paid to help facilitate her intervention didn't pay me for all the work I did. I really dedicated my energy (and hopes) into the best possible choice. Well, second time failed. Each place she has been to (both in Maryland) has it's "stories" and what not, but as everyone else has said- remember what we are dealing with here. None of this is ideal.
I have been taking care of my mother since I was 12. My sister and I put together her intervention, read our letters first. I remember telling my mommy that if she doesn't get better then I can't have her walk me down the aisle at my wedding in 6 months as we had planned. The entire thing was this crazy wave of emotions that drain you. She drank within days of her discharge (for the second time). Ironically, while she didn't give "sober" a chance, the intervention process and month writing her in rehab was a good enough awakening for me! Heck, Al Anon's booklet in the waiting room the day we checked her in had enough "a-ha"'s in it for me i began my recovery that instant.
Anyhow, I didn't mean to share so much but I just want to further support previous realistic messages. This is serious stuff going on, for anyone that is a part of the disease. Everyone should seek some help, do some research, be open minded...the key is in our own way. ACCEPT T HINGS YOU CAN NOT CHANGE
COURAGE to change those you can
WISDOM to know the difference
PS- even facilities where Hollywood stars pay millions fail! The field has come a long way since 80's but we're only 30 years into it!
Thank you for sharing and I am sorry to hear that has happened. Good for you, though. Your post in November 2009 is extremely well put and empowering for those of us who have alcoholics/addicts in our lives. Our recovery is also an ongong struggle, but it is vital we learn to continue working on the concept of dettachment. Most importantly, learn it is not our job to fix it (because we can not ever) and learn to be happy in our own lives, without letting the choices of another affect us negatively. I am interested to hear more about which approach my mohter and her counselors decide on from Forever Recovery. I studied psychology and thus took on the hours of research I did the second time she went to rehab. I wonder to this day how the staff we paid to help facilitate her intervention didn't pay me for all the work I did. I really dedicated my energy (and hopes) into the best possible choice. Well, second time failed. Each place she has been to (both in Maryland) has it's "stories" and what not, but as everyone else has said- remember what we are dealing with here. None of this is ideal.
today is the next step in the journey......paw
Thank God, I just read on the BBB they have had 4 complaints this last year. They are down to a B+. Is is so true to watch, what comes around goes around. Beyond their challenges, It has been 7mos. for me and I am back to full time work and doing well. I pray for all those out there hooked on drugs and hope they find a way or a functional place to get off of them and never, never go back. Always try to remember, tomorrow is another day and it will get better. Beware of A Forever...they are bad news.
I was at AFR at this time last year . I remember being in the dining room listening to the MJackson saga on the 25th. For a person who wants to change their addictive behavior, and learn how to begin to live a positive, meaningful life, AFR has the tools. The extensive, thorough inventory, followed by the coursework provokes much soul searching and brings to mind things you may have "stuffed" , perhaps not even knowing you did. A Forever Recovery helped me save my life. It helped me learn peace and serenity from within myself, and I did not get my old life back, I have a brand new life. With God, my children and my family (in that order) as my focus, I am the happiest I have been in my 55 years of life. I had been to 2 previous recovery centers. They had good and bad, as do all, however I can say from much experience and much personal trial and error that it is VERY possible for a person to have their last drink/drug the day they enter AFR. Michel V
I am going to start off by saying I like everyone else did not have any idea of what AFR was really about. I was sick and in desperate need of help so I looked up a few places and decided to go. I left the same day I found this place on the internet. I will have to agree with most the statements about the facilities upkeep, but what I realized after a little time with my stay was I didn't even care about the facility, because my experience so far had been more than pleasant. I did what I was supposed to tried my best and continued to try and pursue my sobriety. I was able to talk to my parents a lot and even had them fly to Michigan to visit one weekend. I graduated from AFR on March 19th of 2010. It is now June 29th and I am still clean and sober. I will have to say with the help of my family and friends and the tools i picked up I am still sober today. I should also ad that this was the fourth rehab I have been to, and I have been to Fairbanks which is featured in some episodes of Intervention from A&E. In conclusion AFR was a very enjoyable experience and the best decision I have ever made.
Hello PatW!
Welcome to this site! You said it right!
Patw: but what I realized after a little time with my stay was I didn't even care about the facility, because my experience so far had been more than pleasant. I did what I was supposed to tried my best and continued to try and pursue my sobriety.
It doesn't matter what the place looks like or who works there. You are there to work on your sobriety and making yourself better!
Hope we hear more from you!
Ann
Thank you so much for your reply.
You said you found another place and it is wonderful. I would like to know what place it is because my son needs help. If you could please e-mail me and tell me what place it is I was considering AFR but now that I have read the posts I am changing my mind.
Please send an e-mail reply to lorette4me@yahoo.com
I am checking my e-mail frequently. Please reply!
Thank you,
Laura57 - Today is the first day of the rest of our lives - May you all be blessed with sobriety and long lives!
HI MY NAME IS LESLIE MY HUSBAND WAS ON METHADONE AND ALCOHOL AND NO ONE WOULD HELP HIM ON THAT COMBO. WE FOUND A FOREVER AND THEY WERE WONDERFUL TO OUR WHOLE FAMILY. WE ARE A SUCCESS STORY OF 1 YEAR NOW I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS FACILITY.
I greatly appreciate your information. I am sending my son here. I like it for the simple fact there are options for treatment. Every other place I looked at had only one option. I have talked to recovered alcoholics who have had to go through more than one rehab. I think a lot of that is because they weren't in the right program for them. I have not heard of a single place where100% of attendees were positive. If I were deeply religious, I would not try AFR, but I have strong faith and leave religion to those who like to criticize others. If I had a very serious drug addiction, I might consider a hospital rehab. However, this program seems to offer the inner reflection and life tools that my son needs. I am glad to hear the staff is so dedicated, because that is what helps a program excel.