Testimonials Of Success

Here is a little background for you- I was married at age 16 and pregnant with my first son. My former husband and I stayed together for six years and had two more sons. My husband was very abusive to me, both mentally and physically. When my boys were 1, 3, and 5, I gathered the courage to leave him. Times were hard. I worked three jobs to support my family. I did not receive any state help, food stamps, nor child support.

Five years later I fell in love with a wonderful man with two children. We married (still are) but there were struggles raising five children. However, we always had a home, food on the table, and lots of love! My husband has always been a good father to all our children. As a result, life had begun looking much better for me and my family.

On November 30, 1998, my eldest son had a severe headache and stiff neck. That evening we took him to the emergency room. By 9:01am on December 1st, he had passed away. We were all devastated.

That’s when my youngest son, ‘Tony’, began to lose control. He loved and cherished his older brother and has never accepted his death. The trouble began in December of 1998 when Tony began using drugs – all types – too many to name and inevitably, he went to jail.

Tony’s last stay in jail was eighteen months. He was doing well and was sent to work release camp. I thought all was good. Little did I know the inmates had introduced Tony to heroin. When he got out in October, he kept his same job but was addicted to shooting heroin. Tony was trying to stop but could not.

On December 29th, he called me for help. Tony wanted off heroin. He cried and said ‘Mom, please help me.”

We do not have the kind of money it takes for rehab centers. We barely pay our bills. I went online looking for help. On December 30th, you called me at work and we talked for a long while. You were like an angel, an answer to my prayers. We tried to get Tony on a bus that day to go to rehab but he was reluctant and said ‘no.’

On December 31st, New Year’s Eve, Tony called and said he would go. You made arrangements and within hours, on New Year’s Eve, when everyone else was partying, you had Tony on a bus to rehab. Had you not talked to Tony, I am not sure he would have gone. By 1:00am New Year’s morning, you had Tony in your care, detoxing, where he spent the next ten days.

To this day, Tony is still clean. His job transferred him and he is still working and trying hard to stay sober. Words cannot express my thanks to you. If not for you, I am sure I would be arranging a funeral for my youngest son, Tony.

Joe, you are my angel here on earth and I thank you with all my heart. With you and your help, you have saved two lives- Tony’s and mine. The death of another son would have killed my soul!”

- Donna J., Charleston, SC

During my husband’s stay, he became very ill and needed emergency medical care. It is impossible to express, in words, our thanks and appreciation to Brett for his unbelievable job of observation, caring, and kindness to him. Also, for his patience with my many phone calls and willingness to assist beyond the call of duty with compassion.

I am also thankful to Mike, who assisted with the packing, and Joe for his conversations. The respectful and helpful manner of The Delray Recovery Center staff was beyond what I expected. My gratitude and prayers are with all. God Bless you and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

- Theresa R., Orlando, FL,

I help people who are critically ill, with life-threatening diseases. It is very rewarding although I cry quite often. All of my patients pass away, usually within months of helping them.

I am always told that when I am old, sitting in my rocking chair, I can look back and say I have done something to help others. You will be able to sit back in your rocking chairs and say you have helped people also. Whereas my clients are passing away, yours are starting to live.”

- Patricia C., Englewood, NJ

Striving to get better one day at a time is my goal. My weeks now consist of going to meetings, talking to my sponsor, working the steps with my sponsor, going to work, and participating in other activities to keep myself occupied and happy. I needed a place to let out all of my personal issues and that focused on ME to make sure I knew how to do the right things in recovery life.

The Delray Recovery Center was that place.”

- Chris M., Delray Beach, FL

Upon arriving and seeing the age difference between myself and the other clients, I was convinced that you all had conspired with my wife to lock me away, but all that changed within a couple of days and I found myself listening to my new friends and all the problems they were experiencing with their addictions and life. It really was an eye-opener, and I found out the true meaning of acceptance.

The staff is all first-class and always available to help. Loni is always willing to help and point you in the right direction. She really helped me settle in. Kate is very busy, but never too busy to smile and wish you well. Brett is always there for you and has the patience of a saint. Jessica is always cheery and although I only had two sessions with her, both were very informative. In Chris, you have an outstanding therapist. His way of getting through to clients is second to none. He also will not tolerate any b.s. and doesn’t have a problem calling you on it. Then, there are the techs: John, Megan, Liz, Dan, and Sean. They have all been great and do a fantastic job, especially having to put up with the lot of us.

The Delray Recovery Center has been one of the great experiences of my life. You have given me love and self-belief and allowed me to find the inner me, and connect with my spirituality again. Thank you and all your staff for giving us all the foundations for a better life.”

- Steve B., Norfolk, VA

I want to thank you for all you do for ‘Kevin’ and others via your program and halfway houses. I thank you for all the support and encouragement you gave to Kevin. It is obvious from my short visit that your program is operates with a staff that is truly caring and compassionate! I wish you a happy and healthy New Year. God Bless You.”

- Kari B., Norwich, CT

- Stephanie P., Long Island, NY

Run by true professionals who go out of their way to help, the therapists are second to none and provide everything the recovering alcoholic/addict needs. The daily AA/NA meetings we were taken to at various places in town were very helpful and allowed me to build a strong network of sober supports.

Our trips to the gym kept me productive physically, which increased my sense of well-being and overall health. Not only did The Delray Recovery Center give me a sound base for recovery, it helped me prepare for the outside world upon my completion of the program.

The Delray Recovery Center and New Horizons Sober Living Community has not only been instrumental to my new way of life, but has helped me begin my process of growing and changing into the man I want to be.”

- James C., Great Neck, NY

- Kevin L.

Now, I have been sober for six months. Looking back on my time in treatment, I am grateful for the change that has occurred in my life. My primary therapist was very patient and knew exactly how to treat my condition. One of the benefits to DRC’s program is their long term treatment plan. I needed time to adapt to the idea of sobriety before the psychological changes could occur. The staff was always very kind, even at times when I was not as pleasant. One aspect of treatment that is overlooked is the support given by the techs at the residence. The techs were very instrumental to my recovery, and were always there for me during challenging times. When I first arrived I wanted to leave, but the techs made the adjustment bearable. As I move forward in my career and in my life, I owe a great deal of gratitude to The Delray Recovery Center for giving me the opportunity to pursue a better life.”

- Kyle R., Levittown, PA

I was just using to use…I no longer enjoyed it, I hated myself but I could not stop. I looked at the forty-six-year-old in the mirror and wondered where the loving boy with dreams, who loved family, sports, friends, spirituality, life in general, where did he go? A one time white collared professional alone in his home truly broken. How did I get this way?

That one phone call was my opportunity to talk to a professional. Someone who listened. Someone who answered my questions. Someone who genuinely cared. There were no strings attached and there was no hard sell, only suggestions. I had the opportunity to make an informed decision.

I sobered up and dragged myself into The Delray Recovery Center the next day. I had an opportunity that day to meet with the owner, the clinical director, some therapists and some current clients. Of course I was scared, but at forty-six years old, I did not feel I had anywhere else to turn. I don’t recall much from that day, but I do remember that they cared and they listened. They listened to my needs, honestly answered my concerns, and made me feel like I was a human being – somebody who deserves to be happy, joyous and free. I took a chance and entered the program.

What the program did for me was it gave me some sobriety time, taught me about my disease, and taught me how to live sober a day at a time. During my addiction I really forgot how to live without drugs and alcohol on a daily basis – very humbling to admit but true. It was okay because I was with others just like me, with a staff that cared. In no stretch of the imagination was it easy. But this time I wanted it and The Delray Recovery Center was there every step of the way.

Today I go to sleep excited about what tomorrow will bring. My relationships are solid. My job is going well and the sky is the limit. I am dependable, and most importantly, I am without the bondage of drugs. Honestly, The Delray Recovery Center is the reason I am the man I’ve always wanted to be today. I needed help and they answered the call. For me, being part of the DRC family is my greatest gift. Sounds corny, but DRC is a recovery center with a heart and that made all the difference.”

- Justin C., Ft Lauderdale, FL

I was young and single and rejected the idea that it had gotten out of hand. Then one day I heard about The Delray Recovery Center. I got on the internet and saw what they offered, but then I decided I would try to quit on my own.

I FINALLY SAW THAT I was too far gone to quit on my own and made the call to DRC. That was the best decision I had made in a long time.

They had the trained medical staff I needed to get on the road to recovery. They gave me the tools to live a clean and sober life which is indescribably wonderful. I have created a host of new sober friendships which I cherish. I hope to be able to change my entire environment around sober living people, but I know it would not have been possible if not for GOD and the professionals at DRC, and especially Mr. Chris Pasquale. Thank you!”

- Karl S., Anderson, SC

Upon my arrival at DRC, my detox medications were wearing off and the “real” me was coming out. I thought I was so tough, I thought I was so hardcore and I wasn’t going to allow anyone to cross me. But really I was just a little girl with so much pain in me. When I met my therapist, I can’t say I had high expectations; And I’m sure she wasn’t too excited about working with me either. The entire time I was at DRC I wanted to stay sober, but I was just extremely negative and ungrateful. But something changed. My therapist, Jen, cracked me. Thank God for that, because if she hadn’t, I would probably be back home in Baltimore with a needle in my arm once again.

But I am over five months sober, working steps, enjoying life, experiencing gratitude, all on a daily basis. I still see Jen once a week for our therapy sessions, I live at the halfway house, and I go to meetings. It’s incredible the progress I’ve made, I almost forget sometimes. I was bat-shit crazy; I would flip out, scream, slam doors, put holes in walls, and just act insane. I don’t do that anymore. I find no need to. I have a sort of serenity to my life now.

I would hear things like this and would think, “BULLSHIT!” but I’m being 100% honest. I owe my life to DRC. Thanks.”

- Larissa K., Halethorpe, MD

- Gerald T., Delray Beach, FL

I am truly grateful that he was assigned to me when I arrived at DRC. I would hands-down recommend him to any one else seeking the “rigorous honesty” needed to put someone’s life back on track.

I am grateful to Mike Lobert and all the staff at DRC for making this terrible time in my life much more bearable and for for giving me the and inspiration to move foreword into a sober life.”

- Thomas U., Pottstown, PA

By the time I was 18, my addiction was very obvious and my parents sent me to rehab in Arizona for 60 days. I went, got them off my back, and soon returned home to using. I went right back to the same people places and things. This routine of rehabs, psych hospitals, and different institutions continued for the next 8-9 years. I was not able to hold a job and nobody wanted me around. I just could not stop using. I tried to get into recovery more times than I can count but always proceeded to do it my way. I blamed everyone else for my troubles with addiction. I blamed my parents’ divorce, my living situation, etc. Looking back on that today, what a fool I was…I was the problem. I hated myself. I hated that I had become the low life drug addict I said I’d ever be, and I was in straight denial. I was a girl that didn’t know the true from the false and I held every single person in my life hostage.

On July 19, I was sitting in a hotel room for a week just getting high experiencing the worst despair ever imagined. My friend intervened and with the little hope I had left, I agreed to give my life one last chance.

I remember walking into DRC and meeting Joe Fiorello. He was so kind and wanted to help me but I proceeded to walk back out and come back in at least 5 times before agreeing to stay for only 30 days. I then decided to do something different. I decided to listen. I listened to my therapist Jen and all the different counselors and techs. I remember the guilt and shame I felt at that time. It was so strong, but no matter how bad I wanted to run, I stayed. I kept doing what I was told to do and started feeling better. I worked hard with Jen and talked about everything from my past. 30 days became 60, and 60 days became 90 and I was still staying, and still listening. I got a sponsor and took all her suggestions. I got a job that I still have today at 5 months and 1 week sober. I am still at New Horizons and attend a meeting almost every night. I work 6 days a week and stay in very close contact with my sponsor. I speak to my mom, dad, and brother regularly but I don’t ask for them to support me; I pay my own way. I pay my rent and buy my own groceries and walk over a mile to and from every day.

Today I have people that I care about. I have a boss that counts on me and trusts me with my own set of keys to the store. I continue to pray for Gods will and don’t look back, I stay in the moment every day. After 6 rehabs and 4 psychiatric hospitals, DRC helped me not only by giving me the tools I need to save my life, but my aiding me to create a life. Thank you DRC. I am forever grateful.”

- Jenn S., Hackensack, NJ

My aunt found The Delray Recovery Center and I left Florida on August 31, 2011. Upon arrival I was very anxious because I didn’t know what to expect. After my first few days, I began to calm down and realize how warm and friendly the staff is. My therapist, Jennifer, was wonderful. She guided me in overcoming my fears and anxiety. She helped me gain insight into myself and raise my self-confidence. I learned how to take responsibility for my actions and myself. I learned to cook and clean and be accountable. I was taught my Kate how to write a resume, look for a job, and how to do an interview.

I recently got a job through the skills I learned at The Delray Recovery Center, and I am liking myself a lot more. Through the learning skills component of the program, I am enrolled in the Workforce Alliance, which helps train and educate people in different fields of work. I have hope for the future and would highly recommend anyone who is in need of treatment to be able to share my experience at DRC. I want to thank all of the staff for helping me get my life back.”

- Brittany M., Bloomingburg, NY