Family Program Success Stories
Stories of Recovery
It was the most spectacular experience ever for me. It was a dramatic and life-altering experience. The way the program was presented was extremely helpful and worked for me. My family and I attended the Extended Family Program and I felt that the weekend Family Program laid the groundwork for us to participate in the Extended Family Program. The staff embraced everyone with so much warmth that I felt safe enough to really begin to look at myself. I never felt judged or that anyone else in the group was judged. My son and I were discussing some of the information that we had both learned in the Family Program and it helped us have a wonderful discussion. I am attending Al-Anon as a result of attending Family Program. I understand what Al-Anon is about now and I am grateful. (Weekend and Extended Family Program)
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I do not know how to thank you all for not only helping me to see myself better but for helping me to get my husband back and really saving our marriage. We both have a lot of work to do and the road will be bumpy but we are doing our own work side by side with that healthy overlap. We are both striving for an interdependent relationship. You kept dropping the phrase about miracles. Our son having to go to rehab was a miracle. What happened this weekend was a miracle. I have never felt so blessed. I am exhausted and energized at the same time. I am a very lucky person and a better person for spending the weekend with the three of you. (Weekend Family Program)
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The Family Program touched my soul while I was there and gave me a clear understanding of how I had been affected by addiction throughout my life. The eye-openers I had during and after I came home upon reflection were amazing. Since returning home I have been working on becoming less codependent and it feels rather freeing. As a family we are doing quite well and I don’t think I have laughed or loved so easily in a long time. My husband just celebrated his 100th day in recovery and he attends an AA meeting daily. He is working very hard at his recovery and interacting very well with the family. I go to any open AA meetings there are and I and 5 other women have started a group meeting soon to be a registered Al-Anon meeting, here in my country. Together and separately, my husband and I spend quality time with our daughter, having open discussions with her on topics of her choice including alcoholism. What makes me happy is how comfortable she is talking about alcoholism and there is no shame in the addiction. I was taught how to care for myself again and in caring for myself I could actually love my family. I always felt responsible, now I feel gentle love for my husband and my daughter. I have a long, long way to go but with hope that has been rekindled I have the energy and love for myself for this journey. Thank you all for being you. I will be forever grateful. (Weekend Family Program)
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I attended Family Program and it severely changed my life. When I arrived at Hanley I had no idea that I was exhibiting addictive behaviors. I was stressed, full of fear and in complete denial. I learned the importance of taking care of myself in order to be whole and a better person for my family member. I was more educated and informed about substance abuse and how it had affected my family member and my life. The Family Program staff provided inclusive information; highlighted with warmth and empathy. I left Hanley last month, informed, empowered with a smile and peace in my heart. I owe my life of peace today to the Family Program staff. After my experience I realize that The Hanley Center and its staff are a gift to this world that keeps on giving. It is also a safe place to fall when a person or a family member has been affected by substance abuse. I am grateful to all of you for providing me a safe place to fall. The talent and skill set of the Hanley staff was so efficient, professional and warm. They were able to identify and save a troubled and lost naive soul like me. I came to you extremely naive and you did not give up on me. I was a total stranger that was lost and in love and you helped me find my way back to loving myself (Weekend Family Program)
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I was telling a friend yesterday about the communication workshop and how great it was. I am so thrilled with my daughter’s progress and am so glad that I sent her to Hanley. I am doing well. I have 70 sober days as of today. I feel like we got a two-for-one special at Hanley. I came home from the Family Program and went to my first meeting here the next day. I had a sponsor by day two. I have found a wonderful home group and look forward to seeing them each day. I have a whole new life complete with piano lessons and new friends to have coffee with and walks on the beach. Who knew?
My husband and other daughter are doing well and are both extremely happy that I got sober. My daughter is transformed and our relationship is so far from where it was when she came to Hanley. I know that she has tools now and that is a huge difference for me. I don’t know that she will stay clean forever but I know that she has a toolbox now and that she knows how to use it. That gives me great comfort. I truly understand the one day at a time now, and I didn’t before. (Extended Family Program, mother of a daughter in treatment)
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I am pretty sure that you know how much my husband and I got out of the day we spent with you but I wanted to let you know that it lived up to its billing. We grew as a couple and individuals and we appreciate how you were in tune to our needs. I wanted to thank you for our very special day. The view is really nice from this spot and we are both doing our part to stay here. Thanks again. (Workshop)
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I feel happy and confident that my family chose the Hanley Center for my mother’s treatment and that this Family Program was available for us as well. I am hopeful. When I am frustrated, confused and/or being super-responsible, I will pause, let the emotions move and be good to myself. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart. (Weekend Family Program)
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I just completed the three day Family Program and I can’t begin to tell you the new found strength I feel today to take control of my life in every arena. I never understood why I reacted the way I have until now. Today, I’m 42 and a very successful business man. I teach motivation seminars all over the country based on obtaining financial freedom. Up until 22 days ago, I used drugs and alcohol on and off since I was 10 years old, but I was always OK because I could function. I graduated from high school on my own. I played college football. I’m a successful business man. I’m OK. I can fix myself and everyone else if you will just listen to me.
My wife has been in treatment for 22 days today and that’s why I attended the Family Program. I now realize that I’m not O.K, my kids are not O.K and my wife isn’t O.K. The Hanley Family Program gave me so much self discovery and insight into my whole life that now I know and understand why I lived this life of denial and addiction. I know I’m a co-dependent and have been so since the age of 10 and I know that I am also an alcoholic and addict. I left with tools to truly start my recovery and fix myself so that my family can begin to heal. I feel so blessed to have you touched my life and only hope that some day I can return the favor to someone else.
I guess I wrote this to you because I still consider you to be my safe place but I know that I need to find one here at home. If anyone needs to know if the Family Program will help a family member better understand their loved ones recover, I am one of your biggest fans. Thanks (Weekend Family Program)
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Once again I feel the need to express my appreciation for the wonderful program that you have provided to me over the past weekend. I can say that it has changed my life for the better. Thank you. (Weekend Family Program)
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The Family Program was an eye opening experience for me and I would not change the program in any way. Things are great between me and my family member and we are grateful for our experience at the Hanley Center. (Weekend Family Program)
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