Written Testimonials

What our clients say…

Also see: LGBT at Practical Recovery and Video Testimonials.

 

Divorced man, 40′s, financial industry, alcohol, cocaine:

“I have been to several treatment centers, spanning 14 years. Several were traditional, where ‘one size fits all.’ Some others were non-traditional, not ‘one size fits all,’ but ‘one size fits most.’ If you think of someone with a behavior they wish to change as a peg, and the treatment or assistance as a hole, at the former centers individuals were all pegs, round or square, being pushed into round holes. At the latter centers, individuals were viewed as round and square pegs, and offered round and square holes. The problem is, we are individuals, not just round or square. Because of this, each of us requires an individual hole, or ‘fit,’ tailored just for us. That individualized fit, created after learning about each individual and their specific goals, describes the Practical Recovery approach. The guidance, or ‘treatment’ if you will, is as different for each individual as the difference between each snowflake that falls, but there is also a consistency – the love, compassion, understanding and acceptance offered across the board by every member of the staff, to each and every individual. There is no judgment, and there are no musts, or ‘suggestions,’ the word that certain centers use to describe what they really consider musts. The residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and sober living are all of the highest quality, and the entire staff – administrative, clinical and business, are honest and full of integrity.

“I have nothing against any form of effective treatment, and which approach is most effective differs from person to person. For me, Practical Recovery was the approach that I needed, and I would recommend it to anyone seeking advice of any kind on working on making positive and lasting changes to their life. I had great expectations coming in here, and after my first few sessions with the clinical team members, my understanding of ‘great’ was redefined at a new and higher level. Those new and greater expectations were also exceeded. I have my life back thanks to this amazing team of professionals.”

Divorcing father, 30′s, software industry, alcohol and sleep problems:

“I’d recommend this place to anyone. There is so much diversity in the experiences and options you can choose to participate in, you’re bound to find a plan that is going to work for you.  The openness, compassion and professionalism of the staff are astonishing.”

Married woman, 40′s, children, counselor, alcohol:

“Wonderful! Exceeding all my expectations. Great how the team works together and shares information to adjust and individualize the treatment. Web page was excellent. Especially like the biography page where you could see staff and read about their experience and expertise. Handouts, concepts, suggestions and “to do’s” from therapists very helpful, e.g., Dr. Masson’s “prescription pad,” Dr. Brown’s “force field.” Front desk people were better than any health care place I have been.

The Marriott Residence Inn a good complement. Lots of people there receiving various treatments and diagnostic tests, as well as researchers and practitioners there for UCSD and biotech companies. Felt very customer friendly without being intrusive (“so, how did your treatment go today?”). Extended stay prices were good, with two meals each day included.”

Single man, 20′s, hospitality industry, polydrug history, alcohol:

“After the intensive treatment at Practical Recovery I reached a new level of relaxation. These doctors are the best I have ever experienced. I got deep insight after merely one session. Never was I uncomfortable nor did I feel intruded upon. They treated me as a peer, and spoke of things I could relate to. I never felt I was just sitting with another doctor going through the same routine. Their treatment is extremely personalized and extremely effective. I had to travel all the way across America for this resource and it was beyond worth it. I will take their lessons with me for the rest of my life. They prepared me for the future I deserve and gave me the resources and tools I need to get there. I would recommend them for anyone, even if you are not in a crisis situation,just for a better understanding of yourself.”

Single man, 20s, student, alcohol:

“I found the first week really intense. Looking back now I’m not sure that was a bad thing. I found that the program also allowed me a lot of free time time which was extremely productive – (unlike other rehabs where there are activities every minute – where they make you do all that stuff [chores, etc]). I was given the time to think about myself and focus on my life and I learned a lot about myself.”

Male, 50′s, construction supervisor, lives with partner, crack cocaine:

“I was using at an alarming rate and knew I needed help. I went to Practical Recovery for a seven day intensive schedule. I was certain that my problems were directly related to the amount of stress I had in my profession.

The team I worked with was all caring, understanding, and left no doubt that they were as interested in what I needed as I was.

It didn’t take too long for me to realize that my job wasn’t the problem. I had other issues buried beneath that. I’m sure that the help I received in uncovering my issues was necessary. I never would have been able to figure it all out without Practical Recovery.

One of the things I appreciated most was the fact that I was never directed. I was completely encouraged. After leaving I was feeling much better. Though I continued my using, the patterns started to change. By staying in contact with my support team at Practical Recovery I was able to see the reasons for doing what I was doing. I had no burning bush experience; no specific moment of knowing I was done. The desire and need became less and less over the period of time I worked on my issues.

I made a few tune up trips back to the center, kept in close contact on the phone, and now I look back and realize that I haven’t used for more than three months. Not because anyone told me I shouldn’t but because the issues that made me feel like I needed to were addressed, and I no longer feel the need.

I have absolute respect…. I can’t think of a better way to get clean and sober or to deal with issues resulting from drug use by others in your life. I’d tried a few other programs before with varying degrees of success, but none left me feeling so unweighted after.

I stay focused every day on trying to do things that are good for me. I know that if something comes up for me I have people that know me that I can call and talk with.”

Married woman, 40′s, children, technology professional, stimulants, alcohol and pain medications:

“Folks in recovery need caring, compassionate people to help. Your compassion somehow comes through very clearly in what’s written on the Practical Recovery website. I’m not quite sure what exactly got that message across to me back when I was searching all those websites. But I think the compassion, plus the intelligence and good sense of the material, are the things that made me think “this is it, this is what I need.” The words were simple, direct, clear, with no bull*, and no phony compassion, if you know what I mean. I think some of the other sites actually use more “compassionate” language, but it’s all flowery and fakey and phony sounding. Your site sounded like one intelligent person conveying good information to another intelligent person–and that’s what grabbed me.”

Separated woman, 30′s, former teacher, methamphetamine:

“You couldn’t find a more helpful group of people anywhere. Unconditional acceptance is what you get here. It makes it safe to change.”

Married man, 40′s, children, construction industry, alcohol:

“The costs of my drinking were outweighing the benefits. I had looked at all sorts of help, including AA, medical doctors, and others. They all had their programs, but not one that fit me. Practical Recovery made one that fit like a glove.”

Divorced man, 50′s, grown children, construction industry, cocaine:

“I just wanted to write and thank you for all the help I have received. I felt the advantages of the team concept, and the obvious caring by each and every person involved. All sessions were timed perfectly for me, allowing me time to process. I honestly feel everyone can benefit from your services. I will definitely return for periodic tune ups.”

Single man, 30′s, investor, video games, sexual behavior, overeating:

“It can be hard to find even one therapist you like. At Practical Recovery I found a whole team of them! The treatment is completely individualized, and the administrative team was very responsive to my requests.”

Married woman, 40′s, children, government administrator, alcohol:

“Tom, my deepest thanks to you and everyone there for helping make my stay at Practical Recovery and Reunion an amazing, indeed, life-altering experience.  You’ve really created a wonderful and unique community for recovery.  It’s hard to imagine finding a more uplifting, warm and skilled group of people to have had the pleasure to work with as I begin this journey! Thanks.”

“Kerry, I’d like to convey my deepest thanks for helping make my visit to Practical Recovery and respite at Reunion such a positive, uplifting experience.  Having arrived shortly after an overwhelming and stressful stay in another recovery facility, I have to admit my inclination was to ‘bunker down’ in a nearby hotel room in solitude and isolation.  But Reunion turned out to provide such a welcome haven that, in retrospect, a stay at even the most deluxe of hotels couldn’t have compared, and would have surely diminished my experience at Practical Recovery.  Indeed, it was a delight to be able to relax at the end of the day in a comfortable and supportive living environment, and your warmth, kindness and personal touch enabled me to start each day feeling replenished and energized!

Pleasantly surprising enough were your beautiful environs, abundant and healthy food, movies, use of PC, Jacuzzi, piano, laundry facilities, newspaper at breakfast, and even yummy chocolates (a personal weakness).  More than any of these creature comforts, however, I was truly touched by your constant kindness and companionship: the luncheon and seaside stroll in La Jolla; the beautiful Mother’s Day roses and brunch at the Hotel del Coronado; the wonderful trip to Palm Springs; the joy helping care for little Cumo; and above all, your willingness, during a quite frightening night for me, to get out of bed at midnight and sit at the foot of my bed until I could sleep again!  From the moment I arrived to the moment I left—even when you suggested, without hesitation, that we hang around the house rather than drop me at the airport to await my 10pm “red eye” flight back home—your sensitivity and compassion shined through, and made a world of difference I’ll not forget.

I’m planning another brief visit to Practical Recovery sometime this summer (just around the corner) and hope to see you then!  Best wishes to you!  With sincerest and warmest regards.”

Married woman, 50′s, educator, attends SMART Recovery and is reading Sex, Drugs, Gambling & Chocolate:

“Dr. Horvath,  I wanted to write to tell you how you helped me this past week.  I have been successfully losing weight – been doing Weight Watchers for a year and have taken off 25 pounds.  But recently I had this horrible issue with craving sweets.  I was “out of control!!”

I spent a half a day a week ago Saturday depressed – then went out to my yoga class – felt some better and came home and got out your book.  I scanned some and saw a chapter on craving.  Read for a bit and got to the part where you talk about being “out of control” and how people say that – but it isn’t completely true.  How if I were compulsively eating chocolate and someone came in the room I WOULD stop.  So clearly I am NOT out of control.  I was just making bad choices.  BUT on top of the bad choices I was telling myself I couldn’t help it.  I was making myself powerless.

Now I DO get it how this is just like the whole thing with drinking urges.  I have been doing SMART Recovery for over 3 years.  And I have never been so clear on how HUGE it is to pay attention to what we tell ourselves.

I got back on track and there were several times this past week that I was tempted but each time I realized it was a choice.  And also got how making a bad choice would make the next decision even harder – not impossible – just more difficult.  I told myself that I could choose. It was within my power to say – NO I don’t have to eat that big juicy muffin just because it is there.  I can have a cup of coffee which might take my mind and stomach off of that sugary – not good for me – treat.

I am so empowered by this.  I am NOT out of control with my eating.  I am ALWAYS in control of my hand going to my mouth.  It is “choice” that is key here.  I may not think about the choices before I make them.  But it is still a choice.  And when I tell myself I am out of control – or that I can’t control my eating – that is just what I get.  I dis-empower myself.  So that is the other point.  What we tell ourselves is so so so important.

Why does this feel like such a revelation to me – and yet I am hearing myself say the same stuff I hear all the time at SMART Recovery, and even say myself, in regard to drinking.  Anyway – thank you for your book.”