This facility has been one of the greatest blessings of my entire life. After battling alcoholism (among other things, including mental illness) for 10 years, I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I vowed to stay sober for the rest of my life, and I was for almost 4 years. Then, I relapsed, and it all came back strong than ever. I was simply "white knuckling" it for those years, more of a challenge to just not drink than to actually work on recovery. There were some serious, fundamental pieces missing, and The Champion Center has helped me understand my disease; they helped bring all of the emotions to the forefront so that I could "pop," acknowledge the mess, process it, and clean it up with the hope of letting it go and moving forward.
What I loved most about TCC is that there's such an emphasis on HOLISTIC HEALTH. They don't shove medications down your throat unless they're truly beneficial to you. Instead, we learned to process our many emotions, because NO ONE is always happy. What do we do when we're also distraught, melancholy, scared, anxious, and euphoric,elated, and manic? TCC will help you understand your triggers and how to deal with them with coping skills and natural ways of self-soothing. They've taught me that everything I've always sought out to feel better was inside myself all along.
Some topics you'll discuss in groups: empowerment, relapse prevention, gratitude, co-dependency, seeking safety, trauma, chronic pain, art therapy, journaling, as well as family weekends once a month with Gina to help families learn to cope and support together. In Primary Group (segregated by gender), you'll present your "core assignments" and talk to the group about your triggers, copings skills, regrets, write a good-bye letter to your drug(s) of choice, and delve into the 12-Steps and what they entail.
I can't pick "favorite" counselors, because, no lie, they are all phenomenal and bring their own unique perspectives. Most of them are in recover themselves as well, and they know what we are going through.
As for the facility itself: Yes, you will me in the Medical Service Unit while you detox, which is anywhere from a couple days to a week. Once you're released to go downstairs, you gain your autonomy back. All your luggage is with you, you're responsible for getting yourself to class, groups and meals.... It feels a lot like being in college actually. Monday-Friday mornings, "Bob" (Roberta) takes you on a walk and then does a fantastic yoga class to start the day. Ever since I've been back, I've been modeling this same schedule in my home life.
It's also one of the cleanest, prettiest facilities I've ever seen. Felt like home to me.
One more thing- once you complete the program, you can STILL COME BACK to Champion as an Alumni and participate in groups and after-care. For FREE. ForEVER.
I truly hope you consider The Champion Center! I've been to a handful of other places, and it does NOT get better than this. read more
