I've taken the time to write this review as a small token of gratitude for the care I received. I am also writing out of respect for an organization that deserves all the praise it can get. Foremost, get rid of your preconceptions or past experiences with the whole recovery complex. This place is something else entirely. Second, I think it's important to note that no one ends up in treatment because things are going well. It's when your back is to the wall, when parents, a judge, a spouse, or declining health compel you to seek care. There is no shortage of predatory businesses waiting to profit off of people's misery. It's tough to know who or what to trust when you're in a fog of trouble, and so I hope that my experience may be useful for those in need.
The terrible misfortune that brought me to Lighthouse ended up being a blessing in disguise. I never expected to find perhaps the finest recovery program out there, on the ground floor of an unassuming building, in the suburbs of Chicago. What makes this place so unique is that the guy who founded the organization actually gives a shit! His name is Nate Lanthrum, and he is one of the most compassionate, dedicated, and flat out brilliant people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Somehow, Nate finds the energy, the patience, and the capacity to give his full attention and care to every person that walks thru the door. These are perfect strangers whom he lends an honest hand, and whom he doesn't abandon in the process. He creates a customized treatment plan for every client. He gives his all, even to those that don't want help, yet, he never crosses that narrow threshold of being preachy or self righteous. As if that weren't enough, he continues to stay in touch and offer guidance to clients after they complete their program.
The existing approaches to treating addiction simply aren't working, so Nate had the vision (and balls) to strike out and make something different. He also managed to find a team of professionals that share in his passion and dedication. I would like to take a moment to thank Marty, Nate's partner, whom handles the administrative part of things at Lighthouse. Marty has a great work ethic, sense of humor, and most important, he goes about organizing the endless flow of documents that accompany treatment in a timely manner. He is responsible for the settling the financial end of things with clients in a fair and discreet manner. I would also like to thank Pat, whom works in concert with Nate in the therapeutic setting. Pat is witty, conscientious, and wise beyond his years. I also miss the good folks that were battling it out beside me, offering their own harrowing stories and perspective.
The most unexpected part of my experience at Lighthouse was that there was a lot of laughter. Somehow very serious issues get addressed without the cloud of heaviness that usually surrounds this type of thing. Nate is ridiculously down to earth, and doesn't have the slightest bit of pretense about him. I'm sure he will find all of these superlatives too much, but he really is a remarkable person, with an innovative practice. If you need help, if a loved one needs help, and you're in the area, I promise you it doesn't get better than this. I've already been to the alternatives, from the seaside Malibu retreats, to the hard nosed 12 step based programs...Lighthouse Recovery is the best there is. read more
