A must have! I'm ordering a copy of this book today! Gloria Smilovitch read more

It's places like this that function more as a prison for rich parents who don't like their kids' behavior, then to actually help with sobriety, that are contributing to the current opioid crisis. This place was fine while I was there, paying them. Granted, there were a lot of troubled older teens without a real issue, so it was hard to focus on my sobriety. The fact that it is more like a prison for rich kids says something, but I was still able to find my way. My main issue is what happened after I left. I needed proof that I was staying there and getting treatment for my addiction, which they would not supply. This caused my college to fail me in classes and dropped my GPA to a level I will never recover from. Additionally, they released a newsletter that printed my sobriety date falsely. They said I relapsed on print. This is inexcusable to do to someone early in sobriety. It's hard enough staying sober without your old rehab messing with you. They committed libel, and I probably should have sued. Had my family seen that newsletter, they would not have spoken to me for years. I guess I got lucky that no one read it. I am still sober (over 15 years!) despite their efforts or lack thereof. Needless to say, they did not help with my long-term sobriety. They were detrimental to it. Probably in their best interest for people to relapse, then they can bill you again and take you back. I stayed sober by avoiding this place like the plague once I got out. Lastly, what Cade said in an early review was true about one of their employees sleeping with one of the female residents. Generally, the women who stay there have it a little easier and get away with more. I guess that is why a lot of these 5-star reviews are by woman. read more

The treatment and care at the center is less than a zero star. Their staff are mean rude and will not help whatsoever. They will only keep forcing you back to stay so you don't leave. They're only thinking about themselves and their money the therapist there are a joke. They are completely useless And a complete waste of money. This rehab is not worth anyone's money hasn't helped whatsoever. It's just a humongous waste of time. Also, all the pictures is nothing like how the actual rehab is. The rehab is literally one star they will not do anything to really help you get through any of the step work or to help you get better. I would honestly say that if you're looking for a treatment center go somewhere else this place will just keep taking money from you and won't let you leave just because you signed a contract meaning that they have to keep you there making a very difficult to actually be able to leave on your own terms I will definitely suggest this place gets new staff a new owner and therapist that will actually be respectful. Also, on my time there a therapist got in my face and tried to fight me few of their staff members or very rude and always picking on me there I pretty much felt like I was being bullied while I was at that rehab by the staff, the owner and the clients they did not have any understanding of how it is to come off a hard drugs and if you're looking for any sympathy or empathy, you will not get it here the better solution for someone who is really struggling and needs a program would be good into a hospital so they can give your right medication. This place did not give me any medication whatsoever and drove me to insanity. definitely would not recommend this place one star read more

Recovery is not a one-size fits all approach. And giving ultimatums to be enrolled in a specific type of program, which is expensive, and ultimately puts your life on hold when you do have positive aspects, can be destructive. Their connection to Dr. Nathan Lavid feels like a conflict of interest, and a bit underhanded. As does the fact he didn't tell me when he set an ultimatum to be an inpatient (thus not starting my new job which has helped turn my life around) or not be allowed to see him as a psychiatrist, that NFL received a large amount of money a little under a month before. The largest problem with a one-size fits all approach, is when you find success in another way, they might try to disregard that. They might try to rationalize that you haven't had any success when you have. But, ultimately as someone who works in sales, I felt a lot of high pressure, and manipulative, sales tactics being used in what is supposed to be a compassionate medical setting. read more

This center has provided so many people with the start to a wonderful life, the staff is so caring & they really put their entires hearts into their clients. If you have a loved one struggling with any sort of substance abuse call this place! read more

Very professional and invested in clients and family life! All the extra programs and support is really helpful!

Words cannot express how eternally grateful that I am for everything NFL did for my husband, for me and for our family. When my husband and I started dating 10 years ago I had just gone through three different inpatient treatment programs and quickly relapsed after each inpatient stay. I was sober and occasionally going to AA meetings but I didn't have a sponsor and I wasn't working the steps. My now-husband was an active alcoholic at that time and was not interested in joining the program and although he was able to get sober when we were dating he didn't like AA because he couldn't believe in a higher power. I stopped going to meetings and we were both staying sober only by the skin of our teeth. Needless to say as soon as I got back all the things I had lost because of my alcoholism (i.e. custody of my children, my job, my family's respect), my husband and I quickly relapsed and we've been in and out of sobriety ever since. During COVID-19 and the stay-at-home orders, drinking became a regular thing in our household, with the first drink coming earlier and earlier in the day until at one point instead of reaching for a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, we were reaching for a cup of wine. One weekend when my daughters and I were out of town my husband tried to quit drinking on his own and had a grand mal seizure on our hardwood staircase. He almost died that night. After a medical detox I was able to find NFL. I was hesitant sending my husband there at first because I knew that he did not believe in a higher power and did not like AA. But I am so grateful that I did! NFL gave my husband the one thing that he never had before . . . hope. That hope turned into willingness, and that willingness turned into understanding, and that understanding turned into compassion, and that compassion turned into love. My husband carried that message home with him from NFL and, in the end, NFL didn't just save one alcoholic, it saved two (with the second never even stepping foot in the facility). We are so grateful for everything that NFL has done for my husband, for me, for our marriage and for our family and feel so incredibly blessed that God led us to its doorstep. I don't know what I did to deserve this, but it must have been something pretty good. I could have picked up the phone and dialed any one of hundreds of different rehab facilities that day, but instead I called NFL . . . and that has made all the difference! read more

I spent more time at this place than I wish to admit. I was sent here on a referral from Hazelden in Minnesota. I have a lot of good things to say about them, as well as a handful of negatives...The reviews talking about how Ed Spatolla makes all of the decisions are completely true and accurate, as well as the "one size fits all" approach that they take. I wouldn't say that its all about the money, as they do truly care about their patients, but don't be fooled - you will spend a minimum of 3 months here, and there is no 30 day program. They lead you to believe that there is "primary" (30 days), and extended care (60/90 days). This is a farce, and everyone will be recommended to spend at least 3 months here. After this initial 3 month period, you will almost certainly be recommended to RCC (residential continuing care) for a period of 3-6 months. This isn't always a bad thing, but the cost is prohibited for most people, and is not covered by insurance of any kind. You can find better sober livings for MUCH cheaper. I have respect for Ed and this program, but I have many qualms that were left unaddressed at the end of my stay. I had multiple stays here, and it was comfortable, and did help me - but i do need to say that the politics that go on here are essentially run by a dictator that has no idea what actually goes on "day to day" (Ed). There are better options out there, but if for some reason you are recommended here, it is somewhat effective and has a possibility to help. I was addicted to opiates from the age of 16, at this time I am 32. I went to NFL at age 19-22 on and off, and I have been sober for the last 7 years (You can do the math). Rehab is a farce, and getting sober takes more than going to a comfortable rehab on the beach...Methadone is what finally worked for me, but NFL will FALSELY inform you that if you are on methadone/suboxone, you are still in active use. I would recommend checking out methadone or suboxone treatment before i ever spent the 10 grand a month that this place charges. OH YEAH! - I almost forgot! One of the employees was fired for sleeping with one of the female residents while I was there. So beware of this type of thing. Feel free to contact me Ed, I'm sure you remember me...Cade read more

Addiction and recovery are not an easy thing to talk about for most people in private, let alone post publicly about on a review site, however I would not feel right if I didn't give NFL the public recognition they deserve. I went to NFL in July of 2022 and completed a 90 day Out Patient program. They were instrumental in providing the support I needed to get though my first 90 days of sobriety. I am approaching 7 months of sobriety and I owe a great deal of that to the staff, groups and tools I learned while at NFL. Thank you so much to the entire team over there! I don't think I'm allowed to mention names on here but I am forever grateful to E, J, M, P, A (management and group leaders) and the admin staff. I also made some great contacts and friends while attending whom I maintain contact with today and frequently see in "the rooms". If you are struggling with addiction and want to get help, for yourself, please reach out to NFL! read more

NFL saved my life. I'm coming up on 16 years clean and sober. Getting clean and sober was a new experience for me. They helped my parents find a detox, transfer me to their location and also helped me in their extended after care program. The whole process I felt completely supported. I was able to get my first sober job while living in their after care. To this day I was promoted and I am thriving in my career. Ed and Maryann are wonderful people who bring a family like experience to their rehab center. This is extremely pivotal to someone who has always felt like and outsider. I am truly grateful and indebted to NFL for the life that I have now. read more

Pros A. Nice location B. Great Food C. Most of the therapist and staff really care for and try to help clients within their ability Cons A. One shoe fits all approach. B. The management team has no influence over the course of a client the decisions are all up to one man Ed Spatolla C. There is no real Science-Based approach the owner and director himself claims to offer different methods for recovery but he himself is an Addict and therefore only supports a 12 step based solution for his clientele. D. No real transportation rides for clients to meetings and events are provided by staff usually piling unsafe numbers of people into small cars with not enough seatbelts. E. punishment for clients who do not follow protocol is usually a backslide stay back at detox where there is more chance for risky behavior which the client pays for. Here was my experience. I went through New Found Life twice. The first time I went through I left thinking the added money did not equate to better treatment than the government paid programs. I have to admit the accommodations were nice and the staff friendly and really caring. Of real substance, I feel like there was none. They did offer one Psychiatric appointment in the beginning and after discussing very difficult stuff and past psychiatric diagnoses and current symptoms I never saw the doctor again that whole stay. My second trip was to appease my worried grieving mother. After the loss of my father to cancer. My mom had reached out to Ed Because she feared for my life. I was actually clean for 6 days but not completely detoxed and was adamantly against her spending the money for N.F.L because I knew in my mind they weren't gonna offer anything new or beneficial. I didn't want her to waste 20-30 thousand dollars when I could get the same or better help for free. Against my own instincts, I caved to her plea and checked in to new found life. I could not bear to hear her cry anymore and I felt responsible for all the pain I caused. She spoke to Ed and he was listening to mine and her concerns. I was to have a more structured program this time with frequent psych and therapy appointments. The program cost more than double the first stay and was supposed to be open-ended based on my progress. If I did well I would be there a month or two if needed maybe three. Ed talked a very good game but the follow through was not there. I did not see the Psychiatrist or therapist more than a couple of times and again most of the work for my recovery was put on me working a 12 step program. The classes were no different than the first time with that old tv and VHS tapes often being the teacher. Basic entry level cognitive behavioral skills were taught by counselors at times but there were no in-depth skills taught for people who had been through treatment before. its like going to kindergarten year after year. I suffered bad anxiety when I arrived at New Found Life. One particular instance, I was denied an ambulance call or ride to the hospital by by staff per Ed. I chose to leave against staff approval late at night and walk through a particularly sketchy part of town to ask a liquor store owner to call the paramedics because I thought I was having a heart attack. I was then as punishment forced to go back to a detox facility they work with. At the time I was sent there they were having a problem with drugs that had been brought in and people using and I oddly wondered which place was safer NFL or the detox with the drug problem. I went back to N.F.L and continued the best program I could because I had decided that no matter what I was gonna stay clean and make the best of the gift mom had tried to give me. I worked the steps again, did assignments twice sometimes if they weren't in my mind perfect. I met all the criteria and was set to transition to the halfway house. I had found a career job with a sober boss that was almost too good to be true. I graduated and was approved by Ed to start my new Job the next day. When I reported to the transitional living that was owned by Ed's son there was no bed for me. They put me in another man's bed (R.I.P John) who was out of town visiting his mom. No change of sheets. The first day at my new job and this part baffled me. I was visited by two staff members from NFL who wanted to buy me lunch. They were sent by ED Spatolla, I thought to congratulate me? Maybe apologize for the dirty bed? Instead they wanted to let me know I had two options quit my new job and go back to the inpatient treatment or leave the program altogether. The only thing that makes any sense with this ultimatum is that Ed didn't have a place to put me. Nor did he want to finish the contract that my mother had been promised and that she had so gladly paid for just to keep her jonjon safe. I stayed at that job for a year and still do business with them today. Newfound life was more of a liability than a help. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. read more

I have had a professional relationship with New Found Life for 14 years, I have referred many clients there and had the privilege of working with their clients as well, the owners and staff are some of the most competent, caring and loving people in this industry and one of the best treatment providers in California. I highly recommend them, if I had to send a family member somewhere this would be my first choice. Thanks for what you have done over the past 30 years to help those struggling with substance abuse, as well as the families attached. read more

It works! Our family member had been thru revolving doors of detox, rehab, sober living. NFL was the last stop. They offer a no nonsense no BS recovery. They know what they are doing. Some things seem rather stupid (calling fellow recovering persons for rides) but it works. The staff REALLY cares, REALLY knows what they are doing. I recommend it highly! read more

New Found Life saved my life and forever changed my life! I had gone to 7 treatments centers before admitting to NFL. I've been sober now over 7 years since going through. I am forever grateful for my experience at this facility. read more

I went through New Found Life in 2007 and was appalled to see that they only had 1 star. NFL saved my life. I spent 5 months there where I learned how to live life without drugs. The staff is incredibly invested in the clients and goes above and beyond to help people recover. I highly recommend this program. read more

This place is a joke!! Had my fiancé go there and they played games trying not to let her even see me. These people assumed who I was and the path I took to be sober and they just played games. The girl Kelly not so sunshine where making lies and had no facts. ITS ALL ABOUT THE $$$! SAD stay away. There are better and counselors that truly do care about your well-being.stay away. read more

NFL and Ed and Mary Ann Spatola saved my life fourteen years ago. They are two of the finest people on the planet. To conquer addiction is one of the toughest things a person can ever do, and I must admit that it is something with which I still struggle daily. But without NFL, I would have been dead long ago, and that's just not the way I wanna roll. I can't thank Ed and Mary Ann enough. Maholo! /s/. Gary M. read more

This place absolutely saved my life! I went through this program in 2006 at 21 years old. This January I will be celebrating 10 years of sobriety. I cannot say enough about this facility and the staff. I will never be as to thank them enough for the life I have!! read more

What an amazing recovery home. I went though NFL coming up on 3 years ago and am still sober today. It took me numerous attempts to get clean but once I went into NFL my life changed. They taught me the life skills I needed to learn (like how to build a support group, be responsible, how to cook, clean, be a good friend, how to be honest, etc). I went to their after-care extended program (RCC) and could not have been more happy with this decision. While in RCC i solidified the life skills I was taught in the main house and am so glad I went. Each staff member goes out of their way to help each resident, they have built a family out of staff members and residence and I am so lucky to have NFL to call family. read more

I write this today with 12 years sober! A lot of that is due to NFL, Ed, Maryann, and the rest of the staff. I'd been to several treatment centers before NFL but none do what they do at this treatment center. They don't just get you sober. They teach you how to live sober AFTER you leave the program. Can't say enough positive things about this place. It truly saved my life. read more

NFL is great program and saved my life. The program teaches patients how to build a network and the important tools and practices to stay clean after leaving treatment. The program has a family feel and I have kept in contact with the staff and others from when I was there for years after leaving. NFL helps patients get integrated into the recovery community, something I will always be grateful for and everyone I met in the process. It is rare to find a program like NFL that truly cares about the patients both while in treatment and after they leave. read more

This place is amazing. I went through New Found Life in 2007 when I was 19 years old. I am now 28 and am still sober. When I was there, the basis of NFL's program was getting connected into a twelve-step program -- this saved my life. NFL provided a safe environment in which I could deal with underlying issues, but also encouraged and helped me make connections to the outside recovery community and it taught me how to live sober. The staff is absolutely wonderful and they truly want the best for every resident. I would highly recommend this program to anybody in need of help. read more