tl;dr - The family at Rise took me in as one of their own without question and renewed my faith in humanity. These are good humans, the best of humans. They don't care about the money, but about you and your healing. If there is any part of you that is open to getting sober and needs some help - go here. Call them. They'd love to have you.
I came to Rise in desperate need of healing. I'd hit a wall and needed to escape my life. I needed to be taken care of but had little idea of how to ask for help; I just knew I needed it. I did hours of research and did intake calls with 6 other facilities, but from the moment I spoke to Lori in admissions, I knew that Rise was where I needed to be.
What originally drew me to Rise was the luxury setting, the ocean view, and the holistic approach. I was seeking a place to be sober for 30 days, get some massages, some exercise, and delicious food - a grown up summer camp. I figured I just needed to get myself in a healthy routine. What I learned and received at Rise was more than I could have ever dreamed or imagined asking for.
I received acceptance, love, kindness and compassion from every single staff member. Every. Single. One. I was welcomed with open arms into the safest space I've ever been in. Nearly every staff member is in recovery and through them sharing their stories with open hearts, I was able to let down walls I didn't even realize I'd been building.
My team of warrior goddesses - Dr. Meg, Kimmi, Emily, Cat and Angelica - showed me how to feel my feelings. They gave me the tools I needed to start excavating and digging into what was really driving me to use. They taught me how to breathe, how to feel, how to let the world in without it consuming and overwhelming me. They helped me to clear the muck from my eyes and taught me how to listen and to accept - their love and light so powerful that once I was open to it, healing became inevitable.
Will helped me to connect the dots, all the dots from childhood to the call that brought me to treatment and held my hand while planning for the future, working with me to make a plan that would support all the teachings and lessons I'd learned.
The nursing staff - Christine, Alex, Josh, Jose - all made sure I was physically safe and made me feel so cared for every single moment. Dr. Benjamin helped me get off unnecessary medication I'd be using to escape my feelings.
Chef Ronnie and Chef Michael taught me how to nourish my body instead of mindlessly feeding it. Canaan helped me rediscover my physical strength and push through my mental walls. James and Brianna literally reprogrammed my body and brain with life-changing EMDR. Ako showed me that I can create beauty even when I am wholly filled with doubt. John and Tim taught me how to forgive myself and gave me space to reconnect to The One, The Goddess, The Universe.
And last but most certainly not least, those that keep the house and fill it with light and love, always of service, always there to help - Billy, Nam, Jeff, Luke, Tachi, Pete, Matt and Mimi - ya'll are the lifeblood of the magical house that is Rise. You fill it with laughter and make it a home.
I know this is a long post, but it had to be. The family at Rise took me in as one of their own without question and renewed my faith in humanity. These are good humans, the best of humans. They don't care about the money, but about you and your healing. If there is any part of you that is open to getting sober and needs some help - go here. Call them. They'd love to have you. read more