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Why did you choose this facility?
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I was there in 2006 because I tried to stop on
my own and went into bad withdrawls and ended up
in Swedish Detox. They suggested Lakeside. I
did the 28 days, got out and didn't follow
suggestions and started again. I liked the
staff, how I was treated, and thier look on
addiction, so returned in 2007 when I decided I
would do anything not to use or drink again. I
also knew that Lakeside is big on getting people
into Oxford and I wanted that. (Oxfords are
independently run sober house's.
www.oxfordhouse.org ) |
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Tell us about the experience - was it positive or negative?
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Very positive. Gave me time to think and clear
my head. They have a minor detox (Librium) in
the first few days to help ease you with
withdrawls. They focas on recovery, what got
you to treatment and what to do to continue a
life clean/sober. The grounds are nice, food
is edible and the staff eagar to help those that
are there to be helped. I had very few "run
in's" with other patients. Just people haveing
bad days and if your cool they cool off and
everything is fine. Didn't like the idea of
three to a room and six to a bathroom but after
a few days your use to it. And those that behave
and are really trying can ask to be moved to the
annex after a week. It's a couple of cottages
on the grounds with easier restrictions and
nicer accomadations. |
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Do you feel the program was successful?
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They give you everything you need. It's up to
you to take what they give you and apply it.
The give you a lot of information that seems
useless but after some time you realize it is
all very important. It wasn't successful for me
the first time because I didn't follow
directions. I gave in the second time and gave
thier way a shot and I got everything they
promised. They introduced me to people in 12
step programs and found me a room in an Oxford
house (sober living) which was a huge reason I
made it my first 90 days. The program works but
only if you give in and do what they suggest. |
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What advice would you give somebody considering going to this facility?
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On a recovery aspect, go in totally open minded
and humble. Leave the big man attitude and
glorification of what you've done outside. No
one cares and it won't help you. For the
comfort aspect....bring your own pillows and
blankets. Carton of smokes, money for
your 'bank' and a roll of quarters to keep on
you at check in (phone, pop and laundry) since
you won't have outside contact for at least a
week and you can only access the 'bank' twice a
week. Laundry detergent if you care. Theres is
industrial stuff. And in the first few days ask
to be put in the annex. Free phone/laundry and
quite. Less restrictions and space only shared
with a handfull of others rather than 120....
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