Eastwood Royal Oak

Royal Oak, Michigan | See other Michigan rehab reviews

1515 North Stephenson Highway
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067

Interview from Da
Why did you choose this facility?
Dave: P.A.C.E. made the recommendation. I had never heard of this facility or any others, so I went with the recommendation. However, I do believe I could have made a request if I had one to make.

Tell us about the experience - was it positive or negative?
Dave: It was extremely positive. I was embarrassed and mildly afraid of what the experience would be like. But all the men in the Clinic were very welcoming. I was surprised that nearly everyone was calling me by my first name by the end of my first day. Everyone was, or at least appeared to be, honest and serious about his sobriety. I absolutely hated my first couple of nights there, not because of the facility or the people, but because of my own realization (and bitterness) that I was actually in "Rehab." Many of the guys said they liked it, and that the days "went fast;" I thought they were crazy for thinking that. However, about a week into my stay, I too thought the days moved quickly and eventually came to rather enjoy my time at Eastwood.

Do you feel the program was successful?
Dave: Yes, I do feel the program was successful. I was there for alcohol problems. I was the only one there that has never used any other drugs, but I learned that we are all the same (alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, etc... We all become addicted for the same reasons). I would love to say that I was 100% sober since I got out three months ago, but that would be a lie. I admit that I have drank on two occasions. However, I believe the program was a success because I actually understand why I drink, what my triggers are, who to call for help, where I can go for help, the anatomy of substance abuse, and most importantly what I can do to manage my lifelong condition. Before, I wondered how I would ever manage to stop drinking. Now, I know what needs to be done - I just have to do what they told me to do.

What advice would you give somebody considering going to this facility?
Dave: I would highly recommend it. I heard from other residents that other facilities, such as Maple Grove, Sacred Heart, and Brighton Hospital, were much "nicer." Eastwood is definately not "pretty," and kinda has a smell to it, along with uncomfortable beds. But, I was not there on vacation (although, it started to feel that way after a while), I was there to get sober. All the residents were extremely supportive (many of us exchanged phone numbers and we call/support each other even after leaving the facility), and the staff was excellent and passionate. The men that came in to conduct the afternoon sessions, particularly Lee and Raj, were exceptional and did not take any sh*t from anyone - they accepted no excuses. It was excellent, and many of us looked forward to the sessions. Also, the food was really good and plentiful - I had to make a conscious effort to NOT gain weight! I would tell someone to bring his own pillow, cause the facility's pillows are not good, bring plenty to read, if you smoke to bring plenty of cigarettes, and bring a lot of quarters if you like to drink pop or call home (the telephone is nearly always available, but it costs $1.00 for three minutes and $0.25 for each additional minutes - it goes fast!). DO NOT bring your cell phone or other drugs/alcohol - guys in there are trying to get sober. If you are not, do not mess up other people's sobriety. Above all else, go in with a positive attitude - you are not in jail/prison. It will actually be a cool experience if you take it seriously rather than be angry about where you are. Good Luck!