Testimonials

Interview with Eli M.

Why did you decide to go to Turning Point?

My life was basically unmanageable. After my overdose, I completed detox and treatment at Gosnold on Cape Cod, but I didn’t want to go to a regular sober house. I had heard too many stories of people getting out of treatment and going to a sober house only to relapse within a couple of weeks. I knew that I needed more structure.  My counselor recommended Turning Point and it turned out to be a perfect fit; being a resident here has been great, better than I expected. Normally this process is painful, given what you have to go through to reach sobriety. Turning Point has definitely made it a better experience overall. In a way I’m learning to be a kid again, even as I mature and find my own path.

What is your favorite aspect of the program?

Well, the staff is definitely helpful: there’s camaraderie between everyone at the foundation. I really like the recreational activities we get to do; recently we were able to go to Vermont on a skiing trip, which was great.

I also try to go to the gym as much as possible and I really like the mixed martial arts program. I’d say the combination of healthy activities has… made me feel better overall, and given me more confidence.

The recording studio seems to be another popular facet of the foundation with the residents.

Oh, definitely. I’ve been a drummer for 5 years, so I’ll go to the studio once or twice a week. In the future I’d like to use music to help people somehow.

What else do you see for yourself in the future?

Well, staying sober for the rest of my life, for one. Plus, I think I’m pretty good at talking to people, so I’d like to study psychotherapy or psychology.

How has your life changed since entering Turning Point?

I’d say I hold my standards for myself higher, and I care more about other people now: I’ve learned how to be a better friend. I’m also learning that I can’t do everything on my own, that I need help from my higher power. Sometimes I have trouble seeing how I’ve progressed, but now, my friends and family tell me often, they see a big difference.

“I had been to a few treatment centers and always did well when I was there. Every time I got out, I felt like I was doing it on my own. My last rehab (Marworth) sent me to Turning Point and the structure was literally what I needed. I honestly didn’t want to go there at first, but I have to say… it saved my life!”

Lee

Interview with Tim

Tim entered Turning Point in August of 2009 at the urging of his therapist and parents.  At 21 years old, Tim had everything going for him. “I was the ‘golden child’ in high school’ honor roll, varsity soccer team, the works. And I have a supportive family, too, so it wasn’t like I had a bad childhood.”

So what made you turn to drug use?

“The friends I hung out with in high school were experimenting: smoking, drinking, etc., so I delved into it a little bit there, but it was really when I got to college. I went to UCONN on a full scholarship, but my freshman experience there was…. weird.”

Bad weird?

“Yeah, definitely. So, I got into hard drugs, cocktails of hard drugs, and consequentially I lost my scholarship, and I dropped out.”

Ultimately, Tim went through detox and a 28-day rehabilitation program at G & G Holistic Addiction Treatment Program in North Miami Beach, FL before coming to Turning Point. Now, he’s in Phase III of the program, where the residents are trusted with responsibilities as well as freedoms. Tim has a fulltime job at LA Fitness in Orange, Conn.

“My objective now is to go back to school, get an accounting career started, maybe get a dog, and stay sober.”

How has Turning Point best helped you?

“Well, the camaraderie between the guys here really helps a lot, because we’re all in the same boat, you know? Plus the support system that Turning Point offers definitely works. I like the extracurricular activities, going to the gym, yoga, the martial arts, and the music element: the recording studio is great.”

What’s the most important part, for you personally?

“I guess the fact that is such a safe environment. In the first two phases, there’s less free time, but it gets you, in a way, back to living in the real world, and taking responsibility.”

A letter from Jordan

When thinking about my experience at Turning Point, so many positive things come to mind it is hard for me to even know where to start. I have been part of the program for 9 months, had my own personal ups and downs but have always thought of Turning Point as the perfect place to make improvements in getting my life on the right path. The atmosphere itself is very conducive to having a successful recovery. Turning Point has given me the structure in my life which I was very much so lacking prior to coming in. Besides structure, I have also gotten the hope and confidence that I will be able to live a life I didn’t think was possible when walking thru these doors.

I am so grateful because who knows how my life would have turned out had I not come here after treatment. I came from a life I wouldn’t wish upon anybody and needless to say my spirits were not at a very high point. I knew one thing and that was that I didn’t want to go back to the life of desperation and hopelessness. I had one major problem though and that was that I had no clue how not to do so. In talking with David Vieau, John Palmer, Ed Doyle and other staff, and really listening to what they were telling me, I found that there was a way out of my miserable past. They have sat down with me on numerous occasions and shared their experience and some absolutely priceless wisdom on how to live a productive and happy life.

In closing I want to thank you for your time in letting me express my deepest gratitude for Turning Point. This place has endless possibilities to help a lot more people in the future and to continue to help those who are already here. Lots of lives have been saved and there are still many more that will need to be saved.

Jordan

“I am so grateful to Turning Point and cannot thank them enough. I don’t know what I would have done had it not been for Turning Point as they truly helped save our son’s life and we now have now finally gotten him back.”

Ellen

On a Positive Path…

I would like to personally commend Turning Point and its staff for the program they have presented to my son, Brian. Brian has a long history of drug use and has tried many different programs. Most of these programs failed to give Brian any direction towards achieving sobriety. They always seemed to be a short term fix.

Since being referred to Turning Point (after completing 28-day treatment at Gosnold on Cape Cod), I have started to see a change in Brian. His attitude towards success and obtainable goals has been one of forward direction. He is once again becoming the young adult we once knew before addiction took this wonderful person to a different place. Brian has just begun Phase II of the program. He has a sponsor, is signing up for two classes next semester and beginning to look for a “sober” job. This is all largely due to the Turning Point staff working together to direct Brian during good and not so good moments.

This process started on day one when Al Samaras greeted us and explained the uniqueness of the Turning Point program. Since then John Palmer, Ed Doyle and the rest of the staff have been positive influences on Brian and have worked so hard to start to guide him in the right direction. They have reintroduced him to Alcoholics Anonymous, athletics, and having fun while sober.

Overall, Turning Point is teaching Brian what it takes to battle his addiction and remain sober. Hopefully, Brian can continue on this positive path to sobriety.

Mike

“When I came to Turning Point from Caron, I was told that my recovery was in my hands; I had the power to make the choices that would dictate my future. Here I am today, happier and stronger than I’ve ever imagined. My family and I cannot thank you enough.”

John

Taking Account for His Actions…

My name is Paul and I was addicted to drugs and alcohol for 10 years. I have three rehab attempts but never followed through on my aftercare plans. During my third rehab, my counselor suggested that I go to Turning Point. I didn’t want to do it at first but I’m forever grateful that I did. The decision to go to Turning point was probably the smartest decision I have made as an adult. David Vieau and the others that work for the foundation have truly helped me change my life. They have taught me responsibility and how to take account for my actions. David Vieau has showed me how to live a clean and good life without having to resort to drugs and alcohol. The friendships and experiences I have had will last a life time but it is the lessons that Turning Point has taught me that will make my life a good and decent one.

Paul

Note From a Dad…

The Family Workshop with Diana Clark was excellent, much compelling information, I will read all of the books and avail myself of the resources provided.  I am very impressed with the Turning Point staff and program.

Most importantly, the change in Drew was so visible. A month ago I brought a very broken lad to Connecticut and yesterday I saw a strong glimpse into the old Drew. He was talking, laughing, and engaged.  I cannot thank you enough and I reiterate we are committed on our end to the program.

Michael

A letter from Jeff

I am writing this in regards to my stay at Turning Point and how this program and its staff have helped me in developing a way of life in which I can become not only an active member in society but also a loving son and brother. To be able to say this about myself I feel forever indebted to this foundation and believe that I will be an active participant in it for years to come.

My journey into the harsh world of drugs and alcohol began at a very young age and virtually took over my adolescent life, and swung me full force into a life of lies, deceit, and crime. Since then I have lost everything from my family, friends, jobs, and most of all my will to live out the life that my parents had tried so hard to give me over the years.

Coming into this program I had no reason to live or get better, yet slowly the staff at Turning Point showed me that no matter what my past was I was still a good person inside and had a lot to offer society and my family. I was showed how to live in an environment of many men yet be able to get along and be productive during my stay. They told me “if you live here, make it your home” and that really stuck with me and because of their words that’s what I did. Turning Point and its staff slowly showed me how to love myself and even more amazing to love others. For all of my adolescent and adult life I have turned to drugs to heel my emotion wounds and make myself feel better, today I have learned that I can feel better by just talking about it and helping someone else that is in worse shape than I.

In conclusion, Turning Point really has giving not only a life, but a life my family friends can be proud of. Today I look at everyday as an opportunity for something new and that is a feeling there is no price that could be put on it. I really feel that the Foundation and its staff are the very reason I could feel this way about life and ever have a dream of being something other than a kid that had potential yet took drugs and decided to ruin his life. Today I have a great relationship with my family and have made many new friends that I hope to keep with me through my travels. All in all I have had a life changing experience at Turning Point.

Jeff

A Mother’s Story

On January 7^th of this year, my 22-year-old son Nick came to me and told me he was addicted to heroin and that it had been for over a year. He didn’t know how to stop and wanted my help. My first reaction was of complete devastation and fear for his life. Not knowing what to do or where to turn, I made multiple phone calls into the wee hours of the following morning. I finally found a friendly voice that directed me to a detox center in the New Haven area where we checked him into the following afternoon.

I did some research into many treatment facilities that would be able to take him in after he was released. That’s when we found Mountainside in Canaan, CT. They came very highly recommended and it looked like it would be a good fit for all of us. His time there went by quickly and my husband and I became concerned about the next step after treatment.  Was 28 days enough time? Should we let him come home after Mountainside? That’s when his treatment care coordinator recommended transitioning to Turning Point after his discharge from Mountainside.

We did our research on Turning Point and decided to go for a visit and have an interview. That’s where we met Al Samaras and everything changed. We checked our son in on February 10^th and even though it had only been a little over a week since his initial check in, they thought an upcoming weekend [skiing] retreat would be a great opportunity for him and boy were they right!!

Along with his counselors like John Palmer and his sponsor Chris working really hard with him, Nick has never looked back. It has been an amazing transformation and I am so pleased to have my son back! Every time I go to visit, the other residents always comment to me what a pleasure it is to have my son there and his willingness to help others.

My son has since moved onto Phase III, has gotten a job and most recently, signed up for classes to get his GED. I cannot stress enough how much this program has helped my son get on his path to recovery in such a positive way. It’s not a 28-day program that they get them through and then you’re released back home and then what do you do?

This program is truly remarkable in the way they integrate these guys back into the real world step by step and how they kept me updated and informed every step of the way.

Without the help of the people like Al, Chris, John, Brendan and every single person involved with this process, I know my son would not be where he is today. So I thank each and every one of you at The Turning Point Foundation that was a part of this very important journey in getting my son the help he needed and deserved.

With the utmost gratitude,

Laurie

“I wish we had found this program years ago! We would have saved thousands of dollars and many years of anxiety. The facilities are beautiful, the staff is amazing. The staff is just really good, caring people.”

Carolyn

From a Grateful Mom…

“Denial, shock, despair, fright, anger……..all feelings of a parent confronted by the discovery of their child’s drug addiction.  The search for help is extremely frustrating and reinforces the feeling of desperation.  Endless phone calls resulted in, at best, offers of a temporary reprieve to our pain versus any direction on how to get our son started on his life long journey of recovery.

Somehow, “destiny” intervened and we were led to Turning Point. Their website was our introduction to the program, followed quickly by a phone call to Turning Point where we spoke with Al Samaras.  That conversation was our first ray of hope, first glimmer of light in a future that felt very dark.  The program seemed to be the answer to our prayers.   It was one of a kind, approaching the recovery process more holistically than other programs researched.  Although there was the obvious focus on the “addiction”, the program appeared to address the healing of the “life” lost to addiction, which we felt would be critical for our son’s recovery.

Our son has now been a resident at Turning Point for six months and his journey truly has been an affirmation of how the various aspects of the program support an addict’s day to day recovery process.   The three-phased program they offer has provided the needed structure, support and duration of time to maintain a sober life style.  In addition, the physical, mental and spiritual stimulation, therapy sessions, AA, life coaching, family healing workshops and the opportunities to experience the “fun” in life without chemicals have all been instrumental in helping our son, and our family, manage our recovery.  The Turning Point staff is terrific, immediately embracing all of us as part of the Turning Point family, providing ongoing support, guidance and feedback but also helping us to understand and control our enabling and codependent behaviors.

Turning Point has created a wonderful formula for recovery.  A necessary ingredient for success is the resident’s commitment to being sober………….no program will work without this!  But with commitment, Turning Point has clearly structured the best environment for an addicted love one to turn their life around and become productive member of society.  We have nothing but the highest praise for the Turning Point program and all the staff.   They have given our son his life back and in turn, we have found our son.”

Nancy