Mountain Retreat - Inspiring I kind of stumbled upon Saint Jude’s Program during a google search marathon. And consider myself very fortunate to have done so. It was not the non-12 step method that appealed to me, as much as the all-encompassing approach towards life skills improvement. What I most appreciate about the experience was the perspective that my devastatingly destructive behaviors were in fact very logical. Drinking and drugging, as irrational as it seemed (for an extremely longtime I might add), had a purpose. A simple desire for pleasure, regardless of consequence. And, it was my responsibility to choose if that immediate gratification was worth it. Or, if there were more productive ways to spend my time and energy in search for pleasure, more difficult ways, more satisfying ways… Obviously this is easier said than done, and there is nothing revolutionary about instant vs. deferred gratification. But thanks to education on scientific concepts such as neuroplasticity and a thorough self-analysis I was able to gain the insight and perspective that I required to make the necessary effort to change. I’m definitely still a work in progress, and will always be… and that’s a good thing. I will forever be grateful for my experience at SJP. I’m a better person because of it, whatever the future holds. I took the program seriously and got involved with all the educational opportunities offered. Not everyone did, but that was there decision. It is definitely a lot of money to spend for a holiday. I was not an anti-12-step person when I entered SJP, but when I reflect on my using and drinking trajectory, my true ‘rock bottom’ was accepting powerlessness. Once I became ‘diseased’ my habits got exponentially worse. Saint Jude’s Program made it clear to me that I had the power to change my choices, and that it was my responsibility to do so, or not. I truly dodged a bullet by not attending a 12-step program again. The staff and educators were great, as was the food. The accommodations were good, but could use a little tune-up. The location was wonderful, with a lot of nature and tranquility. Highly recommend.

Excellent program that teaches self-accountability. The program is excellent, and focuses on choices that we are free to make every day. It wisely separates each life issue from others, so the analysis and elimination of unwanted issues is very simple. This program is not one size fits all, where you are coerced into thinking a particular dogma. Rather, the onus is upon oneself; to define yourself, see where you have succeeded and failed at being yourself, and laying out goals and plans of action to become yourself again. Touching on a variety of modern research topics including behavioral neuroscience, group dynamics, philosophy of nature, and cross-cultural fixed concepts, this program will challenge you to think hard about what is important and how to gain meaning in your life. I highly recommend.

I am NOT Powerless I had believed that I was an alcoholic for 29 years and would always be an alcoholic. I believed that I had an incurable disease called alcoholism and that my anxiety caused me to drink. Once I took a drink I was powerless over alcohol and unable to stop. I thought only God could “restore me to sanity”. What I learned at St. Judes is that is simply not true. Learning about the true scientifically proven facts of human behavior I have been able to change my way of thinking. My drinking was a behavior that I could change. Once free of being a victim of alcoholism I was able to focus on the true issues that troubled me and impeded me from living my life in true happiness. I have found ways to direct my thoughts and actions towards long term life changes that will support me throughout the rest of my life. Everyone has the power within them to make these changes. One simply has to want to make these changes and then do the work to define and reach long term sustainable goals that support this happiness. The staff at St. Judes provided the environment, information and guidance to make this shift in my thinking. The St. Judes Executive Retreat was a comfortable and safe environment for me to "retreat to" so I could work on myself without the interruptions of daily living (unless I chose to). The environment, the house and the staff were all friendly, caring and supportive of helping me to help myself. St Judes is like no other program available that I am aware of. I experienced a paradigm shift that has changed my life forever. Maybe I would have eventually stumbled upon this change but going to St. Judes sure made it easier.

I am living my life When my family confronted me with the fact that my drinking was out of control I said I could handle it myself. They persisted and I went to St. Jude's. At first I was wondering how did I end up here? After a week or so I dug my heals in and concentrated on the program. On me. On what I was doing to myself and my family. Six weeks later when I went home I felt lighter better more centered. That was less than a year ago. Since then I have traveled to Tahiti ,become a great grandmother, watched a granddaughter graduate from high school, move to a beautiful condo on the ocean, and within a year I will celebrate our 50th anniversary with my husband. Yes I have a lot to live for.

Great program This program was a live saver and life giver for me. It validated my beliefs that were contrary to AA and gave me a new way to live my life to the fullest. It is not an easy fix, you have to accept responsibility for you life and the choices you make, and this can be hard for some who need a scapegoat. I was as the Executive Retreat although I am a retired senior woman. Holly and the staff are fantastic. The facility is very comfortable and everyone makes your visit calming and productive. And there were plenty of opportunities to practice what you learn and grow from the experience. I heartily recommend it to anyone who is serious about improving their life. It is not a place to be sent by someone else.