A great place to start your new life. I entered the retreat broken and overwhelmed. With the help of everyone there and the course material, I was able to learn to live again. I had a great time and was treated respectfully during my stay. I would recommend this program for anyone in need.

A refreshing alternative to the 12 Step Treadmill! In an arena that is dominated by the methodologies of AA/NA and their faith healing approach for overcoming drug and alcohol dependencies, it's nice to know that there are resources available that forward the notion that one can effect positive changes in their lives through education, cognitive changes and a lot of hard work and determination. While I have not personally been a client of St. Jude Retreats, I've had the pleasure of speaking with several members of their executive staff as a result of having published my book on the subject of addiction, "The Freedom to Recover". While our views on what works and what doesn't may not be 100% in alignment, they are pretty close. I've read over all of their course materials and have yet to come across a "program" or in-patient setting that offers anywhere near as comprehensive a game plan based on logic, self empowering ideas and real life approaches to addiction. Drug and alcohol addiction, or as I prefer to refer to it, dependency, is NOT a disease that requires lifetime "recovering" but rather, is a condition that one can overcome and put in their past. At least that is my view and one that St Jude Retreats embraces as well. Regards, Rolf Ankermann.

An amzing experince I came to st.Judes as a last ditch attempt to keep myself from returning to jail. I expected to give lip service to the program and merely use it as a means to avoid incarceration. However, during my time there the amazing people who comprise the staff, from the Directors to the chefs, helped me to change my view of life and my place in it. Also, the program itself is the only one that ever worked for me. After I failed to change through the 12 steps and jail only provided me with a hiatus from drug use I thought that I was hopeless and would never find another way. This program, combined with the wonderful people who presented it to me, changed all of that. I believe that had I not gone to st.Judes I would be in prison or dead now. I recommend this place highly to anyone who wishes to change their present circumstances and live a more fulfilling life. Thank you st.Judes, and all those who helped me during my time there.

A Great Experience After many years of battling my addiction, depression and unhappiness; St. Jude Retreat was the solution I had been searching for. I had tried many different 12 step programs over many year, and never felt like it was right for me, or I really fit in. The program, staff, environment and activities over my six week stay at St. Jude, brought a clarity and understanding of myself, the "addiction" thought process and how it can be easily replace with happiness, enjoyment and a feeling of satisfaction. I made many friends that I will be in touch with for the rest of my life, between staff members and other guests. I highly recommend St Jude Retreats to anyone, even if you don't think you have a "problem" or "addiction"; but simply feel like things may not be quite right in your life. Life is meant to be great. Your days should be filled with happiness. St Jude Retreats will open your eyes as to how to consistently make it happen. And...it's easier than you think!

Saved my life! I first have go thank my brother for loving me enough to find St. Jude Retreats. And I thank St. Jude Retreats for giving me a life! Forever indebted!