I moved into CSTL (Phase I) in May 2008, at the age of 47, after seven tumultuous years of attempts at addiction recovery—the enormous wreckage and pain I had caused my family; the difficulty retaining my employment; visits to psych wards; and the physical and emotional damage I brought to myself constituted the fallout I brought with me upon entry.
When I arrived at CSTL, I was done—I had finally "hit bottom" in my addiction as it were. And I was ready to do the work suggested to me—and I did it to the best of my ability! By the six month point, I became heavily involved in the community's leadership, serving on both of CSTL's resident committees, began managing one of the Phase I houses, and began guiding other men in their twelve step programs. At the nine-month point, I moved into the largest Phase II home in the community. I lived there a year before taking on the house manager position that I currently hold. I have lived at CSTL for twenty-seven months now, and I am making continued strides toward the eventual goal of re-entry into mainstream society.
CSTL Management often says that they bring "the facilities" and the residents bring "the program" making the successful team that we are. It has afforded me the opportunity to define a program of recovery to initiate the growth process. I can't say enough about the effectiveness of this team approach that promotes the tools needed to really attack the disease of alcoholism and addiction. I would recommend CSTL to anyone who is serious about their recovery. As with any endeavor, ultimate success depends on the individual's choice to make the necessary effort--CSTL fosters an environment to make that choice.
Recovery is a lifelong journey. I have already learned from my experience that there are many phases of adjustment, prioritization, and corrective action needed along the path of recovery--the task of repairing the destruction we have caused ourselves and our loved ones is a daunting one. Today, I'm grateful to be on a path that offers solutions!
