Hawaii Island Recovery

I had the opportunity to go with Hawaiian Island Recovery to participate in the Dolphin therapy program. I know a lot of people would laugh at the idea of sending a drug addict or alcoholic to Recovery Program in Hawaii. Well Let me say this, Wow, it is no joke it is not a vacation and they do amazing work... The are great at EMDR (trauma work) and there staff is amazing... Thank you so much for the experience yesterday.. more

thanks for the last 20 months :) without you guys i couldn't have done it. Pros: null Cons: null more

Before I came to Hawaii to get sober I was dying in the hospital from a blood infection. My parents told me, "Every time the phone rang we expected it to be a call telling us you were dead". I knew I needed serious help because no matter what I tried I could not get sober. I came to Hawaii Island Recovery two days after I was released from the hospital. I completed a ninety day program at Hawaii Island Recovery and have been sober since for over a year and and 8 months. I am happy today and live in Hawaii. I have a relationship with my three children today. I don't hide from my parents today - I talk to them everyday. It's the miracle of this program. I came in completely broke down and I was ready to be rebuilt and that's what HIR [Hawaii Island Recovery] has done for me, it rebuilt me. Pros: null Cons: null more

Hawaii Island Recovery in Kailua-Kona, HI Pros: null Cons: null more

The life of an addict is a stressful life. I cant even imagine why I did that for so long. But, If thats all you know- you n ever think there is another life out here. I woke up to understand that I am a viable person. I am equal to anyone else out here. The therapy really worked. They all have a different approach but the same result happens- they get you to look inside yourself. It seems to be what we burried in our addiction is love. To feel love and to be able to give love- thats what [HIR] this place has done for me. My life is turned around. Pros: null Cons: null more

Hawaii Island Recovery (HIR) provided me with a safe and secure place to recover. The family environment at the residence extends into the community of Kailua Kona, Hawaii- where I attended 12-Step meetings twice a day during treatment. Through group and individual therapy at HIR I came to understand that the disease of addiction is centered in my thinking. I was able to confront core issues; incest, sexual abuse, eating disorders, panic attacks, depression. The combination of a sober mind, a healthy body, and sessions with Dr. John Hibscher, PhD. (Clinical Director, HIR) I could finally understand how the abuse I experienced affected every decision I made. Prior to surrendering to the clinical team at HIR, I had seen a dozen therapists and psychiatrists, no one was capable of creating a safe place for me to heal. For the first time in my life I felt like I was not alone in my struggle to recover. Ironically, I always considered "home" as everything and everyone I was raised with. Today, I have a new understanding of the cliche: "home is where the heart is". It was not until I was completely hopeless and discontented that I found my family at HIR and my home in the community of Kailua-Kona. Thank you for showing me how to live; happy, clean, and sober. Thank you for Loving me until I could love myself. - Gratefully, AM (California, USA) Pros: null Cons: null more

I spent three months at HIR. I am fifty-one years old and have been addicted to drugs and alcohol for thirty years. I got tired of doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result. My insanity was such that I believed I could handle it myself. WIth the help of HIR, great staff and therapists- I realized that I do not have to do this alone. I realized that I am a worth while human being and that I can live a normal life. For me, my drug use was all fear based. HIR helped me realize I can let go of my fear of living. I don't need to numb myself. I have found solutions and a better way of life. I can forget about everything else- but the present moment. Today, The future is bright. Thank you HIR for the awakening. Pros: null Cons: null more

When I became an alcoholic, I know that I have hurt the ones I love. But at that time of addiction, I was so selfish that I only think of myself. And then one day, a realization came into me...I cannot be an alcoholic forever and I already needed help. That's when I learned about Hawaii Island Recovery. At Hawaii Island Recovery, I was able to deal with my alcoholism through their direct therapy. In my more than a month of stay there, I realized that each day of my recovery is a giant step removed from the lifestyle I want to escape. J.C. more

When I became an alcoholic, I know that I have hurt the ones I love. But at that time of addiction, I was so selfish that I only think of myself. And then one day, a realization came into me...I cannot be an alcoholic forever and I already needed help. That's when I learned about Hawaii Island Recovery. At Hawaii Island Recovery, I was able to deal with my alcoholism through their direct therapy. In my more than a month of stay there, I realized that each day of my recovery is a giant step removed from the lifestyle I want to escape. more

The day I left for treatment I was in total isolationliterally locked in a room for days. The only thoughts were of suicide. I did not have anything for 4 days and the only comfort was vodka and my assortment of pills. The first time I came out of my room was when the police escorted me out and even at that point I did not think I had a problem. After a family intervention I agreed to go and get treatment. I loved the thought of a community based treatment center. I was a fairly successful entrepreneur who was on the verge of losing everything; however I had my dignity and I felt that an institutional environment was not for me. The therapy I received was exceptional. The staff went out of their way to work with me. I had to learn certain life skills from start and I had to rebuild my battered body which once held an athlete. I stayed 120 days and I knew from the second I left the program I was going to make it. I had the tools and the knowledge to maintain my addiction. Thanks guys! P.J. more

The day I left for treatment I was in total isolationliterally locked in a room for days. The only thoughts were of suicide. I did not have anything for 4 days and the only comfort was vodka and my assortment of pills. The first time I came out of my room was when the police escorted me out and even at that point I did not think I had a problem. After a family intervention I agreed to go and get treatment. I loved the thought of a community based treatment center. I was a fairly successful entrepreneur who was on the verge of losing everything; however I had my dignity and I felt that an institutional environment was not for me. The therapy I received was exceptional. The staff went out of their way to work with me. I had to learn certain life skills from start and I had to rebuild my battered body which once held an athlete. I stayed 120 days and I knew from the second I left the program I was going to make it. I had the tools and the knowledge to maintain my addiction. Thanks guys! P.J. more

I came there knowing I needed to change. I learned that at the age of 44, having the same habits developed for half of my life, if I continue to do the same thing and expect a different result that is insanity unto itself. I was warned that becoming sober might confuse my loved ones. It sure did, my husband and son did not know what this Woman was? She was different. I will be a sober Grandmother at about Christmas Time. Wow, what a sobering thought! Life! Live, Love! Stay with the Program. It is not easy but the rewards will reward you like you cannot believe. I have another business underway that makes me have to sit down and pay attention. Blessings R.S. more

I came there knowing I needed to change. I learned that at the age of 44, having the same habits developed for half of my life, if I continue to do the same thing and expect a different result that is insanity unto itself. I was warned that becoming sober might confuse my loved ones. It sure did, my husband and son did not know what this Woman was? She was different. I will be a sober Grandmother at about Christmas Time. Wow, what a sobering thought! Life! Live, Love! Stay with the Program. It is not easy but the rewards will reward you like you cannot believe. I have another business underway that makes me have to sit down and pay attention. Blessings R.S. more

Wow, I cannot thank you enough. Top of the line treatment in every way and believe it or not, you made it amazing! From top therapy to integrating my post user life, you gave me the tools to make a real difference in the world. I went from being a successful business person, with a lousy life, and a big ROCK on my back, to a better human being and a real fine husband and parent. You gave me the tools, way more than just in clinic, your integration tools for community and healthy living - the gym and workouts and the chefs, and nutrition really put me on track to win. Life is amazing, and to think, at one point I considered that my only option was to end it all! Now I can hardly wait for each new day - thank you from the bottom of my heart. more

Wow, I cannot thank you enough. Top of the line treatment in every way and believe it or not, you made it amazing! From top therapy to integrating my post user life, you gave me the tools to make a real difference in the world. I went from being a successful business person, with a lousy life, and a big ROCK on my back, to a better human being and a real fine husband and parent. You gave me the tools, way more than just in clinic, your integration tools for community and healthy living - the gym and workouts and the chefs, and nutrition really put me on track to win. Life is amazing, and to think, at one point I considered that my only option was to end it all! Now I can hardly wait for each new day - thank you from the bottom of my heart. A.J. more

After going through four treatments my life seemed as hopeless as ever. I knew that I couldn't stop drinking and doing drugs. I had pushed away my family and friends. I didn't feel like I was a bad person, I just needed help. Coming to Hawaii for recovery gave me new lease on life. It works! It really does. Life is great and my family is excited. M.C. more

After going through four treatments my life seemed as hopeless as ever. I knew that I couldn't stop drinking and doing drugs. I had pushed away my family and friends. I didn't feel like I was a bad person, I just needed help. Coming to Hawaii for recovery gave me new lease on life. It works! It really does. Life is great and my family is excited. more

This letter is a testimony of gratitude to all of you for all you have done to help our son break free from addiction. I have come to realize that it doesn’t matter what your addiction is, to overcome it you need first to admit you need help and your journey will begin. After that, the first step to recovery is getting clean. You provide a great facility and program to accomplish that, but more importantly you have provided to our son the tools that result in restored self esteem, self confidence and independence. Without those tools getting clean will only be a temporary fix with relapse most certain. I honestly feel that in order to connect with someone that is fighting addiction you need to provide a facility that is inviting, warm and comfortable full of people whose sole purpose is to help you overcome your addiction and help your family understand it. Your facility and program does just that, the Sunday Barbeque with family and graduates is an example of just one of the things you do. The physical activities at HIR such as: yoga, weight lifting (gym) and reiki massage are great activities that help your body and soul find itself again along with daily group AA and NA counseling are critical. The daily activities coupled with your programs doctor and psychologist’s daily visits are what make your program a success. In closing I would recommend your program and facility to anyone. Once again thank you to all of the staff at Hawaii Island Recovery. <3 <3 <3 Anonymous Mother more

This letter is a testimony of gratitude to all of you for all you have done to help our son break free from addiction. I have come to realize that it doesn?t matter what your addiction is, to overcome it you need first to admit you need help and your journey will begin. After that, the first step to recovery is getting clean. You provide a great facility and program to accomplish that, but more importantly you have provided to our son the tools that result in restored self esteem, self confidence and independence. Without those tools getting clean will only be a temporary fix with relapse most certain. I honestly feel that in order to connect with someone that is fighting addiction you need to provide a facility that is inviting, warm and comfortable full of people whose sole purpose is to help you overcome your addiction and help your family understand it. Your facility and program does just that, the Sunday Barbeque with family and graduates is an example of just one of the things you do. The physical activities at HIR such as: yoga, weight lifting (gym) and reiki massage are great activities that help your body and soul find itself again along with daily group AA and NA counseling are critical. The daily activities coupled with your programs doctor and psychologist?s daily visits are what make your program a success. In closing I would recommend your program and facility to anyone. Once again thank you to all of the staff at Hawaii Island Recovery. more

The program has taught me how to communicate better, the therapists and counselors are excellent and insightful. I feel more optomistic about my recovery. more