Below you will find excerpts from just a few of the letters, cards, notes and emails sent to the Authentic Recovery Center by alumni of our program. Actual names have been withheld to insure anonymity, and only the specifics of gender identification will be found within the testimonial(s).

Often, individuals (or their family members) considering treatment at ARC ask to speak with alumni for a "second opinion" about the center. Unfortunately, although many ARC alumni would love to tell you about their experience with us, it is both a violation of Federal Law and an ethical iniquity to have any alumni offer themselves as our personal program representatives to assist a potential new client's decision-making process.

Testimonial 

Dear Brie, 

A very big HELLO and HOW ARE YOU!  ***** here...hope you remember me?  I just wanted to check in, say hello, and express my continued gratitude for ARC and all of your efforts.  I am at over 100 days!  This is a Godsend and...well, really has it been...?  It's been a great deal of work and attention to the program and utilization of the given tools for recovery (no reason Godsends' aren't without their efforts on our part), but at this point I am fortunate to consider myself among those who can admit, with some confidence, that their obsession has been lifted.  I know not to be conceited and overly ambitious--it's a day at a time for the rest of my life--however, the fact remains that I am sober and healthy; well, despite the little evil bug that's been going around, which I have dealt with without inebriating remedies. I am in full participation of the program: I have an excellent sponsor, attend my meetings and home group, maintain commitments, offer a respectable amount of service (though cautious of becoming a taxi service...a little tricky), enjoy the fellowship, and even conduct a Big Book Study Group which is awesome--but I lost the vote some weeks back on the schedule, Wed's nights at seven which has prevented me from attending the ARC Alumni Meetings.  Trying not to be too resentful...but as I am sure you have experienced, between fellowship dinner choices and general scheduling, trying to get a group of AA's to agree unanimously on anything is damn near impossible.  

However, all of this would not be possible without the great efforts, skill, and acceptance given me by yourself, Cassidy, Dave, and Michael (PLEASE EXTEND MY WARMEST HELLO'S).  I have watched as those who did and did not have the benefit of such extraordinary attention move through the program.  And I have seen some great success and great failure.  Including a few who, in this short time, I have grown to consider very near and dear to me.  My heart and soul have been broken and lifted many times.  This is no small time game, and the stakes are undeniably high.  The baffling loss of those for whom you so very much desired success, the sudden absences and broken communications are painful in the least, and strikingly frightening at best.  But the advancement and almost blissful successes are generous and beautiful occasions. It is the spiritual strength of the program that is it's strongest tool, and those who have been able to guide themselves through this acceptance find all the rest of the work less confusing and less challenging.  Those who have avoided or struggled without resolve to maneuver through the doubt and disdain suffer all the harder.

Male alumni (Name withheld by ARC)

Testimonial 

Anyone who thinks they can find a better program for their money, I challenge them to go find one. The place was always clean, Margarita is amazing!! Availability of phone + email can't be found just anywhere. The program was not overwhelming, groups + counselors were scheduled well and I was happy to open up because I felt their sincerity. I don't know anyplace that will take you on an outing to Disneyland. It is a well-balanced + caring facility, and it all starts from the top down. I hope I was able to show you guys just how well things go around here, because I was open to the program, and that smile on my face was your doing. Thank you.

P.S. Thank you Michael, for all the wonderful food. I was more than happy to do my part at the dinner table, and I enjoyed speaking with you!

Male alumni (Name withheld by ARC)

Testimonial

Dear Brie,

I just wanted to thank you for all you have done for me. I have been sober since I left ARC in December and if you hadn't given me such a strong foundation I don't think I ever would have gotten through the holidays. You showed me how to live one day at a time and you showed me how to live with things I didn't think I would ever even admit, little less live comfortably with. You were and are my role model for how to do things differently. Please tell Grant I have been getting better at tennis and I think I will beat him on the court next time I come out to Los Angeles for a visit. Tell all the rest of the staff hi for me. Thank you for everything!

Female alumni (Name withheld by ARC)

Testimonial

Dear Brie and Cassidy

You must get compliments all the time, but I really want you and your staff to know how much I appreciate you taking care of my son, ******. I understand that he's got a lot of work to do yet, but the transformation so far, as far as I'm concerned, is nothing short of miraculous.

The fact that you were also willing to let him stay on for an extra 2 weeks at no charge really just blows my mind. There is no way that words could ever express my appreciation.

All the best to you!

Parent of male alumni (Name withheld by ARC)

Testimonial 

Cassidy-

THANK YOU so much for all your support and help. I almost cry everytime I think about how much you have helped me and how good I see my life can be in the future. You honestly helped me save my life in so many ways. You are such a role-model for me and I am so grateful for all you do. Please let me know if I can ever help someone at ARC in anyway, in the way that alumni helped me.

Male alumni (Name withheld by ARC)

Testimonial  

To ARC;

Here is the quote that says it all..."The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." I thought that this quote was so fitting. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I am sober thanks to your generosity and efforts.

Female alumni (Name withheld by ARC)

Testimonial  

Dear Cassidy and Brie,

The purpose of this letter is to thank you for all you and your staff tried to do to help me continue my recovery. I was deeply touched by your attempt to provide an atmosphere free from external pressures by allowing me a scholarship to ARC. For what it's worth, I feel you are doing exceptional work at ARC. ARC is the antithesis to the current high profit business model used by most rehab facilities. It is quite obvious that you take the high road in an arena where many clients are willing to pay anything for promises of a good result.

I am doing well today, (almost 90 days sober) looking at each day as it comes. I hope to maintain contact with you both if you are willing, and keep you informed of my progress. I would like to assume a more substantial relationship towards my recovery, either with ARC or with you directly.

If I can ever help anyone who is there, please let me know. Call me anytime, day or night! Thank you again for everything.

Male alumni (Name withheld by ARC)

Testimonial 

Dear Brie,

I have been through many treatment centers, as you know, but I wish upon wishes that I had met you way back when. The events in my life, or rather, the traumas I experienced in my life, would never have greeted resolution if I hadn't met you. Your caring approach still touches me deeply and I feel that because of you I can make it. It's been a year since we first met, but you are still with me everyday. I just celebrated my first year sober out of almost 20 years of pain and suffering. You are thanked by me, my children and my family. I will be at the alumni holiday party and I can't wait to see you and thank you in person. All my best wishes for you and all the staff at ARC. Thank you for everything.

Female alumni (Name withheld by ARC)