I was there 12 years, so I probably know you. Good luck, B
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

The saddest part about all of this is that Choices has a remarkable track record with crack and heroin addicts. One of my former sponsees contacted me to tell me she relapsed and her parents want to send her back to Choices. She was traumatized by her previous experience but now is using IV drugs and really needs help. Choices reminds me of chemotherapy. It makes you sick, tears you apart,
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I'm glad we're all here and found each other. And the family favorite/black sheep situation is so true. I dated a "family favorite" for 6 1/2 years at Choices and was told repeatedly how luck I was to be with him and asked if I felt like I really deserved him with a strong emphasis on the fact that maybe I shouldn't. He was human like the rest of us but was seen as an
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Every time I read a posting on here I am comforted to know that I'm not the only one still effected. I often have feelings of anger flare up and want to kidnap and deprogram a couple of people. And the most painful part was that when I left I really didn't know if I could stay sober without them, but I knew I couldn't get/stay sane and stay there. I was afraid for my life be
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Thanks for writing back. I'm Bronwen, and I must know you too. I've been talking to other "ex-patriots" and have shared with them that I still have dreams sometimes about being in group or in a session and being completely torn down. In the more recent ones I tell people off or remain calm and just leave, in others I'm a puddle. I know what you mean about PTSD. Even
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I was a 12 1/2 year client at CCC and I left last August. I went through months of guilt and thinking that I would drink again (after 16 years sober) and that every decision I was making was wrong. They did a lot for me, but I really wish I had left years ago. The hardest part for me today is that many of my best friends express disapproval with how I am living my life, and I don't want t
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups