The Saint Jude Retreat

If you are looking for a place to change the way you think, the actions you take and your relationship with drugs or alcohol than this is the place for you. The opposite of a traditional rehab experience, St Jude’s and it’s Freedom Model start with a simple premise- there is nothing inherently wrong with you. No illness or disease, no life long problem that will hang over you till the day you die, but rather a simple misunderstanding- that all the benefits you have perceived from drinking or drugging are illusionary. They are in your mind and they proceed to unpack all the myths associated with drinking or drugging and boil it do to some simple facts- one, you have free will and are actively choosing to drink. Two you have an autonomous mind that only you control and can be taught that these perceived benefits you have associated with drinking are simply not true. And third, that you drink or drug because you BELIEVE it is making you happy and in reality it does not, at least not in the way you are drinking or drugging now- or else why are you reading this? Once they teach you this and unshackle you from all the recovery BS you will have a revelation- that this is all in your control and that if you want to change you always can. It’s that simple. The combination of one on one instruction and fact and science based statistics will time and time again reinforce this critical concept. I can honestly say this changed my life. Not just my unhealthy relationship with drinking- but all aspects of my life. It left me a better educated person and as a result a better husband, father, worker and person. In short it left me a better global citizen with an awareness of why I do what I do and the ability to modify my behaviors if I honestly want to.

The staff is nothing short of awesome. From the meals (thanks Dave, who by the way is a trained gourmet chef) to the accommodations, to the instructors, you immediately feel like you are part of the family, living in a home with great people in a warm and supportive environment that allows you to comfortably sort yourself out. They are right to call it a retreat, not a rehab, because it is more about teaching you how to live and be a better human than about convincing you you are weak and powerless. I have been home for a month now and have been in numerous social settings with people drinking and have not once felt compelled to drink. I simply choose not to at this point. And that’s the best part- there is no illusion that you can never drink again (but studies show about 50% of the people choose not to) but once they teach you the facts about drinking you are empowered to intelligently choose what you want to do.

I want to thank everyone there from Mark, Michelle, Steve (the authors and instructors) to everyone else who helped me during my stay. I can’t say enough great things about this experience. It was nothing short of life changing!

You can do this if you want to change and the Freedom Model is the key to a healthier, happier, and more balanced life- I promise you that.

You can be free from your alchohol problems so easily with this program. It is a completely different approach that works It is life changing. Change your life without being labeled giving up your self respect in a very comfortable setting where you are free to solve your issues. Don’t get mislead by traditional rehabs this works. Not to mention great food great caring staff with one on one instruction. If you want change this is the place to go. Keep your computer and cell phone and stay in contact with your everyday life while getting the best treatment money can buy,

I recently completed the Freedom Model Retreat in NY. My experience was absolutely above and beyond what I expected . I did hour upon hour private sessions with Mark and several with Steven . Michelle and I spent time together as well . I ordered the book about 18 months ago in Montana and worked it pretty hard but I there was something I was missing . I'm very glad I made the decision to go straight to the founders and get all the treatment model and AA dynamic washed off me . I highly recommend this to someone that has battled as I have over the years but just never accepted the whole disease concept and powerless dynamic that is thrown at perfectly fine people that just happen to have a preference . The rest of the staff at the retreat are wonderful and professional as well . The food (Dave) is fantastic and the facility a slice of heaven in the country but close to town . Very glad I took part in it .
Corey

Freedom Model
At St Judes Retreat you learn the how to escape the tread mill of addiction and recovery and how to manage or stop your substance use, by challenging yourself to analyze the way you look at it. You come to understand there is not a battle with addiction that you have to fight your whole life and that it doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Happiness is a choice and you can choose what what will provide you with the greatest amount of joy in your life.

The 30 years of research, science and experience Mark Scheeren, Steven Slate and Michelle Dunbar have put behind their program is impressive, it provides much needed alternative to the 12 Steps based programs which frequently do not work for many people.

In a beautiful Upstate New York country setting you will work privately and closely with instructors who help you understand the Freedom Model philosophy. They have a staff of compassionate and positive people that work as a team to support you in reaching your goals; which in turn helps you to succeed. The rooms were very comfortable, the house was open and inviting, the food was delicious, healthy, and nutritious, and there were many activities to partake in during down time, such as hiking in the Catskills, going to the gym, movie night; on site there is a hot tub and swimming pool (summer) and a fireplace in the great room for cold weather relaxing. Living at the retreat is like taking an immersion program in another country to learn a new language. 

I left with the skills to carry forward with my life unencumbered by the burden of addiction. After searching 33 years for answers, it is without hesitation that I recommend St Judes Retreat.

As a guest at The Saint Jude Retreat I can say that the experience changed my life. It’s not a 12 step or traditional recovery treatment center, so if that is what you’re looking for you won’t find it there. Instead it’s a new way of looking at and dealing with your addictions. I suffered
from an “addiction” to alcohol for over ten years, attending multiple AA meetings and various other traditional rehabs that not only didn’t help, but in many ways made the hold of “addiction” on me worse. After working with the friendly and caring staff at the retreat I know that addiction does not need to be part of my life anymore and I have been able to move on. I
highly recommend this alternative to traditional treatment, especially for those of us that are ready and willing to move on and start a better life.

On a side note for people who are thinking of coming to the retreat, don’t worry it’s not a lockdown facility. This was important to me. The retreat has a positive and homey atmosphere, where you can relax and focus on your freedom from addiction. They don’t take your phone or laptop or force you into isolation like rehabs do. You go on lots of outings and activities during your down time so the time there is engaging and not boring.