Burning Tree Ranch

I spent a year at Burning Tree Ranch. Like many have said I would never suggest someone go through the experience unless they are dying of addiction, the truth is though that I was. I was hopeless ..or it felt that way. Burning Tree helped me to understand many things, one being that there is a different way of life than the one I had become accustomed to.
I was told if I am willing to take the steps necessary and put in the work to save my own life that my life would change, they promised that.
My experience there was hard, painful, and at times downright miserable. I was not a perfect client, I fought most of the way until the very end, but the staff at The Ranch always kept up their end of the bargain and didn’t allow me to recede inward and become self-absorbed. Today my life is different. Burning Tree provided me with the love, time, and space to connect to god. Im very grateful.

"Ok, I'll go for 3 months", I told my husband as I marked my discharge date on my calendar. You see, I knew I was powerless over alcohol, but I was still in charge! We flew to Dallas from North Carolina on January 9, 2004 and I was admitted to Burning Tree Ranch on the 10th. At first their were periods full of floods of tears, then I became the compliant client going through all the motions a good client should. Hitting the 3-month mark, my date to go home came and went with no talk of discharge. Coming out of a 3-month fog, I finally realized that the only way I was going to go home was to do the work. For me, it took those 3 months to wake up and honestly and willingly throw myself into recovering!
For the next 6 months the work started paying off with lightbulb moments, glimpses of the promises, and a sponsor, Julie, who taught me the joy of service. Every staff member played a huge role in my recovery, especially David, Mark, Julie, Terry, Mary, Lori, Chris and Sonia. Lastly and most importantly are some very special clients, Emily, Bethany, Natalie, PK, Tommy, Patrick, Joe and Lane to name a few and whom I came to love as family.. As I moved on to After Care, 3 very special ladies, BTR Alumni, entered my life. Sue, Marilyn and Tammy took me under their wings and taught me that I could live life, laugh and have fun without alcohol! What a gift!
Last month I returned to Burning Tree to celebrate 18 years of continuous sobriety and to share my personal journey with the current BTR Clients.
Along with some "ranch" stories, I was able to share how beyond grateful I am for my darkest days which led me to Burning Tree where I found the God of my understanding, and the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Burning Tree Ranch gave me the tools to return home and live the best life ever, sober! I am loved, embraced and trusted by my family. General Service is the highlight of my AA life as I truly believe I can't keep my precious gift of sobriety unless I give it away.
With heartfelt love and gratitude,
Dale,
2004 Alumnus

Burning Tree Ranch is an incredible program. It offers compassionate care via a model that's proven to work. Patty Raymer introduced me to the program years ago and I am forever grateful. The industry needs more ethical providers and people like Burning Tree and Patty. I know that when I refer to either, the patient and their family are in great hands!

Having worked in Admissions at another well-known treatment center, I can attest to the value of Burning Tree Ranch's program. Some needing to recover need longer-term treatment than can be provided in 30 days. Based on personal experience, Burning Tree has consistently provided compassionate and quality help for these patients. I knew that I could refer chronic relapsers to Patty and her team without hesitation and that they would receive the best of care.

Burning Tree was the last resort for our 19 yr old son. It was his 3rd rehab in 7 months. We knew he needed more than the typical 30/60/90 day rehab. Honestly, I was skeptical about their strict rules, but we were desperate, so we put our trust in the hands of the staff and did everything that was asked of us. Our son has been sober for over 2 years now and is living his best life! He stays very active in the recovery community. He is kind, considerate and HONEST! I will forever be grateful for Burning Tree and what was instilled in our son during his time there!