Reviews from Attendees of Our Rehab Facility in OH

Woodhaven helped me become the man I am today...a son, brother, husband, father, and a pretty dang good friend. 

Chris L.

In 2017, My life was forever changed by Woodhaven. This was my second time there in the facility. The staff welcomed me back with open arms. I have never felt so much compassion in my life. During my stay there my father took his own life and if it wasn't for Woodhaven as a whole, I would have never made it to where I am today. The staff was there for me every step of the way during my grieving process. I was granted time to be with my family during that tough time. The compassion and Empathy they gave made me wanna stay and finish out my treatment. I am forever grateful for what Woodhaven has done for me and many others.

Joey L.

The day I came to Woodhaven, I was completely lost and broken. When I came to treatment I couldn’t believe how much Woodhaven really cared. Someone finally believed in me and truly wanted to help me. For once in my life, I felt safe and I could truly be Megan again. I finally got the chance to become a part of the team and help someone like they helped me. I truly believe if I didn’t come to Woodhaven, I wouldn’t be alive today. Still to this day, they are helping me become a better person and helping me grow in my career. I’m working on my CDCA with the help of Woodhaven and hope to grow even more.

Megan M.

During my time as a client at Woodhaven, I was shown compassion I was taught how to deal with emotions in a positive way. I was taught how to live a life sober and be a productive member of society. I was so influenced by the staff that I made it a personal goal to work for Woodhaven. After being heavily involved in the sober community and figuring out who I really was I was ready to work for Woodhaven. As a staff member of Woodhaven, I am still shown compassion and respect. I'm also able to show clients that through hard work and determination anything is possible.

Corey K.

My name is Johnny D I was addicted to alcohol for many years of my life, my life was heavily going down the drain. I started off losing myself, my job, my cars, my apartment and shortly after, my family. I never in a million years would think that I would put myself in a predicament like that. I knew I needed some help, and I didn't know where to turn or where would I receive the help, I needed to change my life and I didn’t know how. I looked up Woodhaven Treatment facility where they stated to me on the other end of the phone a time that I could check myself in if I wanted some help. I entered Woodhaven program on August 4 2014. That was the best thing that I could have done for myself in many years. My experience at Woodhaven is where I found Johnny again, it is where I found the tools and the mind changing ability to learn how to change my life in a healthy way. My experience at Woodhaven opened my eyes to a new way to live, the staff that helped me with my journey really cared about me and not just what I was addicted to but me as a person. I attended 3 groups a day and an evening group, after groups I was aware of even though group was over for that day, I had to continue to work on myself outside of group. I couldn’t express how deeply Woodhaven helped me to change the way I think about myself which untimely helped me to be a better person, father, son and a productive member of society. I know I was the one who put the work in, but Woodhaven gave me the guidance I needed to be where I am today, that I will be forever grateful for. I graduated the program on November 4 2014, as of today, I haven't looked at alcohol as a way of needed to live, due to Woodhaven accepting me in their program. This is just a small testimony without getting too emotional about my experience at Woodhaven, and how I let them help me change my life. 

Johnny D.

My name is Danny and I'm a 20-year addict who's in recovery. I was a client at Woodhaven in 2018 and again in 2019. The thing that stood out the most to me about Woodhaven was the atmosphere. Most of the employees were also recovering addicts and you could tell that they really, really care. I told myself my second time here that this was a place that I am going to work at. If so, many other recovering addicts could work here why couldn't I. On September 10th, 2020, I made my dream happen, I started working for Woodhaven. I was extremely nervous the first day, but that didn't last long. I really felt comfortable and at home. I get to work with the same people who loved me when I couldn't even love myself. I finally have a job that I can say I get to go to work, not that I have to go. I love my life and my job today. Woodhaven has blessed my life in so many ways. I never believed that people's dreams actually come true. Well, dreams really do come true and I'm walking proof of that. A man asked me on my interview a question that I will always hold on to. He asked me "Why do I want to work for Woodhaven". My answer to him was "Why would I not want to work for the place responsible for saving my life. Thank you.

Danny P.

My name is Kayla. I was in and out of my addiction for 14 years. My drug of choice was heroin, meth, pretty much anything I could get my hands on to escape my life and feeling. I've tried everything to stop, outpatient treatment, substituting one drug for another, only on the weekends, everything besides inpatient treatment. When I finally hit my bottom and found Woodhaven, I was so broken, so lost, I just wanted to die, Inpatient treatment was the last thing I was finally willing to try. When I came into Woodhaven as a client, I was ready and willing to do whatever I had to get and stay clean. Woodhaven changed my life, changed my mindset, showed me a better way of life a way out of the miserable life of addiction that I was living, and taught me that I deserved it. Woodhaven had rules and they were all in place for a reason, they taught me responsibility, accountability, and so much more. Woodhaven had chores that taught me how to be an adult, to pick up after myself, they gave me a routine and structure, something I did not have and forgot how to do in my addiction. Woodhaven also provided groups, the groups opened me up, taught me about myself, I started to deal and heal from things I stuffed down so deep and ran from in my addiction. When other clients shared it let me know I was not alone. They taught me how to trust and to be trustworthy as well. Some of the staff was in recovery too and when they shared that with me, it gave me so much hope. Showed me if they could change their life around then so could I, it showed me there really was a way out and a better life. Woodhaven introduced me to the rooms of narcotics anonymous in Dayton Ohio. Woodhaven and the rooms gave me the tools that I needed in order to stay clean. After doing 85 days in Woodhaven I chose to do aftercare and Iop. I have a relapse as part of my story because I was not doing all of the things suggested in order to stay clean, I was picking and choosing what I wanted to do and what I did not want to do. My relapse made me open up my eyes and take a real good look at everything I was not doing and needed to do. So I got myself clean again went back to Woodhaven and did my aftercare over again and I successfully completed it. I got offered a job at Woodhaven, I started off cleaning and moved my way up to the Woodhaven store. I have been working at Woodhaven going on two years in May. My clean date is December 7, 2018. I will forever be grateful for Woodhaven, not only did they save my life, they believed in me and employed me. Woodhaven will save your life if you let them. I am living proof along with many others.

Kayla B.

I came into Woodhaven completely bankrupt. Mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially. I had nothing left to give, no fight was left in me. I knew that I needed a change, so I turned to Woodhaven to help me during my darkest times. Little did I know, Woodhaven would change my life forever.

I woke up January 4, 2016 in terrible withdrawal. My skin was crawling, I was anxious, GI upset. The lovely stuff. I had absolutely no money or ride to get my next “fix”. I was hiding in my ex-boyfriend's parents' house, as I was not welcomed there but had nowhere to go. Everybody had gone to work, and I was left sitting in this empty house, helpless. In my journey of scheming on how to make money for that day, I came across an ad for Woodhaven on my Facebook. I thought to myself, “Why not?” And decided to call. To my surprise, they had a bed open for a female and was willing to take me that day. So, I reached out on Facebook (very unlike me to openly admit I had a problem, especially given my previous career), and made a public post begging for a ride from Cincinnati to Dayton to help get me into this program. My former professor said that although she lived far away, she would call me a cab and pay for my fare if I was serious about going. I packed my bags and was on my way to Woodhaven before I could think twice.

Once I arrived, we did my intake. Such a long process for someone who is actively withdrawing, but important, nonetheless. I got through that, and reality started to sink in. What am I doing? Immediate regret was what I felt. I knew that I would never get a ride home from Dayton, unless I completed some of the program. I had burned all my bridges by that point, and everyone just wanted me to get better. So, I decided to stay for a couple of weeks and get through detox. Then, surely, someone would take me home.

The next couple of weeks were transforming. I went to every single group and individual session. I helped with chores. I reviewed my care plan and began working on the steps outlined for my recovery.

Two weeks into the program, I was through detox and ready to be moved to the residential floor. Finally, I get to use the phone! This was my chance to call someone to pick me up.

The staff brought me upstairs and took me to my room. I was terrified to be on a new floor with a lot of women I didn’t know. The amount of love and generosity these girls showed as soon as I walked in was overwhelming. They couldn’t have made me feel more welcomed. I used the phone, and instead of calling my ex-boyfriend as I had planned, I called my professor. She gave me some words of wisdom and encouragement, and we ended the call. I am now seeing that she was truly my angel through this whole process.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. I had this newly founded passion for my recovery and finding my true self. I was blessed with such a great counselor, Kurt, who motivated me to put in the work. I spent a lot of time journaling and talked about my journaling in our group sessions. It was with the assistance of my group and my counselor, that I decided to leave my toxic 10-year relationship; and to clear up the wreckage of my past... criminally. I had three misdemeanor warrants, and an out of state parole violation/warrant for absconding. I never had any intention of clearing these things up, but the longer I stayed at Woodhaven, the more mental clarity I had and knew I needed to do something about this. And I wouldn’t have to do it alone, not when I had the support of my peers.

My counselor and I called my lawyer. My lawyer petitioned the court, but the judge wanted me to turn myself in when I graduated the program. That was a devastating time for me. I had put my heart and soul into recovery, and I felt like I was being punished. I wasn’t ready to serve a 3-year sentence. What happened to second chances? It took me a couple of weeks (and lots of tears) to process this information. Through it all, I knew what I needed to do.

I was ending my stay with Woodhaven and decided to stay with my childhood friend once I got out- to stay away from Cincinnati and the people/places/things. She picked me up on April 5 and helped navigate me through this thing called life.

Here I am, five years later, still in recovery. I am married now, own my OWN house, adopted my niece and have a son of my own. I have two cars, a great job. My family lives close, and I see them on a regular basis I recently reinstated my nursing license. These are all things that I dreamed about years ago. Things that I continue to be grateful for. And I couldn’t have done it without the support I have received at Woodhaven.

Oh, and the State of Kentucky did decide to give me a second chance. I went through a very strenuous probationary period but was granted permission to complete parole in Ohio once I proved myself to the court. I may have not known what I needed at that time, but my Higher Power did.

Missy H.

When I arrived at Woodhaven as a client, on March 7, 2018, I was broken. I felt inferior to everyone. I felt pathetic, desperate, angry, and extremely hurt. I had nothing to lose because I already lost it all. My children were hurt so bad by my drug use. I felt like they would be better off if I was dead. In fact, I tried taking my own life. I believe it was 2015 shortly after I got married for the second time, to a man that I thought was the love of my life. This man told me he was going help me get my kids back. Instead, I allowed him to push me further away from them. What I thought was a beautiful relationship turned into a nightmare. Like a horror movie, I had guns pointed to my head, threatened to have my head smashed with a huge rock, chased with a chainsaw, and squad out with a broken nose, concussion, and black and blue all over. When I didn't think anyone could have been worse than my ex-husband, things got much worse. So, I took a piece of glass and sliced my veins open, straight down my arm.

   I was in active addiction since I was 9 years old, minus the times I was pregnant or incarcerated. I thought of myself as being a functioning addict for over 20 years. In reality I wasn't functioning hardly at all. I lost custody of my children in 2012 for making meth. I thought I was being a "good mom". I didn't have a driver's license or anyone to watch my daughter that was diagnosed with Cri Du Chat (a rare genetic deformity). She used to break house and car windows with her head, bite me, scratch me, and was just very hostile and destructive. I also have 2 sons. One is 15 months older than my daughter and one that is six years younger than her. I was just trying to make ends meet. Right?

   I decided to go to Woodhaven because nobody else wanted me. I spent nights sleeping on the bathroom floors of Wal-Mart and the Casino and in unlocked cars. My parents didn't want me because of my lifestyle. My husband was selling and abusing meth. He always thought I was against him. Especially when the cameras he had hanging up all over the house showed me looking for something all the time. Of course, I was always looking for something, I was tweaking and lost everything I touched.

   I believe it was March 5, 2018 when I was crying to God. I was begging him to please kill me or please show me that there is more to life than this. I heard a very small voice telling me that there is more to life than this. That is when I made up my mind that I need to find life. I still got high up to March 7,2018. That is when I walked into Woodhaven with my Harley biker boots and ripped jeans thinking I was going to save my marriage.

   At first, I still had my street lifestyle mentality. Fighting was my favorite coping mechanism besides getting high. I also had the mentality of a 12-year-old when we were in group. I liked being sarcastic. I thought I was being funny. When I was held accountable, I took it very personally and got defensive.

   When I moved to phase 2 I almost beat a woman up for moving my slice of pizza. That is when I remember my pc teaching me that it wasn't the pizza or the woman that I was mad at. I had a lot of buildup anger. He helped me process that. That was my first breakthrough that I remember. After that, one day I was angry about something again and my pc told me that I didn't have a relationship with my higher power. I got so angry at him. Who is he to tell me if I have a relationship with God or not?! I yelled at him and he almost kicked me out of group. We took a break. When we came back from break, he went over the spiritual principles. I took that to heart. That session helped me to try to stay connected to my higher power by living by those principles.

   One day I was looking out the window in my room and saw my husband walking to his car in the parking lot with his arm around another woman. Then opened the car door for her. He had just left his chiropractor appointment that was in the same building. I felt like someone died. It hurt me so bad. Even though this man was a monster to me I blamed myself how he treated me. I thought if I got better than our marriage would be better. This is when I surrendered to my higher power and told myself that I can never trust any human being. My pc helped me see that he didn't love me, and I was worth more than that. It was good to let go. He helped me see my value. Not just my pc but my cdca and my peers. Shortly after this I started to feel human again. I forgot what it felt like to have people genuinely care about me for me.

   A couple of days later my ex-husband brought my youngest son to visit me. This was right around Easter. My ex-husband took my son to Oklahoma after he got out of prison. Technically he kidnapped him. This was the first time I had seen him in almost a year. My pc helped me to see the truth in me to keep me from being angry. I surrender. I couldn't take care of him and I don't have control over other people. When I try to take control, I lose control. I was able to face my ex and his girlfriend without any anger. My pc asked my son what he would like to see me do. He responded, he would like to see me get a job, get my driver's license, get a car, dress better, and lose my connections. These became my goals.

   As time went on I was still dealing with a lot of guilt and shame. I was having a hard time forgiving myself. Mostly with my children, but with everything I had done. That was one of the main reasons why I got high. I didn't want to feel or remember what I have done or didn't do. Woodhaven helped me with this. They taught me that I am not a bad person, I just done some bad things. If it wasn't for my drug addiction, I wouldn't have done those things. I was taught that I am worth good things. I haven't felt that in a long time. It isn't just ok to forgive myself, but it is a must. Not just for me but for everyone around me.

   Being a residential client at Woodhaven taught me so much. When I graduated on May 23, 2018, I felt like a ton of bricks had lifted off my chest. I was taught that I don't have to use drugs to numb my pain. I can sit in my feelings and cope. The cravings pass and I learned ways to occupy my time in a healthy way. Also, when I numbed my feelings, I numbed all of them, including joy.

  After I graduated from residential, I continued being a client through their IOP. At this time, I was living in a sober living house that wasn't the best. There were clients there that were coming in and out getting high. I still suffered from paranoia due to my meth usage, so I always felt like people were talking about me and I didn't feel safe. I enjoyed going to IOP mainly because I felt at home there. I felt safe. I still didn't feel like my brain was functioning properly, but I felt like that was ok. Woodhaven helped me feel like it was ok to be me. They helped me to learn how to live again in the real world without drugs. They helped me get the resources I need to file for bankruptcy and get my driver's license.

   After I graduated from IOP I moved on to their Aftercare relapse prevention program. This program still helped me with everyday challenges I was given. Helped me process things and continued to give me different perspectives on things. I was taught that I can be a beacon of light to other people. These are just few of the things they did for me besides just teaching me how not to use.

   While I was a client in IOP, Woodhaven knew about the challenges I was having in the sober living house I was at. In January 2019, I was invited to be the first client to live in their new sober living house for women. I felt honored. The staff that came out to the house were and are amazing. They helped me tremendously. I started to gain more confidence and I felt safe. I didn't have to worry about being homeless and I had Woodhaven's support with me all the time.

   In October 2020, Woodhaven gave me a job being a RA. A couple of months ago they helped me get my workbook for the CDCA and helped me send the application into the state. It's not just a few staff members at Woodhaven that has helped me, but it is Woodhaven as a whole. I have so much more respect for myself and others today. I feel like I am treated equally and have just as much of a chance to become whatever I want in this life as anyone.

   Today, I don't just have a driver's license, a car, and a job that I love, but my son is living with me, my whole family respects me and they are proud of me, I dress better, I lost my old connections, I have friends that I can trust that like me for me, I have integrity, I have a 2-bedroom apartment in Kettering, and so much more. Woodhaven never gave up on me. They have taught me to never give up on myself.

Mindi G.