“I enjoy my time as a Birchwood facilitator for several reasons. Foremost is the successful recovery of the participants. I have worked as a substance abuse counselor in a variety of settings both inpatient and out patient. I have never seen a more consistent success rate than the combination of Birchwood and TNPAP. The Birchwood support groups that I facilitate have literally the same group members from month to month and year to year. Very little relapsing and lots of completions. Also, I appreciate how organized and efficient Birchwood is. If I have a question or concern Amy is on it right away, and I can always call Elizabeth as well. And finally it is a great format for the nurses to be able to discuss and vent issues concerning their profession in an understanding and supportive environment. Keep up the good work.” –Tom Diffenderfer LADAC II, QCS

“My support group is an integral part of my recovery, it’s so helpful to have others around me who share the same struggles with addiction while working in the medical field, and who specifically understand.”

“I was clean before I started these meetings, but I had no hope. I did not know where to go from here. My life had went in a very bad direction. Divorce, losing property, possessions, isolating myself, and I turned to drugs (first prescription/methadone clinic), and eventually non prescription to deal with life. I grew up in an area where you don’t express yourself and deal with your problems on your own. I had no idea how to cope or live life. These meetings saved my life. The first meeting gave me hope as I found I was not alone in this. I did not have to be the victim anymore. I could take responsibility for my problems. Owning my problems allowed me to change them. I now set healthy boundaries with people and know how to work through difficult times in a healthy manner. I appreciate the services you offer here. I’m almost 1 year clean of narcotics, and realize that even social drinking could become a trap. I now believe in complete abstinence. I walked out almost 10 months of no employment and kept doing the right thing. Suddenly things are now changing and I’m seeing the benefits of my new life. I am now employed and have many great opportunities presenting themselves. No matter the outcome I’ve learned I can be okay with myself no matter what. My peace is no longer dependent on things going how I perceive they should. My job is to serve others and do the next right thing. One day at a time.”

“The selection of my answers are very honest. Everyone from Birchwood has been very personable and accessible. [My facilitator] is by far one of the best group facilitators. He is 100% here because he enjoys what he does and cares about each one of us. That certainly comes across. I also love “my” group. I don’t like all groups, but I feel my group is super supportive and maintains a theme of recovery and how we can help each other even if it doesn’t involve recovery. The money spent is worth it to be home with my babies and to be a part of such a good group.”

“Very pleased with the program. I feel like they are interested in my recovery and helpful. Keep up the good work.”

“Through this group we increase coping and understanding of what we and others are experiencing which has helped me tremendously.”

“I enjoy our weekly meetings because it is one of the only meetings I can attend that address nursing and the specific recovery tools needed to continue working in our field. [My facilitator] has been a great asset to my recovery and has address[ed] my concerns and questions with empathy and wisdom. I am very pleased with Birchwood!”

“[My facilitator] has been instrumental in my recovery. Her experience, her wisdom, her patience and honesty has been amazing!”

“I feel like Birchwood is a wonderful addition to my recovery and feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing group. [My facilitator] is such a truly inspiring individual with such an honest and endearing outlook on life. He is a true gift.”

“I have been very impressed by Birchwood’s overall setup. And I am going to take this opportunity to thank both ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Amy’ for ALL THEIR HELP to me. It is, literally, because of their kindness and professional assistance, that I am able to be in a Birchwood group at all . Thank you again, Elizabeth and Amy!”