Soberman's Estate

Stephen Lindell

As with many of the men who have attended Sobermans, I am business professional with years of business ownership, and business management. For many years I searched for a facility that catered to professional men. Not to say that Sobermans is exclusive to mature business professionals, but it is definitely the right place for them. Some others have experienced Sobermans, and I think both parties in residence have benefitted from the diversity. I spent many years thinking that I was unique. I was not. I researched many facilities both nationally and internationally. I spent some time at three different facilities. In looking back on those experiences I realize that they had little chance of succeeding in preparing me for a sober life. I feel, that they have little chance of succeeding with anyone, unless that person has actually trashed their life to its lowest level, or were on the verge of a spiritual awakening. They just don’t work, and I am confident that their numbers regarding success are distorted. I personally know of only a few people out of hundreds that have actually maintained sobriety. Those few success stories were all a result of a spiritual awakening. This subject intrigued so much that I wrote my doctoral thesis on “addictions as they relate to spirituality”. So, why does the program at Sobermans work for many. The underlying reason is the basic concept provided by the founder, Mitch Prager, and is mirrored by all of his staff. The desert, where Sobermans is located, is a special place, that promotes optimism and natural healing. The amenities are 5 star, the food is 5 star, and the treatment sessions are all of high quality. The therapy sessions including equine, music, physical training, yoga, group and individual therapy, nutrition, and art, are all designed as an enjoyable experience, with an underlying treatment lesson. The staff is so much more qualified than the other facilities that I have reviewed, it is notable. In addition, they all have experience and a high level of compassion. Mitch, the owner, is present and even organizes outings such as hikes, cultural, outside meetings, shopping trips for the clients. Even the executives that are used to high quality food and travel amenities do not suffer here. The simple fact that electronics are allowed, based on self discipline, is an example of the trust and faith of the clients. I rarely saw this benefit abused, and quite frankly I would not succeed in a program that totally prohibited their use. It is not so much about availability, but it is more about denial. When you strip a man of the amenities and skill set that he has trained a lifetime to acquire, it will not end well. There is lots more to say, but I encourage all professional business men, and others, suffering from this terrible disease, to do your homework, and compare treatment facilities, and review their overall programs. I believe that the choice will be Sobermans. In my opinion, it is one of the top rated treatment facilities in the United States. Possibly the top rated one, when you compare results to cost of treatment. After spending 40 years in addiction, turmoil, and destructive living, all the while running a business and managing other people’s lives, something was bound to crack. It is now approaching seven months of sobriety. More significant is the fact that of the approximate thirty men that I crossed paths with while at Sobermans, at least 80% of them are maintaining their sobriety. The active alumnae association is also a contributor to the successes. Good luck! Doctor Steve, Oregon