Rehab, I thought, was a place where people with addiction problem go and stay so that they can break the cycle of addiction. I also thought that once in a rehab, people get lot of time to exercise, read, think and work on themselves. For me it meant freedom from Alcohol and outside problems.

I came to Hope Trust thinking of finding solutions to all my problems. Not only Alcohol but also all other things bothering me and my Life. My very first day in the rehab made me think that the place is not what I had expected. Totally contrary to my ideas of ‘Freedom’, the place was full of disciplinary rules. There was a prescribed time for everything: wakeup, sleep, morning prayer, food, sessions, tea, yoga, nap or rest and free time. I was neither used to this nor expecting to focus on such small things. I wanted to focus on bigger issues in my Life.

However, after initial days of restlessness and irritation, I started realizing the importance of focusing on small things. I realized that it was actually the accumulation of not focusing on small things that lead to developing defects in characters that finally lead towards inability to find peace in life. Every small thing that was against my will irritated me and crushed my ego. Slowly I started settling down and accepting things.  Limitations of communication with the outside world, made me realize the importance of that world and how I was taking it for granted.

I also could identify my weak areas, with the help of counselors and group sharing, I started learning more about myself. I learnt a lot from the experiences shared by other group members. I was not alone. I was not the only one who was suffering. The whole group became my ‘alter-ego’. Nothing to hide from them. I was loosening, I was getting comfortable.

Suddenly I realized that this is what I was always looking for. I was finding my answers, solutions and hope. I was becoming a believer.

Initially I had problems accepting certain things explained by counselors. One day the ‘director’ asked us “How do you think God communicates”? I got the answer when he said “He talks through people”. I never had any problem in accepting things after that.

I used to think that the best way to find peace was to go in solitude, think, meditate and find answers myself. Peace for me was absence of turmoil.

What I realized was that finding peace surrounded with people, surrounded by limitations and by restlessness is the real meditation. Life is like that only. I need to find peace in living daily normal life and not in solitude and escapism.

The biggest thing that I learnt and started practicing at Hope Trust was to ask for help. The whole world and God are available for help, only if I ask for it. Asking for help is my responsibility and so is my well being.

I am so glad I came to Hope Trust, and so grateful.

I had been to four rehabs in US prior to my admission at Hope. I was a little skeptical in the beginning. I guess it was coming from my inflated ego and a bloated sense of self. Slowly, I was shown my real self. No doubt it was a painful process, but absolutely essential. Now I am 3 years sober and frankly Hope not only changed my personality but saved my life. I am very, very grateful

My son had been using hard drugs for a long time and had been to several treatment centers in US. He also developed a psychiatric disorder, most likely from long-term abuse of alcohol and drugs. He also had several encounters with law enforcement agencies. A friend recommended Hope in India. We came and he was inpatient for a fairly long time. Not only is he abstaining from drugs, but he has great clarity in thinking and is mentally stable with ongoing medication. We are absolutely amazed at the insight of the counsellors and psychiatrist at Hope. We wish them all the best

I am very grateful for the new life Hope has given me. I was on cocaine and lost all senses and relationships. Now I am working and back to my wife and children. Thank you, Hope!

I came to Hope a beaten man. Physically, mentally and had lost my wife, my job and my self-esteem. I stayed at the rehab for 5 months and slowly things began to fall in place. The staff is wonderful. Thanks!

My greatest moment in life was when I decided to enter the gates of Hope. All changed. My family now trusts me and I have a good job. I am able to see the reality instead of living in an imaginary world. Thank you, Hope

Namaste. I wish to thank you after my discharge in the middle of March, but also wished to have that ‘thanks’ mean something. So, I wished to wait to apply the principles which you and the others at Hope taught me each day and thereby lend more weight to my words.

After discharge, I learned of the immense amount of work that you had put in with not just me, but with my family. All of it to try to ensure a more stable transition and nurturing platform for my recovery. Thank you so very much for going unbelievably far beyond the call of duty for me and my family. I do know that I am one of the lucky ones to have been gifted this wonderful program. I especially value what troubles you undertook because I myself was so very selfish and even neglectful in my career. Naturally as a debased alcoholic, I consistently put my own ridiculously out of hand wishes and wants far before those of my family, friends and even clients. Even at Hope, I know and regret that in exchange for the kindness and concern offered by you and the staff, I only repeatedly presented a wall of dishonesty and ego. I do understand now that it was inevitable that I behaved this way and am humbled by your relentless efforts.

Things are actually quite wonderful in life. I am truly enjoying very loving and healthy relationships with my wife and others due to the foundation which you laid. There are numerous ‘hiccups’ almost hourly in every aspect of life. But the serenity and joy which I enjoy is unbelievable even to me. Most significantly, my wife and I, for the first time in almost 17 years of marriage, enjoy each other’s company and laugh and spend time together. My daughter of course, is ecstatic.

I truly miss Hope very much. I still follow a similar day and night schedule as that presented to me there. So, I tried to use every possible excuse to drop by during the first few weeks just to see the place where I was given back life.  I pray to God that every single person who has suffered as I did and who also is creating the same destruction as I did, will come across your path so that they too may be lifted up and offered redemption.

With respectful and grateful regards,