Alumni Feedback - Eric H. San Diego, CA
"My experience at Hillside was wonderful and I thank them for helping me get back on my feet. The staff were all very nice, approachable, knowledgable and dedicated. I especially liked the various groups we had with different therapists, counselors and fellow alcoholic/addicts. I enjoyed learning and practicing mindfulness, meditation, stress-reduction, and the AA-related groups. I received quite a bit of coaching and advice relating to personal matters that were going on while I was at Hillside and it was invaluable. The staff really did their best to help me through each scenario from employment issues to an apartment issue that I had going. I am most thankful." Eric H.
1. What brought you to Hillside Laguna?
Friend
Friend
Other (Please, specify)
2. What factors mattered most to you when looking for a treatment facility? (Select all that apply.)
Treatment Program Quality, Price, Privacy, Location, Accommodations Quality, Life Coaching Skills Program, Food Quality, Insurance, Cell Phone Use Policy
2. What factors mattered most to you when looking for a treatment facility? (Select all that apply.)
Treatment Program Quality, Price, Privacy, Location, Accommodations Quality, Life Coaching Skills Program, Food Quality, Insurance, Cell Phone Use Policy
Please specify other factors that matter most to you when looking for a treatment facility?
None
None
3. How long were you at Hillside Laguna? 30, 60 or 90 days? How did length of program work for you ?
30 days
30 days
4. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate your overall experience?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
Describe your experience with Hillside Laguna Life Coaching Skills Program. Integrating back into life after treatment. School, work, Etc.
My experience at Hillside was wonderful and I thank them for helping me get back on my feet. The staff were all very nice, approachable, knowledgable and dedicated. I especially liked the various groups we had with different therapists, counselors and fellow alcoholic/addicts. I enjoyed learning and practicing mindfulness, meditation, stress-reduction, and the AA-related groups. I received quite a bit of coaching and advice relating to personal matters that were going on while I was at Hillside and it was invaluable. The staff really did their best to help me through each scenario from employment issues to an apartment issue that I had going. I am most thankful.
My experience at Hillside was wonderful and I thank them for helping me get back on my feet. The staff were all very nice, approachable, knowledgable and dedicated. I especially liked the various groups we had with different therapists, counselors and fellow alcoholic/addicts. I enjoyed learning and practicing mindfulness, meditation, stress-reduction, and the AA-related groups. I received quite a bit of coaching and advice relating to personal matters that were going on while I was at Hillside and it was invaluable. The staff really did their best to help me through each scenario from employment issues to an apartment issue that I had going. I am most thankful.
5. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the accommodations at Hillside Laguna?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
6. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the food & Meals at Hillside Laguna?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
Describe your experience with food & meals?
The food was absolutely delicious and I was never hungry nor do I remember having any food that I didn't like. Debbie the Chef did an amazing job cooking with different styles of cuisine and also leading us through 12-step groups where she could relate with us. We also got to eat good food from various restaurants on occasion which was nice.
The food was absolutely delicious and I was never hungry nor do I remember having any food that I didn't like. Debbie the Chef did an amazing job cooking with different styles of cuisine and also leading us through 12-step groups where she could relate with us. We also got to eat good food from various restaurants on occasion which was nice.
7. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate staff response and time to any of your requests and any grievances you may have had at Hillside Laguna?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
8. How did staff handle rule infractions? Any examples?
From what I remember there were a few rule infractions where other clients were misbehaving and they had privileges taken away, and were given warnings (and dealt with in private). Most of the time I was there I can't recall any negative things happening.
From what I remember there were a few rule infractions where other clients were misbehaving and they had privileges taken away, and were given warnings (and dealt with in private). Most of the time I was there I can't recall any negative things happening.
9. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the skills of Resident Advisors / Staff ?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
10. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the clinical staff ?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
11. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the medical treatment service by the admitting physicians at Hillside Laguna ?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
12. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the level of group psychotherapy you received ?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
13. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the level of individual psychotherapy you received ?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
14. How helpful were admitting physicians?
I really liked Dr. Dan Headrick! Aside from helping me feel safe as I detoxed, we had some great conversations that were very encouraging as he shared with me his stories of getting sober and getting 30+ years! It's inspiring for someone at the beginning of their journey to see what can happen if you stay sober.
I really liked Dr. Dan Headrick! Aside from helping me feel safe as I detoxed, we had some great conversations that were very encouraging as he shared with me his stories of getting sober and getting 30+ years! It's inspiring for someone at the beginning of their journey to see what can happen if you stay sober.
15. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the family program at Hillside Laguna?
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
16. Please, describe your relationship with your significant other or family before and after treatment at Hillside Laguna ?
When I entered Hillside my parents were very scared and concerned with my situation and I wasn't sure how things would play out. I had both parents come up for sessions with my therapist Eliot which were very positive and helped a lot. Afterwards my relationship with my parents improved and they both have confidence in me which is great.
When I entered Hillside my parents were very scared and concerned with my situation and I wasn't sure how things would play out. I had both parents come up for sessions with my therapist Eliot which were very positive and helped a lot. Afterwards my relationship with my parents improved and they both have confidence in me which is great.
17. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the non-medical treatment? (12-step meetings, group sessions, other therapeutic exercises, etc.)
(5). (Excellent)
(5). (Excellent)
18. Was the program primarily 12-step-based, or were alternatives offered?
12 step mostly because no one asked for anything else
12 step mostly because no one asked for anything else
19. How strict was treatment? Was it a “tough-love” approach, or was it more permissive?
It was somewhere in the middle between strict with a schedule and also comfortable enough to not be stressed out.
It was somewhere in the middle between strict with a schedule and also comfortable enough to not be stressed out.
20. What kind of activities and amenities were available? (Gym, yoga, massages,, off-site outings, etc.)
All sorts of activities from the gym, massage, outings into Laguna, beach, movies, waffle breakfast and others. It was great.
All sorts of activities from the gym, massage, outings into Laguna, beach, movies, waffle breakfast and others. It was great.
21. How often were you allowed to use the phone or Internet, watch TV, or do work?
I had to work so I was allowed to use my laptop for working, we watched tv at night only
I had to work so I was allowed to use my laptop for working, we watched tv at night only
22. What was the most memorable aspect of treatment?
The people I met and the relationships I built by far. The view was amazing too!
The people I met and the relationships I built by far. The view was amazing too!
23. Was spirituality emphasized? If so, how did that make you feel?
Only a few groups and I have an open mind so I didn't mind it.
Only a few groups and I have an open mind so I didn't mind it.
24. Since leaving Hillside Laguna, have you been able to maintain sobriety?
Yes! I have 7+ months now and life is going very well! I am so grateful to Hillside, the staff, and Omar!
Yes! I have 7+ months now and life is going very well! I am so grateful to Hillside, the staff, and Omar!
25. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?
Overall I commend Omar and his staff and thank them for helping me through a difficult situation in my life. Getting sober has been the most challenging thing I've dealt with but after my experience at Hillside I am confident I can maintain my new lifestyle indefinitely. Everyone at Hillside was exceptionally caring and friendly and the location and premises are amazing. I would definitely recommend Hillside to anyone I know that is struggling and needs a chance to get the help like I got. Sometimes it's easy to forget that the person who is sick in addiction is a human too, they may have a higher purpose in life other than being an addict and they just need a chance to get it. Amazing things can happen. I'm thankful for Hillside Laguna.
Overall I commend Omar and his staff and thank them for helping me through a difficult situation in my life. Getting sober has been the most challenging thing I've dealt with but after my experience at Hillside I am confident I can maintain my new lifestyle indefinitely. Everyone at Hillside was exceptionally caring and friendly and the location and premises are amazing. I would definitely recommend Hillside to anyone I know that is struggling and needs a chance to get the help like I got. Sometimes it's easy to forget that the person who is sick in addiction is a human too, they may have a higher purpose in life other than being an addict and they just need a chance to get it. Amazing things can happen. I'm thankful for Hillside Laguna.