I am now 7 years sober. Today I was thinking back on my recovery and how I got through it. I can definitely say that it was not because of WINR. While I was at WINR, I did not feel welcomed by the women there; even when I had been there for months. To me, everyone had their clique's thus making me feel even more alone. Living a life of structure is one of the most important things to getting away from your bad lifestyle, but being forced into structure doesn't teach you to choose to live a structured life. When I finally decided that WINR was not for me, I was treated with disgust and disrespect by the administration. I was shocked because a lot of them had once been like me and you would think that the last thing they would do is treat you and your belongings like garbage because you feel that WINR is not the right place for you.
Every person is different, addict or not, and for me counseling was 100%, without a doubt, the best thing I could have done to help me through that chapter of my life. Counseling and the desire to change helped get me out of drug use, out of that lifestyle and helped me to re-train my thought process and become a healthier me. At the time I went to WINR, they did not provide a certified or licensed counselor/psychologist. Talking to other girls in my same position and going to AA meetings is great, but you can find that anywhere and not pay money for it. There is always a deeper issue when it comes to addiction.
Having been through my journey of recovery, I couldn't send my child to a place that is going to force them in to a way of living or force them into routine. I understand that everyone is different and that this program has worked for some women, but it also doesn't work for others, like me.