Healthy Eating

The Sydney Retreat’s program has really helped me to live happy, joyous and free. My struggles with addiction affected all areas of my life, which made me so desperate for change. I learnt about the 12 steps and the tools I can use in difficult situations to manage my life. I longer feel suicidal and worthless; and have made service to others a larger part of my life. I am so grateful to have spent time in the retreat and I am enjoying a new found peace and contentment.

As an alumni of the Sydney Retreat, It is my pleasure to offer my testimonial. My 28 days at The Sydney Retreat were a wonderful opportunity to address my alcoholism and discover the tools and way of life that will assist me in my recovery.
The Staff were very nurturing and wise. The Volunteers were generous with their time. Rachel’s cooking was superb, healthy, nourishing and varied. The program was a full immersion into AA and it is the way I intend to continue.
Thank you, Sydney Retreat, from the bottom of my heart.

The Sydney Retreat changed my life.
I had been dealing with severe alcohol addiction for most of my 20s. It took away my life – my mental and physical health. It took away my desire to live.
The Sydney Retreat has saved my life and I could not be more grateful. I had tried everything before coming to the Retreat, and nothing seemed to take away the indescribable desire to drink.
For anyone suffering with alcoholism, I believe the Retreat will give you the best chance at getting hold of this disease.
My family and I will forever be grateful of the work done at the Retreat – the staff and the program. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Drinking has been a part of my like for over 30 years. I did think it was something I could overcome until I heard about the Sydney Retreat.
I have been to many detox facilities. I have tried another rehab facility. ALL DID NOT WORK.
Walking into the doors of an unknown place was scary and confronting but with the care and love and support I felt from not only the councilors but the people I went through the journey with has changed my life.
During my stay I connected with people I still have a connection with today which is over 6 months on from my stay at the Sydney Retreat.
Sydney Retreat saved my life and I hope this gives you the courage to take this leap in your life as well.

I attended the Sydney Retreat in March 2022, at the insistence of my brother and financial help from other family members. I had spent most of 2021 in and out of hospital, was admitted again February 2022 to intensive care (I was unaware at the time) then went from hospital to the Retreat.
The moment I arrived I knew I was in the right place, the staff, the guests and the building all felt welcoming.
I learnt a lot, I knew of AA but the intensity to which it is delivered at the Retreat made me aware very quickly that A: I was not alone or some special variety B: there was a solution.
I had plenty of people inform me that I was alcoholic but no one had ever given me a definition of what one was, an absolute breakthrough for me, I’m not lazy, it is an illness and the best know cure is abstinence. The spiritual side of things is straight forward (for me) as we are all spiritual beings, my heart goes out to those who have been brow beaten by religion.
I realized I had a choice, alcohol or a life, I want to contribute to society, I want to be trusted by my friends, I want to smile and look to the future with hope and dreams so I choose life.
Thank you to the directors and staff of The Sydney Retreat for all of those you have helped and will help in the future, God Bless.

After years of struggling with addiction & getting clean, my family found the Sydney Retreat. From the moment I arrived there, I knew I was right where I needed to be. The staff welcomed me and always treated me with dignity and respect. I felt very safe and soon realized that there could be a better way to live! I remember trying to justify my actions when I was using and realized what I was doing was not working for me…. I needed help!
The time I spent at the Sydney Retreat with all the amazing staff (including the best chef) and all the other wonderful people also going through a similar struggle to me, changed who I was. I could not be the sober person I am today without all of them. I can honestly say they saved my life. There really are no words to describe what they have done for me and for so many others that suffer daily. I now have 10 months of sobriety! If you or someone you know and love struggles with addiction, and has the willingness to change, I recommend the Sydney Retreat.
Thank you for loving me until I could love myself & helping me get my life back.
YOUR ALL BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

My foster son has just completed your program and we both can’t thank you enough for the love, support and care he was shown during his time at the Retreat. He has battled serious mental health issues for all of his young life due to severe childhood trauma and whilst getting sober was a priority a bonus was the peace he found within himself during his stay with you. So I thank you. His new support and ‘family’ have benefited him more than 8 years of therapy. I couldn’t be more grateful You are superstars.

That was more than I was expecting. Your words of support and encouragement mean so much to me that I can’t even put them into words. Your program has transformed my thinking and my life. I will forever be grateful.
You and all your stuff are truly the definitions of AMAZING!!! Your method of education mixed with experience and knowledge is something I’ve never seen before. I’ve been to 2x rehabs before I made the decision to try The Sydney retreat and I can tell you without a doubt that I finally understand how to live my life as a happy productive citizen.
Thank you so much to every single staff member and to all the countless volunteers that you arrange to come in and talk and attended the meetings for my/our benefit.
May God bless everyone who walks in and out of the gates at The Sydney Retreat.
Forever Thankful

“As a wife and working mother of a 3 year old, I thought my life was too busy and complicated to go into a 30 day residential treatment program – that on top of the fact that I wasn’t entirely convinced I needed to.”
I mean, sure I was drinking too much and my life was starting to become unmanageable, but rehab? I mean, that’s a bit extreme! Sure I haven’t been successful in controlling how much I drink, and yes, maintaining sobriety has been a struggle, but if I just worked harder…
And what could I possibly achieve in 30 days in there that I couldn’t just figure out on my own anyway… I’ve never been more happy to be proven wrong!
Since leaving The Sydney Retreat in August 2022, for the first time in my life I am looking to the future with optimism. Not only do I now truly understand the disease of alcoholism, but I have an effective program to support my sobriety.
The Sydney Retreat is much more than your average drugs and alcohol treatment centre. All staff and volunteers are part of the recovery community, and are there to support and guide you through the 12 step recovery program. There is truly no one better to support your recovery journey then those who have successfully walked the path before you.
I’m finding my inner peace, rebuilding my relationships, and making genuine connections with others. I can pause when agitated, let go of what I can’t control, and change my negative inner-dialogue. Despite my staunch atheism, I’ve discovered my own spirituality. I spent the better part of 20 years trying to achieve these things, and at some point I gave up and surrendered to a life of just “existing”.
I’ve since been offered the tools to live a happy and peaceful life and, for that, my family and I are indebted to The Sydney Retreat. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

The Sydney Retreat is more than just a wonderful treatment centre, but a LIFE CHANGING centre. The 12 step program literally has saved my life when I had nothing left.
All of the staff truly care about your sobriety and wellbeing. Not to mention the COOK “who will remain anonymous” dishes out the best home cooked meals I have had in a very long time. Accommodation is modern and well kept. They even have a pet possum that greets you every night to say goodnight. I am truly grateful to the Sydney Retreat and everyone there for showing me the way to sobriety.

The Sydney Retreat completely changed my recovery. For the first time I feel I really understand the disease of addiction and can see the path forward. The Retreat showed me that a sober life is possible and how to do it. It is a testament to the power of one alcoholic helping another. I have since recommended it to people struggling with their addiction as well to people living sober but seeking a deeper understanding of the AA program.

I was very grateful to spend 30 days at The Sydney Retreat (TSR) in April/May 2022.
I had reached a low point in my struggle with addiction and while I was aware of the 12 Step Program, I had failed miserably to implement it into my life. The result prior to going into TSR was that my personal relationships were in tatters, my business relationships were going from bad to worse as I tried to hide my struggle, and I hated the person I had become through the course of my addiction.
I still have a long way to go, but after spending my time in TSR, I now look forward to the future with some hope. One day at a time I am slowly rebuilding trust with my family and my professional life is looking better and better each day. The staff at TSR were understanding and non-judgmental of my situation and were willing to share their own real-life experiences with me as I navigated a very rocky start to my recovery journey. The holistic approach which included an excellent healthy eating program, exercise and a tunnel vision approach to the Step Work have given me a new understanding of how to live.
I’ll be forever grateful to the TSR, the staff and the people who were a part of my time there.

“Abstaining from alcohol was just one gift I received by attending The Sydney Retreat. The real blessing is that you’re given the tools to find yourself, to re-engage with your soul, your internal love and strength. 
I thought my defects were mine alone and that no one else understood me. How wrong I was, it turns out everyone in the retreat including the staff were just like me. I entered the retreat with one goal, to give up alcohol. I left the retreat a new person and with a new sense of belonging.”

I was lucky enough to be a beneficiary of the scholarship program without which I would have been unable to attend. 
The program is really well structured and the routine set me up with a positive blueprint for success in the outside world. The staff and volunteers are compassionate and caring and a constant source of support and understanding.
Coming here is the best thing I have done for myself in a very long time and I look forward to a long future not crippled by alcoholism. As my husband put it, “I finally have my wife back”.

Thank you for you call today following up on my daughter’s wellbeing after her recent stay at your facility.  I am very pleased to confirm that she is embracing her renewed wonder in her life and the possibilities she sees before her.
Initial help came to us from a family member who put us in touch with one of their colleagues who had been through a detox and rehabilitation program who then referred us to a local lady who my daughter could speak with who she may be able to relate to.  This lady knew of your new beginnings and suggested we might like to speak with you and how you may be able to help.  As mentioned above we remain grateful for your care and guidance at The Sydney Retreat and the assistance given to us in finding you.

I’m very grateful for the calls and for following up on my daughter’s wellbeing after her recent stay at The Sydney Retreat. I am very pleased to confirm that she is embracing her renewed wonder in her life and the possibilities that she sees before her.
With regard to myself, I feel overwhelmed by the level of care and guidance she receives from of group. Once again, thanks for all the attention and guidance.

Staying at The Sydney Retreat for the 30-day recovery program was truly a life-changing experience. Going into the retreat, I didn’t know what to expect. The facility itself is great and all the staff are extremely welcoming, compassionate and understanding. I’m grateful that The Sydney Retreat is focused heavily on 12-step recovery and isn’t just another detox. The retreat has provided me with a fresh outlook on life, knowledge of my illness, and above all, the tools to continue sobriety in my new-found life.
Forever thankful.

I wanted to stop drinking alcohol though no matter how hard I try, I couldn’t. Year after year I was effectively drinking against my will. During my stay at the retreat, a miracle happened. The obsession to drink alcohol was removed and I was supported to begin working the AA 12 step program. I’m happily sober now and with the support of other sober Alcoholics in AA I need never drink again.
If Alcohol is costing you more than money and you want to stop, I highly recommend The program and kind people at The Sydney Retreat can help.