“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.”

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.

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 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”.

“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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.