Testimonials - Drug Rehab Treatment Center

In October of 2015 I made the most important phone call of my son’s life. I called Options Okanogan Treatment Center in Kelowna BC, and Doug Mackenzie answered the phone. I asked him if they helped young men with opiate addictions and he replied; “We sure do”. That phone call gave me my son back and opened the door to a healthy future for him. My son is 20 years old and is a recovering fentanyl addict and Option Okanogan Treatment Center saved his life.

This program was truly amazing. It was structured to fit the individual needs of my son. The days he spent at the center were structured. He received individual and group counselling and attending support groups as well. It was obvious that the program has been developed very professionally and with great knowledge of addictions. The staff who interacted with Mikey was very professional and helped him on his journey immensely. Mikey made great progress in understanding his addiction and why he used. He gained valuable tools to help him stay clean and healthy. Even though all these factors was why I picked Options for my son’s recovery program the support and empathy my son received during his stay in Kelowna was astonishing. The last three months of my son’s journey was a tough one with days where he wanted to quit, but the staff was so supportive and understanding that he found the strength to continue. They understood his struggle and stuck with him every step of the way. Doug Mackenzie is a man I will never forget and always be grateful what he did and continues to do for my son. This man goes above and beyond anything I expected. His compassion and care for his clients is overwhelming. Anytime my son needed him he was there for him. It did not matter what he was doing in his busy schedule, he made time for Mikey, even if it meant spending a night at the post office locating his lost ID so he could fly home for Christmas!! Now that is another story on its own!

I was scared my son was going to die. I was desperate to find him help and was lost until I spoke with Doug Mackenzie. After one phone call I finally felt hope, something I had not in many months. After visiting my son in treatment after one month I left my son knowing for a fact I would see him again. This was the first time I had that feeling in months. I was finally not scared to leave him. If anyone is looking for help for themselves or their loved ones, for any type of addictions please make the call I did to Options Okanogan Treatment Center. It will be life changing.

Thank you to all the staff for what you have done for my son. A special thanks to Doug, Andy, Sam and Ken. I know how much you four did for my son. And I know how much he loves you guys and are thankful for the ongoing support he received and continues to receive.

Mikeys Journey (Mom)

Options Okanagan saved my life and gave my family a chance to be healthy and happy. The councillors were very effective in helping me uncover the root causes of my addiction. They taught me to be kind to myself but also gave me the tools I needed in order to work this program of recovery with honesty. The food was wonderful, and the facility is beautiful. We were given the opportunity to participate in nature focused outings as well as yoga rooted in recovery teachings. I highly recommend Option’s for anyone who is serious about tackling their addiction and healing their life.

Sydney F. Dawson Creek BC

Options Okanagan entirely changed my life. The whole staff is so loving and supportive. You can tell that they truly care about helping you start to recover from being in active addiction. Their programming is amazing, I learned so much.

I know I wouldn't be alive today if I didn't seek help and Options is a huge part of my story.

10/10 would recommend to anyone who is struggling.

Erika D., Kelowna, BC

Like any suffering alcoholic/addict, I arrived at Options very skeptical that anything could help relieve me of my addiction. I mostly went because of the guilt I felt for destroying my families life, but I didn't really go for myself in the beginning. What I came to find there was an experience that has changed my life completely. Through the counselling and program at Options, I came to learn that addiction is a disease, but unlike many other diseases there is a cure. We dug deep into the root issues of my problems, and with a lot of work I am a changed person for the better. Unlike many other treatment centers, the environment at options was truly a family environment. I did not go to treatment to make friends, however I came out with lasting friendships and experiences I will never forget. I could not remember the last time I sincerely laughed and felt joy before coming to treatment, (and I never thought I would say this), but my experience at Options has become one of my fondest memories in life to date. The counselors that work there do not look at you as just another client... they make all the time in the world for you and truly want to help in whatever way they can. 1 year and 3 months later I still have a strong relationship with everyone that works there and they play a massive role in my recovery today. These people comfort you when you are down, but they also tell you the cold, hard, truth about where you are wrong. This is essential for learning to live a life in recovery. I cannot thank everyone at Options enough for what they have done for me, my family, and everyone that was affected by my disease. Today I still deal with the ups and downs of life but I do not have to drink or use over any of them. I know that the support of Options is just a phone call or short car ride away.

Monica

Options completely changed my life, an absolute 180'. I was struggling with serious addiction issues, as well as mental health struggles. I decided to go to Options when i felt i had hit my rock bottom. They supported me, were kind to me, and respectful. The staff truly care about the clients at this facility and that was evident. The food is phenomenal, and the centre is clean always, including each individual room. The programming and the amazing counsellor’s at Options is what really did the trick for me. I now have 19 months sober, and I truly believe I would not have achieved this if it were not for my stay at Options Kelowna.

Isaac WC Kelowna, BC

I came to Options lost and with no direction in my life way. I had started using substances habitually in junior high school and I could never shake addiction till I entered treatment at the age of 25. I arrived at Options facing a long journey ahead, after getting through the ups and downs of detox that lasted the first 4 weeks of my stay I began to see a light. I found the programming and the people at Options very caring and supportive. I finally was able to keep it together for the first time in my life with the loving support I received. I kept at this ‘sobriety thing’ because I accepted that I truly deserved it and I haven’t looked back since. At the age of 27, coming up on 2 years sober and clean, I have found my true self. I live a life totally opposite of what I left in addiction. I am currently enrolled in college and plan to attend university for my bachelor degree. I always knew drugs and alcohol were my main problems they both had always kept me chained down in life. Options allowed me to break the chains of addiction and live a life I could have never dreamed of.

Alex

Our names are Reg and Peggy, and we are forever grateful for what Doug Mackenzie and his team have done for our son. We thank you immensely to the care that was given to our son while in treatment. We did not know if we could keep on believing that there was any hope for our son until we got a hold of Doug. It was that day when we knew that he was our son’s only chance for survival the third time around for rehab. As parents who want nothing more than to see their children healthy and grow as a person, the facility has given back our sons’ life. The approach in communicating with an opiate addiction and going beyond the twelve steps has gone over and beyond what any rehabilitation center would do. Our son has learned a lot and so have we. Our family is whole again and we cherish every waking minute we have back with our son. Thank you again, Doug and your amazing team.

Reg and Peggy, Manitoba CANADA

What can a person say about a treatment centre that they owe their life too, words aren't enough. I found Doug Mackenzie and options a few years ago, they took a very scared women and through excellent counselling and an honest concern for my recovery helped her believe there was a future without alcohol, I found friendships I still have today Doug being one.

I know Options is always walking by my side and if ever I've needed them they are right there for me to help me in this journey. Thanks Options for everything.

Sue, Grateful alcoholic

My world was crumbling. I was at my rock bottom when I found Options. I was terrified to leave my home and my family, but the thought of continuing my life the way it was going was even worse. I had no idea what to expect. From the very first phone call they helped me to feel like I was going to be in good hands. They guided me through all the steps I needed to take to get there and offered me support through the whole process. Once I got there, I was completely surrounded by love and support. The staff were available 24hrs a day for anything I needed, the house was incredibly clean and comfortable. The rooms were well furnished, with their own bathroom and TV and there were many places I could go if I needed privacy. The meals were all provided and very delicious, and the kitchen was well stocked with anything we wanted. The counselors gave amazing support throughout the day with both group sessions and one-on-one guidance. Even after leaving, they were readily available to help with the adjustment period of being home. There are no words to accurately describe how amazing this experience was, how valuable the tools I was given are and how blessed I am today to be clean and sober with their help. I encourage anyone who struggles with addiction to reach out to Options with a phone call and to ask for help. They didn't just give me my life back; they opened the door to a whole new one. I am eternally grateful.

Winonna M. Vanderhoof, BC

Options Okanagan completely changed my life for the better! I went there with no hope for a future and so broken and left happy, wanting a good sober life and finally starting to love myself again. The staff was amazing and helped me work on things I never thought I could get past. It’s a friendly, clean, and happy environment with the best people working there. My life is forever changed and I’m so grateful for Options.

Kianna M. Calgary, Alta.

I came to Options Sept 17, 2014 at the age of 55. Death wasn’t knocking on my door it was trying to open it. I had no will, no soul, and no life. The staff at Options were caring, patient, and had experienced what I was going through. They introduced me to the Twelve Steps of AA. I choose to call them tools. They taught me what each step was to be used for and how to the steps to get clean and sober. I learned how to live in my new clean and sober life and use the program every day to stay healthy. I now live just for today and accept life on life’s terms; I now love me for the person I have become. At options, I learned acceptance, honesty, love, faith, humility and spirituality. As long as I am in constant contact with my high power life is good.

I have a new life because of Options. They introduced me to my Higher power “Its not easy; because the road to sobriety and free of addiction is always under construction, and my higher power gets me through it”

G ood
O rderly
D irection


Lorne

Options Treatment Centre in Kelowna earns my highest praise and recommendation. My son, at 23 years old, had already attended a recovery centre off Vancouver Island. Unfortunately, he relapsed and returned to a life of addiction, desperation, and hopelessness. It was when a close friend of his personally recommended Options, that his life changed dramatically. He entered Options Treatment Centre in Kelowna in the fall of 2020. He was ready/open and received the caring, compassionate and personalized support he needed. He loved the intimate, home-like, family atmosphere in the centre, as well as the director and counsellors who all personally invested in each and every program participant. A big deal for my son: the food - he talked about delicious, healthy, and plentiful food… often!

It certainly wasn’t a straight line to recovery, but the staff were there, together with my son, to address each challenge. He completed his initial 6-week recovery. He maintained close ties with Options throughout the following many months, taking advantage of counselling and after-care.

Our family is beyond thrilled and excited to see our ‘boy’ thriving and flourishing in his life and his recovery. We are ever so grateful and appreciative for all that Options has provided: the continued care, support, motivation, and encouragement. We have our son/brother/grandson/nephew back and his future is looking very bright! Big, big thanks to Options, Susie, and her team!!

Shelly W., Kelowna, BC

We both found Doug Mackenzie and his staff at Options Okanagan to be professional, kind and well educated. They were able to assist both the affected family member and the spouse. From start to finish they were all valuable hands in our recovery. We so appreciated their great care! We would highly recommend their programs.

The Jacksons

Before going to treatment at Options I was consumed by hopelessness, and had given up on my life. Once entering detox I immediately felt a huge weight was being lifted off of me. I felt safe and knew I was in a good place. The staff were very supportive, compassionate, and understanding of my struggles and helped to give me hope again. Initially, I had planned on staying for a week to detox. Further to completing a week of detox I realized I needed to stay longer in order to build a foundation for my recovery. I then made the decision that would change my life, and I decided to stay for six weeks. The change came from within through participating in the programming, group counselling, meetings, yoga, exercise, healthy nutritious meals, and most importantly through working and applying the 12 steps in my life. Going to Options Treatment Center was the best decision I have made for my life and for my recovery. The counsellors were amazing and very supportive in helping me to recognize the patterns in my life which constantly would lead me to going back to my addiction. I am beyond grateful for having the experience I did at Options Okanagan and the positive impact it has had on my life, my loved ones, and my three year old daughter.

Andrea Demers

Not too long ago I was faced with the decision to sober up, sober up or lose my career, my family and my life. After decades of drinking and drugging I had withdrew so far from reality, denial had set in that this was my life now. It's who I am, it's in my genes, I will die with my addictions. I had placed myself into a situation where I could make the money to support my family, also support my many habits. Cause in my own insane mind I didn't have a problem, if I paid the bills and did the "family thing" every Sunday when I was home.

My drinking and drugging had progressed to the point, I was now using on the clock. Something I swore I would never do, yet I did anyways. So when I got caught, I didn't come as much of a surprise. What did shock me where the conditions, a 3 month suspension if I chose to get some help. Taking that vital first step agreeing to these conditions, admitting that I was done and could not do this on my own. Realizing it was time to stop running from this and face it head on. Lead me to a life changing option I had to take, if not now when?

I am so grateful I was giving the option, of Doug MacKenzie and his treatment centre. Over time learning to live a sober, as well as a happy and fulfilled life. Among many things I was taught the difference between functioning and managing my life. Dougs' hands on approach to my personal situation, placed me in a state of ease and comfort at a very apprehensive time. Before my recovery I believed I could not do this in Kelowna, to many bad influences and many toxic friends. Doug shared with me, and then stressed that if I'm going to make this work. I need to learn how to do it at home, where I lived and played. A year later I can say with confidence, I'm happy to see the sober side of Kelowna. The life I lead now is a better life, filled with loved ones and simple pleasures. Thank you Doug, for all that you do.

Monty

Hello! I just wanted to write a quick note and say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Going to Options has changed my life, cleared my head and heart and helped me lead a beautiful sober honest life today. The staff is kind, understanding, loving, patient and willing to do anything they can to help you. I had my ups and downs and I always had help and someone to talk to at all times. Everyone knows what I was going trough and they knew exactly what to do and say to help me get better. I spent one-month full time and extended to do the day program for another month. I highly recommend you take your time to do the work... if you need to extend do it! The program is simple and IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT! The place is very clean, the food is top of the line, and I love that you have your own room with a bathroom all to your self. I’ve made some great friends in the program that are always there for me until today. I can not express how thankful and blessed I got the chance to be part of this journey surrounded by amazing people and in a safe place. Thank you Options for all that you’ve done for me. With your help I can honestly say I love my self and my life today. Love you all 🙏💕

Rachad A., Montreal QC

When I finally went to treatment, my life was spiralling out of control. I was extremely close to losing everything... my home, my job, my friends and family, and even my life. I was completely broken and drowning in shame. I tried so hard to get clean on my own but just couldn't do it. I needed help.

In complete desperation, I went online and found Options Okanagan. From the very first phone call I made, I felt comfortable and was able to open up and be honest without feeling ashamed. Everyone at Options is in recovery and understands what it is like to be an addict. The minute I stepped in the door, I felt like I belonged and was part of their family. They respected me and looked at me like I was a good and normal person, not the failure and monster I saw when I looked in the mirror. They believed in me and loved me when I couldn't believe in or love myself.

The building was really comfortable and felt like a home. I had my own room with a TV and bathroom to myself. There was the option to go to the gym some mornings and a yoga instructor came in and did gentle yoga with us other mornings. There was also an exercise facility in the building. The food was absolutely incredible! The menu was full of variety and separate meals were made based on dietary restrictions and likes/dislikes.

Our days were scheduled which helped me get a routine and I was able to stay busy enough to avoid boredom and overthinking. The counselors were AMAZING, and they tailored my program specifically to me and what I needed to work on. They believe that addiction affects the whole family, not just the addict, and they talked to and helped my family too.

I live out of province, and I was scared to return home. They made sure that I was set up in my community before I went home and that I had everything I needed to be successful in my recovery. They also provide an aftercare program, and their doors are always open to alumni.

I have now been clean for a few years, and I am finally living the life I have been dreaming about for the last 10 years. I have so much gratitude because I feel that I have been given a second chance at life. I wouldn't have this life or a future without Options, who will forever be my family. If you are struggling with addiction, please set aside your fear and shame for just a minute and call Options. It could change your life. I can say from my experience that it is not just a job to the staff at Options, they truly want to help you.

Carmen S., Regina, Sask.

I came to Options Okanagan completely broken mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I had lost friends, family, myself, and was destined to lose much more. In my mind drugs and alcohol would always be a part of my life. During my five week stay I was shown a new freedom. I was shown that I wasn't a bad person; I had the disease of addiction. I was given the tools to cope with life on life's terms completely abstinent from drugs and alcohol. Today I see my past as a gift. I am grateful to be a recovering addict, because now I have a solution. I cannot thank the facility and staff of Options Okanagan enough for giving me a second chance and showing me a better way of life. Today I live a life I've always dreamt of.

Myles Magnusson, clean & serene since June 18th, 2014.