Becoming Reliable in Recovery
“Cedar House has a special place in my heart,” Mike fondly recalled his experience in the Cedar House residential program more than ten years ago when he learned to be reliable in recovery. He said, “They gave me the ability to show up, be responsible and be consistent.”
Although he had a stable upbringing, Mike remembered summers spent at his uncle’s house witnessing the drinking, smoking and gambling lifestyle that seemed so appealing to him at the time. When his dad decided to quit drinking, Mike took up the habit around the age of twelve. Gift baskets with alcohol that his father had received over time had collected in the cabinet, and Mike took the opportunity to start bringing the bottles with him when he left for school in the morning. He would buy a coke to mix with whiskey or sprite to mix with vodka, and managed to get away with this behavior for some time. Next, he began smoking weed with friends. He said, “If you had it and you were offering it, I was trying it. I started buying more often and in greater quantities.”
When he tried crack cocaine, he was hooked. He said, “Once that got thrown into the mix, that’s when the story really shifted.” He was able to keep a job for a few years despite his addiction. He became a father and decided that he needed to “tone it down, taper it down, get it under control and be a father.” But it wasn’t that simple. He said, “I just didn’t know what I was up against.” Finally, he got to a point that he stopped showing up for work and lost his job.
Thankfully, Mike had started looking for a solution. He went to a few meetings and even tried entering a treatment center for thirty days. But once he completed treatment, he didn’t make much of an effort to maintain his recovery. Instead, he ended up “back at the dope house five months later.”
In May 2013, he entered treatment at Cedar House. He said, “My life was at zero. I was broken, lost, confused.” During his ninety days at Cedar House, Mike was re-introduced to the 12 Steps and met a group of people that became lifelong friends. They attended church together and found a solid connection during their treatment process that propelled them to change their lives.
He attended panels and listened to speakers who stressed the importance of building a support network. The people he met kept him accountable to attend meetings and work on his personal recovery. He said, “I was able to see the results of people not taking it seriously and how they would fade off. I know a couple of people who are no longer with us because of addiction.”
One experience that truly resonated with Mike was when he snuck a phone into the facility, knowing that this was against Cedar House rules. He let his roommate use the phone one night and immediately regretted it when the roommate began packing his bags as he hung up the phone. The family member he called had convinced him to leave on that phone call, which meant Mike’s rule breaking contributed to his roommate walking away from the treatment he needed. He said, “I understood clearly then that my problem wasn’t only drinking and drugs. My problem was behavior and not accepting simple directions.” His case manager had him write an essay about the experience, and Mike began to learn a crucial life lesson in following directions.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas that year, Mike relapsed on meth, which had never before been his drug of choice. He realized that while he had been blaming cocaine, the city, and everything else in his life, the reality was that he needed to change himself. A friend from Cedar House told him that they couldn’t hang out anymore if he didn’t sober up. He said, “My whole circle of friends from Cedar House was sober, and they were being productive.” At Christmas, when he visited his children with no gifts to offer them, he made a decision to commit to his recovery. On New Years Day, he went to a meeting at noon and hasn’t stopped going to meetings since then.
“At Cedar House, a lot of seeds were planted for me,” Mike said. Participating in groups and the experiences he had during treatment all contributed to his ten years of recovery, but he attributes his success to the group of people he met there.
Now, Mike is a supervisor for a distribution company in the City of Industry. In a recent review, his boss told him that he’s “the most reliable person” he knew. Mike said, “That’s because of the principles Cedar House introduced me to.”
Mike also shows up reliably for the people who count on him. He reunited with his sons and built a solid relationship with them and their mother. He also has a good relationship with his parents and sisters. He said, “They were skeptical at first because they didn’t know the extent of what was going on with me. But now we’ve found peace.”
Through his involvement with Cocaine Anonymous, Mike has been part of convention committees, served as a sponsor, participated in groups, and even ran a regular panel at Cedar House on Friday nights. Reflecting on his experience in treatment, he said, “The panels that came in and shared their experience, strength and hope gave me glimpses of hope and something to strive for. Then I build networks off of that. To be on the opposite end of that panel – that’s a privilege.”
The holiday season can be joyful but also challenging. For many people, the holidays are a time of togetherness and celebration. But for those in recovery from substance use, this season can bring a mix of emotions -- joy and gratitude, but also stress, temptation, and pressure. Family gatherings, social events, and memories of past holidays can test even the strongest commitment to sobriety. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we understand these challenges. Our mission is to help individuals and families build lasting recovery through treatment, education, and ongoing support. Here are a few practical ways to protect your sobriety and stay connected to hope this holiday season. 1. Plan Ahead for Triggers Before attending a party or event, think about what might challenge your recovery. Bring your own non-alcoholic drink, drive yourself so you can leave early if needed, and connect with your sponsor or peer network before you go. Preparation gives you confidence and control. 2. Stay Connected to Your Support System The holidays can feel isolating, especially if you’re making lifestyle changes. Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or recovery peers who understand your journey. Schedule a check-in or attend a support group before and after big events. Staying connected helps you stay grounded. 3. Prioritize Self-Care Take care of yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Maintain regular sleep, eat balanced meals, get outside, and make time for reflection or prayer. A calm and nourished mind is your strongest ally in maintaining sobriety. 4. Set Boundaries and Say “No” Without Guilt You don’t have to attend every event or explain your choices. Declining an invitation or leaving early doesn’t make you antisocial. It makes you strong. Your recovery is your priority, and real friends and loved ones will respect that. 5. Keep Recovery at the Center of the Season Stay consistent with meetings, counseling, or alumni groups. Cedar House offers aftercare support, relapse prevention programs, and peer connections that help clients stay engaged long after treatment. Recovery doesn’t stop after discharge. It’s a lifelong process of growth and renewal. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone If you or someone you love is struggling this holiday season, Cedar House Life Change Center is here to help. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based treatment, medical support, and recovery programs designed to meet each person’s unique needs. Reach out today to learn how we can help you or your loved one find peace, purpose, and sobriety this holiday season and beyond.
November is Homelessness Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most urgent issues facing our communities. Every day, thousands of individuals and families across San Bernardino County struggle with the devastating cycle of homelessness, often intertwined with substance use and mental health challenges. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we believe that recovery and stability begin with compassion, connection, and comprehensive care. For more than five decades, Cedar House has provided a safe haven for those seeking to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Many of the people we serve come to us after experiencing homelessness or unstable housing—circumstances that make recovery even more challenging. Through our evidence-based treatment programs, sober housing resources, and continuum of care, we help individuals find the structure, support, and self-worth needed to thrive. Our services address more than substance use. We provide mental health counseling, case management, and referrals to permanent housing, recognizing that recovery is not complete until every person has a safe place to call home. For many, Cedar House becomes the bridge from crisis to stability—where individuals rediscover hope, rebuild family connections, and prepare for lasting independence. This month, we invite our community to join us in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting efforts to end homelessness. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, every act of compassion brings us closer to a future where recovery and housing are accessible to all. At Cedar House, we know that healing happens one person—and one home—at a time.
Each October, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that recovery and healing are possible for everyone. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we understand that mental health and substance use are deeply connected. Many people who struggle with addiction are also coping with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma—and each affects the other. Treating both together is essential to lasting recovery. For more than 52 years, Cedar House has been helping individuals and families throughout the Inland Empire rebuild their lives through compassionate, evidence-based treatment. Our staff empowers people to overcome addiction and mental health challenges with respect, dignity, and hope. Tips for People Seeking Support If you or someone you love is struggling, here are a few ways to start your journey toward recovery: 1. Reach out for help early. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Early intervention can prevent harm and improve long-term success. 2. Get a professional assessment. At Cedar House, licensed clinicians assess each individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health to create a personalized plan. 3. Find community support. Recovery grows in connection. Peer support, counseling, and family engagement help build resilience and accountability. 4. Create stability. Safe housing, structured routines, and supportive care environments help lay the foundation for recovery. 5. Commit to ongoing care. Recovery doesn’t end after treatment—it continues through outpatient services, counseling, and ongoing connection to support systems. How Cedar House Life Change Center Can Help Cedar House offers a continuum of care designed to meet people wherever they are in their recovery journey: Withdrawal Management and Residential Treatment — Structured programs for men and women addressing both substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Maple House Perinatal Program — Family-centered services for mothers and children to recover and thrive together. Outpatient and Aftercare Programs — Continuing care, therapy, and relapse-prevention strategies for lasting stability. Family Support — Counseling and education to strengthen families and rebuild relationships. Our integrated treatment model ensures that every client receives comprehensive, coordinated care. You Are Not Alone This Mental Health Awareness Month, Cedar House encourages everyone to talk openly about mental health and seek support when needed. Recovery is not a solitary journey—it’s a shared path toward healing, strength, and renewal. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or co-occurring mental health issues, contact Cedar House Life Change Center today. Together, we can help you find hope, healing, and a fresh start.
Share On: