Fierce Encouragement
The harsh reality of Zehara’s upbringing came to light when she came to Maple House. She said that her “inner child was crying out for help.” She recalled that, at the age of 11, a classmate noticed bruises from the abuse she was receiving at home. A teacher got involved, and, before she knew it, Zehara and her siblings were taken away from their home. Throughout middle school and high school, she fought with other students and got into trouble frequently. By the age of sixteen, she was pregnant with her first child. She had another child when she turned 21 and moved into a home for single mothers. The second baby’s father asked her to move in with him in Barstow, and so she did. His mother, a drug addict, also lived with them. Even when Zehara and her boyfriend broke up, she still spent time with his mother. One day, Zehara said she was “bored and curious,” and this woman introduced her to meth. "She handed me my first pipe. From that moment, I was hooked."
She started smoking meth every day. Soon after, she got involved with a man who was nearly 50 years old. He was an addict and a dealer. Her addiction escalated, and she went from smoking to needles. She would leave her kids with his mom and spend all her time on the streets with him selling and using drugs.
After she gave birth to her third child, she was able to stay clean for a couple of months. One day, the newborn had a seizure, and they rushed him to the hospital. The doctors found meth in the child’s system, and he was taken into CPS custody. Zehara suspects that his grandmother must have smoked near the baby because she was staying sober at the time. Next, CPS took her other two children, and Zehara started using again.
When they took my kids, I went downhill. She confessed that she used drugs continuously during this time. Even when she had to pass a drug test to continue visitation with her children, she used someone else’s urine to get by. Eventually, she stopped going to get tested altogether. She said, “That’s when the once-a-week visitation turned into once-a-month because I kept messing up.”
When she got pregnant again, she said, “Time was ticking. They were going to adopt my kids out. I was still using drugs, but I’ll be damned if they’ll take my baby.” With that newfound determination, Zehara came to Maple House, but she feared that she had waited too long to get her kids back.
"I had it in my head that they were going to take my baby. So what’s the point of getting help. What am I doing this for?"
The more discouraged she got, the more her case managers would push her to stay focused on her goals. They reminded her that she needed to get sober for herself. She said, “I lost hope, but Maple House kept encouraging me. I learned so much about myself. My inner child was crying out for help, and my inner self got help. I got a lot of things answered about myself. Maple House really pushed me. I didn’t give up.”
After completing 118 days of treatment, Zehara moved into a transitional home for six months. Now, Zehara lives with two of her children in her own apartment in Redlands, and she has reconnected with her family who have been a strong support system for her in recovery. She will receive her high school diploma in two weeks from Redlands Adult School and hopes to one day work at Cedar House.
Zehara reflected on her experience: “I was young, dumb, naïve. I dated a drug dealer for 6 years. I didn’t pay attention to my kids. Maple House gave me a whole different view of life and taught me to keep moving forward.”
"If it wasn’t for Maple House, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t think I was worthy. Maple House changed my life."
Read our blog to learn about the six ways to help your loved one with alcohol rehabilitation. If you're looking for a rehabilitation center, call us today.
When someone is seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction, one of the most important questions to ask is: Is this treatment evidence-based? The answer can make a meaningful difference in recovery outcomes, safety, and long-term stability. At Cedar House Life Change Center, evidence-based treatment is the foundation of everything we do. Our programs are designed using approaches that are backed by research, clinical best practices, and decades of real-world experience serving individuals and families in the Inland Empire. What Does “Evidence-Based Treatment” Mean? Evidence-based treatment refers to therapies and clinical practices that have been scientifically studied and proven effective in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. These approaches are recommended by national health authorities and continuously evaluated to ensure they improve outcomes. Unlike untested or purely anecdotal methods, evidence-based care relies on: Clinical research Outcome data Professional standards of care Ongoing evaluation and improvement In addiction treatment, this matters because recovery is complex, personal, and deeply impacted by mental health, trauma, and social factors. Why Evidence-Based Treatment Matters in Recovery Addiction affects both the brain and behavior. Effective treatment must address more than substance use alone. Evidence-based treatment: Improves engagement and retention in care Reduces relapse risk Supports mental health and emotional regulation Helps individuals build practical coping skills Increases long-term recovery success For families and referral partners, evidence-based care also provides confidence that treatment decisions are grounded in proven methods—not trends or shortcuts. Evidence-Based Treatment at Cedar House Cedar House has served adults seeking recovery for decades, and our treatment model continues to evolve based on best practices and community need. Structured, Research-Supported Curricula Cedar House utilizes well-established, evidence-based curricula, including: The Matrix Model, a structured approach shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders Living in Balance, a nationally recognized curriculum that addresses substance use, mental health, relapse prevention, and life skills These frameworks provide consistency while allowing flexibility for individual needs. Integrated, Whole-Person Care Evidence-based treatment recognizes that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. At Cedar House, clients participate in therapeutic groups and services that address: Substance use patterns Co-occurring mental health conditions Trauma and stress Family relationships Emotional regulation and coping skills This integrated approach supports both short-term stabilization and long-term recovery. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) When clinically appropriate, Cedar House incorporates Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as part of an evidence-based recovery plan. MAT is widely recognized as an effective tool for reducing cravings, supporting stabilization, and improving treatment retention, especially when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies. Individualized Services While evidence-based models provide the framework, treatment at Cedar House is always individualized. Clinical teams work with each client to develop a plan that reflects their history, goals, strengths, and challenges. T his balance between structure and personalization is a hallmark of effective evidence-based care. Why Evidence-Based Care Matters for Families and Referral Partners Choosing a treatment program is a significant decision. Evidence-based treatment offers reassurance that: Care is aligned with clinical standards Services are ethically and professionally delivered Treatment approaches are supported by research and outcomes Recovery planning is intentional and goal-oriented For referral partners, evidence-based programs help ensure continuity of care and better outcomes for the individuals they serve. A Commitment to Quality and Accountability At Cedar House, evidence-based treatment is not a buzzword. It’s a commitment. Programs are continually reviewed, staff are trained in best practices, and services are delivered with compassion, accountability, and respect for each individual’s recovery journey. Getting Help That’s Grounded in What Works If you or a loved one is exploring treatment options, understanding whether a program uses evidence-based approaches is an important first step. At Cedar House, treatment is grounded in what works because recovery deserves care that is informed, intentional, and proven. To learn more about Cedar House programs or to access services using private health insurance, explore the website or call 909-421-7120 today.
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.
Share On: