DL
Drew 2 Life
Aug 31, 2024
I came here as my court-order was ending and after getting kicked out of More-Life. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was kicked out because their staff stole 70% of my possessions and they didnt want to take responsibility for it and deal with the issue. Brand new expensive clothing with tags on them, gone! My new Jordan shoes and bathroom products, gone! This also being months after the government seized all of my belongings for charges that were dropped, and I NEVER received my stuff back! So as soon as my admission paperwork at Avatar was done and my suitcase was opened, I saw what was left & I snapped. The techs called the owners to notify them of my behavior and the owner Pinal was on his way to kick me out himself at 4am. By the time he arrived, I had time to calm down and explain the situation and my history surrounding rehab facilities especially in Florida, and it's NOT GOOD! He was understanding enough to give me a chance to stay. For the first 2 weeks, I was so angry along with detoxing, I barely left my room. The owner had a friend that worked with a non-profit organization that helped replace some of my stolen clothing. I was so grateful because up to that point, the only help I ever received was dependant on how much my insurance policy paid facilities and how long I was willing to stay. My whole attitude and perspective changed. I started attending groups and volunteered where help was needed. I repeated this everyday up until my insurance cut me off. By that time, I was already fully bought into starting a new life. Pinal scholarshiped me until a legitimate discharge plan was set up for me to continue my growth. I was set up in an up & coming sober living and was given a job that essentially paid my rent until I proved myself further and better opportunities arose.
I was already starting to change my life up to the More-Life incident. Avatar just helped reel me back in because I went back to my jail mentality, and how I was going to make the people responsible pay. I have Curtis & Ed, my therapists at the time to thank, but most of all, Pinal & his wife Manisha. Pinal gave me a 2nd chance and allowed me to volunteer my time to help staff so I kept busy and active. Manisha always pushed me to strive for more. Doing the regular expectation was great, but if I wanted better for myself, she pushed me to do more.
Well, better opportunities did arise and I took them and ran. I am coming up on 2 years off pain killers and bought a brand new car within the last year and its almost fully paid off. Now, I'm moving up in my current employment, I'm in the process of starting my own business, and have multiple side hustles, God forbid anything tragic happens to me, I'm good! I'm now looking to buy a condo or townhouse.
I'm successful now because of my experience at Avatar which was my last rehab! I wanted to share this story with potential clients because I've been court ordered to rehab for years awaiting trial. Well, insurance used to pay for 90 days where now, you are lucky to get 30 days. Point being, I've been to my fair share of facilities waiting for my case to close and the care you get from the staff at Avatar is bar-none, the Best in the business! Of course the accommodations, single rooms, and having the ability to use your phone are great, but the relationships I made with people that tremendously benefited my life even until this day, speaks volumes, especially with how much this industry has plummeted in the last decade. Thank you Pinal, Manisha, and everyone that positively made a difference in my life! Avatar is definitely 1 of a Kind! 5-Stars hands down without a doubt!
I hope my story in this review shows you how I really started from the bottom and had to WORK my way to the top and I'm still climbing! It wasn't given to me! My work ethic and perfectionalistic traits got me here. I wouldn't be here if I didn't put in "The Work". Nobody can do the work for you just like no one can change your life. They can offer an opportunity, but it's up to you what you do with it!