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I, John W. Apodaca, founder of Serenity Homes of Napa Valley and Serenity Homes of Maui, realized that there was no or very little homes, for recovering alcoholics or addicts, that offered a safe and structured home environment for the healing to begin from the disease of alcoholism or addiction.
The greatest gift I've experienced in recovery is to be a beacon of light to a person who feels so powerless over their addiction, and to share the solution to their drinking or drug problem, to share the program of recovery which shows us how to put our disease in remission.
The philosophy that I believe, and have personally experienced, is that the first 90 days after detoxing can be very exciting and wonderful, if, we have begun the path of recovery. As we approach 90 to 180 days, the road becomes a little more difficult. During this period, it is so important to live with other recovery people, and to have support from people who have already experienced what their going through. The social dynamic is incredible!
At 6 months to 9 months, it is my belief, the most difficult time, as it is when;
the alcoholic or addict separates from the person. The individual feels frustration,
anger, pain, and again, it is imperative that the recovery person be surrounded with
support and love, during this time. That is why I have developed Serenity Homes.
Once the recovery person has reached 9 months, he or she can see their first year
of complete abstinence just around corner. Now, as they approach their first year,
they really start to experience mental clarity, and physical and emotional stability.
I call this their “First Year Foundation”. With the accomplishment of one year total
abstinence, while working the 12 Step Program, we are seeing more and more long-
It is not only my belief, but what I've been taught, that one recovery person working with another recovery person, really works. The social dynamic of recovery people living together, supporting each other really works. It changes people's lives and puts families back together. It simply saves lives!
Johnny A.
The Program: Philosophy