Turning Point House: Restorative Rehabilitation

In a peaceful, rural setting in Eden, NY, Turning Point House (TPH) offers Cazenovia Recovery Systems’ most intensive rehabilitation program.

Men age 18 and older who have substance-related disorders and who previously have not been successful in achieving long-term recovery enter TPH’s residential treatment program for approximately six months.

What awaits is a phased program that is structured to allow them to move through the treatment experience at their own individualized pace, supported by a 24-7 professional staff that is dedicated to helping them achieve recovery.

TPH residents explore the sources of personal issues and focus on areas such as anger management, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), coping skills, and interpersonal relationships. They learn methods for dealing with their life experiences without relying on substance use. Self-help organizations including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous hold meetings there.

Some of the TPH Staff

Raymond Woodin, TPH counselor associate, points out that when it opened in 1990, TPH was the first long-term care rehabilitation facility in New York State. Nearly 25 years later, TPH still receives referrals from across the state because there are few similar programs.

Michelle Harvey, TPH case manager, believes that the rural setting is a huge asset. “Residents often use the trails in the woods as a way to exercise and to focus on upcoming activities throughout the day,” she said.

Within the first two weeks of his arrival, resident Michael reported that the TPH program “opened me up to problems that I hadn’t confronted in the past.” He explained, “I was isolated and now I feel like talking.” Top “likes” about TPH for Michael are the wooded location and “the downtime that teaches you how to heal yourself.”

Nick has been a resident for three months. Before he came to TPH, he said, “I was a ‘chronic relapser’ who would go through 28-day programs with little long-term success.”  TPH, he said, is helping him get connected to the opportunity to complete his bachelor’s degree. His top “likes” are: ”the people, the scenery, and sober supports.”

A distinctive part of the TPH program is encouraging community involvement. Residents have volunteered to help numerous worthy causes, most recently the Multiple Sclerosis Walk fundraiser in Buffalo and the Eden Methodist Church’s rummage sale.

Michael and Nick plan to stay with Cazenovia Recovery after completing the TPH program. Both are considering Supportive Living. Michael also is thinking about a Cazenovia Recovery Community Residence or more independent Supportive Housing apartment.