Addictions Graveyard| A peaceful place to battle addiction

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There’s barely a sound to be heard on the scenic stretch of land where Serenity Ranch, a treatment facility for drug and alcohol recovery east of Lacombe, is situated.

The co-ed 24-bed facility offers three and six-week programs based on a 12 step Alcoholic Anonymous model. There is also a program specifically designed for oil fields workers, whose schedules don’t always allow them blocks of time to attend a facility like Serenity Ranch.

“The main reason I started this was that my son was hit by an impaired driver in Lacombe and almost killed,” explains owner Jim Gray. “It motivated me to open this and help get impaired drivers off the road.”

He purchased the property near Tees and embarked on setting up a facility where the 12-steps could be utilized, educational sessions could be provided and plenty of moral support could be shared amongst those fighting a common battle against drug and alcohol addictions. That was four years ago, and to date 383 clients have gone through the programs at Serenity Ranch, which is privately run and receives no government funding.

“We run at a 60 to 70 per cent recovery rate where the government runs a three to 10 per cent recovery rate.”

Clients can undergo a six-week program that includes one-on-one counseling, group participation plus education on diet, physical fitness and an introduction to the 12 steps through classroom work.

‘WE GET YOU TO LOOK AT HOW YOUR LIFE WAS, WHAT HAPPENED, WHAT IT’S LIKE NOW AND HOW WE CAN MAKE IT LIKE IT WAS BEFORE YOU GOT INTO TROUBLE.’

- JIM GRAY

“Nowhere does it ever mention alcohol other than the first step. The reason for that is that you have to change your way of life. It’s got nothing to do with alcohol and drugs once you decide to change,” he explains. “What we are all about is the change. We get you to look at how your life was, what happened, why.”

There is also the three week Foundation Program for those who have already completed some form of treatment. There is also a program tailored specifically for oilfield workers, whose schedules don’t always permit them to attend treatment facilities for blocks of time. They can complete the program over a longer span of time, explains Gray. Ultimately, Serenity Ranch conveys a ‘family’ sensibility, which works to everyone’s benefit.

“Everyone here is a participant, whether they work here or they are here as a client,” says Gray. “You’ll see someone come in, their eyes are downcast. They’re coming out of that shadow world. And by the time they leave here, they’re a different person. You see absolute miracles here, with families getting back together, too.”

CHANGING LIVES - Jim Gray, owner of Serenity Ranch - a treatment centre for those battling drug and alcohol addiction, stands in the facility’s ‘addictions cemetery’. Clients leave a marker when they complete treatment. Mark Weber/Red Deer Express

Gray said at the heart of Serenity Ranch’s success is the practice of the 12 steps, which have been around since 1935. He’s also had also overcome his own battle with alcohol, so he understands what clients are facing in turning their lives around.

“Every time I’d get into trouble, I had been drinking,” he recalls. “That’s how my life went. My father also died an alcoholic

when I was seven years old. I swore I’d never do that to my family. By the time I was 39 I had lots of issues in my life, and they were all related to alcohol.”

Ultimately, his marriage ended as well. Today, he describes him self as a straight shooter who tells it like it is.

“It’s progressive and it’s fatal,” he says of alcoholism.

Tricia (not her real name) recently wrapped up treatment at Serenity Ranch after heavy drinking for about three and one half years.

For more information, visit www.serenityranch.ca or call 403-784-3993.

From reddeerexpress.com