Real Stories of Recovery
and Transformation

83% identified as “Recovered” once attending a CTBR retreat  (from 2023-2024 comprehensive survey)

I am affected in such a way that I want to share the message to anyone I can, especially in this way because it meets people right where they are at just as God does. It's a way into addicts’ minds in words they can understand…I am thankful for the founders and all who continue to keep their legacy going!

Retreat Attendee

“If you’ve ever wondered whether change is possible — I can tell you, I’ve seen it. I’ve watched men walk in on Friday broken and walk out on Sunday free.”

—Capt. Taneya Garrett, The Salvation Army (2025)

"It's really just a miracle the way this program works,"

—Tom Williams, CEO of Came To Believe Recovery

We’re all in recovery from something. We’re all rising from the ashes of something, and we all have the ability to help each other do it — if we come together.

—Scott Strode, founder of The Phoenix

The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.

—Johann Hari

“We absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world’s troubles on our shoulders.”

Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (p. 132)

It was a life changing experience. My recovery will never be the same. I feel so blessed to have been introduced to the initial process of a 93% recovery rate. Not only is that impressive but that strongly supports that it can be done.

CTBR Retreat Attendee

My husband and I attended the retreat in solidarity with my grandson who is struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. We learned how to help him and also life lessons for ourselves.

CTBR Retreat Attendee

I have been struggling with my Fourth Step for three months now. I thought I would be recovering for the rest of my life but now I feel like I have recovered. I have been filled with overwhelming gratitude and feel like I can share and carry the message with other addicts.

Retreat Attendee (from comprehensive survey)

I  knew I would be completing the steps, but didn’t think the feeling of freedom from the baggage I was holding onto would be this massive. I learned a lot from this retreat and definitely have the tools I need for continued success so long as I work for it and live daily in Steps 10-12.

Retreat Attendee

It was a life changing experience. My recovery will never be the same. I feel so blessed to have been introduced to the initial process of a 93% recovery rate. Not only is that impressive but that strongly supports that it can be done.

—CTBR Retreat Attendee

My husband and I attended the retreat in solidarity with my grandson who is struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. We learned how to help him and also life lessons for ourselves.

—CTBR Retreat Attendee

I have been struggling with my Fourth Step for three months now. I thought I would be recovering for the rest of my life but now I feel like I have recovered. I have been filled with overwhelming gratitude and feel like I can share and carry the message with other addicts.

—Retreat Attendee (from comprehensive survey)

I knew I would be completing the steps, but didn’t think the feeling of freedom from the baggage I was holding onto would be this massive. I learned a lot from this retreat and definitely have the tools I need for continued success so long as I work for it and live daily in Steps 10-12.

—Retreat Attendee

I am affected in such a way that I want to share the message to anyone I can, especially in this way because it meets people right where they are at just as God does. It's a way into addicts’ minds in words they can understand…I am thankful for the founders and all who continue to keep their legacy going!

—Retreat Attendee

What has been America's most nurturing contribution to the culture of this planet so far? Many would say jazz. I... will say this instead: Alcoholics Anonymous

-Kurt Vonnegut