Historically-Based Alcoholism Treatment Center Opening in Vermont!
Author: Jeffrey J Foley

Before we can explain the motivating force behind the Vagabond Lodge, it should be known that the entire staff, from Directors to part-time support staff, have had years of experience struggling with addictions and attempts at recovery. We went in and out of multi-disciplined, medically-based treatment centers, where we were offered education on the disease concept. We met with licensed professionals, who held "expert" credentials and knowledge on addictions. We were constantly exposed to a watered-down version of 12-Step recovery. The outcome for us, as well as countless others, was chronoc relapse, misery, and return to treatment facilities which, at best, were producing a dismal success rate..... Finally, we were introduced to the power and success of the "early, basic 12-Step Program of Recovery that shook the world"...Carefully documented records from the late 1930's and early 1940's showed success rates ranging from 75-93%! When we learned and worked this c! arefully laid out program, we were finally successful, and able to live our lives as sober, respectable members of society....

With great gratitude to God and the early teachings of A.A., we created the Vagabond Lodge. Turning to such sources as the original manuscripts, Ann Smith's Diary, and archive records from around the country, uncovered during a ten-year research project, we have dedicated ourselves and this facility to helping alcoholics and addicts learn the principles of recovery, as they were originally taught by Dr. Bob, Bill W., Clarence S., and the Fellowship of AA during its first 10 years of existance.

The Vagabond Program is designed to help recovering people:

1. Join with, and become active members of the various 12-step fellowships.....

2. Move rapidly and confidently into 12-Step Recovery.

3. Begin to gain a working knowledge of the spiritual principles utilized during AA's early years....

4. Learn the history of 12-Step Recovery, which, from 1935-1943, produced such a remarkable success rate....

We hope you can join us on our journey....Keep an open heart and mind...you may hear things here that you have never been exposed to before. If you truly want to recover from the disease of addiction, and our willing to go to any lengths to get there, we can help.








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Jeffrey J. Foley Licensed Physician Assistant,M.S., MBA Director, has served as an Adult and Adolescent Therapist, Program Director, and Hospital Administrator.

Our facility is located on Rt. 30 in East Jamaica, Vermont. Originally built as a ski-lodge serving nearby ski resorts, it is located across the street from the West River, near the Townsend Dam Recreation Area. Current capacity is 20 guests, comprised of folks new to sobriety, and others who, with long-term sobriety, come for rest, renewal, and a chance to study the history of the 12-Step Program. We are not an insurance-driven medical facility. Guests requiring medical care have already completed detox at a medical facility. Daily rates are kept as close to cost as possible; As of September 1st, 2001, that rate is set at 0.00/day and includes accomodations, all meals (we're famous for fabulous food), all program components and services.

Guests new to sobriety from alcohol or other substances, but not coming from a hospital or detox center must abstain from using substances for a minimum of 72 hours, and must undergo a physical examination at our local hospital to certify that they are medically stable.

For more information, call (603) 525-3780 or (603) 525-3001

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