Melissa R. is the mother of Rolf K. a resident in the third phase of Turning Point's extended care program. After two previous recovery attempts, Rolf entered Turning Point and has since taken great strides in maintaining a sober and stable life.

According to Melissa, Rolf's decline into addiction was "fast and furious," rapidly altering his behavior and lifestyle. After high school, Rolf moved to California to attend college in Santa Barbara. Rolf was there for a year and a half before showing signs of discontent. He opted to transfer to a community college in Cape Cod close to where Melissa and her family were living at the time. At this point, there were no signs that Rolf was suffering from addiction. He may have partied at school, but according to Melissa, "it didn't seem to be out of control in any way, shape, or form."

Melissa soon moved back to Greenwich, and Rolf got a local part-time job and began living in her basement. Melissa noticed that Rolf was extremely fatigued and prone to sleeping late, staying in his bed for days at a time. He explained it as being tired, and happy to be sleeping in his own bed again, but Melissa noticed that his eyes "were off, and glassy," and he "wasn't interested in anything."

Rolf expressed his desire to have his own place again, and soon moved into an apartment to live alone. At this point, things rapidly declined, shocking Melissa and her entire family. According to Melissa, Rolf started with prescription pain pills, eventually moving on to heroin. Within two months of living on his own, he had stopped going to school and stopped working. "The addiction was there, waiting for the opportunity to sink its ugly teeth in," Melissa said.



Rolf's first primary treatment was for nine weeks in Minnesota. He completed the program, and was scheduled to enter a sober living facility, but relapsed in the interim, almost dying from sepsis in Melissa's basement. Following this, Rolf exhibited a pattern behavior that showed he wasn't ready to be sober. Over the next couple of months, he attempted another rehab, was kicked out of detox, disappeared for a few days, and was arrested twice. Rolf was turned away from a second detox for not meeting their requirements, and Melissa contacted Turning Point for help.

Since entering the program, Rolf has remained steadfast in his will to live a sober life, and the changes in him are apparent all those who come into contact with him. "He's so happy to be there," Melissa said. "He seems more grown up, and he's doing very well. I can't speak highly enough of the program. Someone has to be ready to be sober, and when they are, [Turning Point] provides an environment conducive to a long-term solution. Turning Point has changed his life, and therefore ours. I have nothing but the highest regard for that program. They are amazing at educating the young men that attend Turning Point, as well as their families. They take these boys and give them an opportunity to clear their heads and learn about themselves. They're setting them up to live on their own soberly and well, and to be productive members of society."

New Year's Resolutions, as written by the staff at Turning Point:

"Be part of the solution"

"This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." - Sir Winston Churchill

"Don't do just good. Do better."

"Happiness depends on grateful perspective."

"May you hear my actions rather than my words."

"Each day is an opportunity."

"Re-committing is the key to recovery."

"Positive Energy Activates Constant Elevation (P.E.A.C.E.)"

"Want what you need, don't need what you want."

"Today is not yesterday, nor is it tomorrow. Today is now."

"Stay teachable."

"Peace comes from within."

"Learning to let go should be learned before learning to get. Life should be touched, not strangled. You've got to relax, let it happen at times, and at others move forward with it." - Ray Bradbury

From everyone here at Turning Point, we wish you all a happy

New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and happiness.


David Vieau
President, Turning Point