Behind the Scenes
As a carpenter on set for the Los Angeles Ballet, Richard knew a thing or two about building a solid foundation. Board by board, he helped set the stage behind the scenes for beautiful performances. But, back home, his marriage was falling apart, and he didn’t seem to have the tools to repair it. He fell hard into a dangerous lifestyle of drinking heavily every day “to kill the pain.” The habit spiraled into eight years of alcoholism, suicide attempts and homelessness.
Richard recalled his first suicide attempt and the four-day stay in the hospital that followed. He said, “It was the best few days because I was taken out of the world and put in a safe place.” One of his nurses recommended Cedar House to him, and he agreed to go into treatment. That’s when his foundation was initially laid for recovery. He said it took him two weeks to truly sober up, but then he synced into rhythm for the next 90 days in residential treatment.
He said, “I am definitely not the same Richard.” At Cedar House, he got answers about how to deal with his fear and anger. He implemented what he learned and stayed sober for 13 months. Unfortunately, he relapsed and ended up in the hospital again a few years later. He thankfully returned to Cedar House where he was welcomed with open arms. He remembered a staff member encouraging him and telling him then that “this time you’ll hear something you didn’t hear last time.”
When he stumbled, he knew he could call on Cedar House to help him get back up. After another 90 days in treatment, Richard returned home and maintained his sobriety for 16 months. He cared for his ailing mother and managed a challenging relationship with his brother who had a drinking problem of his own. He admitted, “My relapses happened at home. Each relapse, my determination got stronger to not die an alcoholic’s death.” So, he returned to Cedar House.
During that last stay at Cedar House, Richard learned that his brother died in his sleep. He thought, “He died my death. That hit me hard. But I thought about the tools I got from Cedar House.”
Richard learned a new way to live at Cedar House. He said, “I was rescued, and Cedar House was part of the rescue plan. They taught me a new way to feel about myself. Someone told me, ‘You’re gonna find out you’re a pretty nice guy.’”
At Cedar House, he proudly served as a volunteer behind the scenes in the multi-purpose room, staging the flag every morning and taking it down in the evenings. Since he had worked in carpentry and theater his entire life, he wanted to serve the community that he had such great appreciation and admiration for. He said, “My case manager Mike is such a wonderful man. Very supportive and awfully bright. Cedar House is the fertilizer for my recovery. It’s my roots and my foundation. Mike is on a pedestal. That’s how much he affected me.”
From then on, Richard continued to live a clean and sober life. He found work, housing and a better way to live. He said, “I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Now, if I get invited to a party, I bring a sober buddy.”
He spent the past seven years in recovery serving his community with outreach to the homeless who suffer with addiction. He said, “I went to meetings, prayed a lot. I had to do it. I couldn’t go backwards to a life of drugs, crime, and mayhem. I can’t save everyone. I just help. I share that my story is one of determination, tenacity and the will to live. Everyone deserves to be a success story.”
The holiday season can be joyful but also challenging. For many people, the holidays are a time of togetherness and celebration. But for those in recovery from substance use, this season can bring a mix of emotions -- joy and gratitude, but also stress, temptation, and pressure. Family gatherings, social events, and memories of past holidays can test even the strongest commitment to sobriety. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we understand these challenges. Our mission is to help individuals and families build lasting recovery through treatment, education, and ongoing support. Here are a few practical ways to protect your sobriety and stay connected to hope this holiday season. 1. Plan Ahead for Triggers Before attending a party or event, think about what might challenge your recovery. Bring your own non-alcoholic drink, drive yourself so you can leave early if needed, and connect with your sponsor or peer network before you go. Preparation gives you confidence and control. 2. Stay Connected to Your Support System The holidays can feel isolating, especially if you’re making lifestyle changes. Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or recovery peers who understand your journey. Schedule a check-in or attend a support group before and after big events. Staying connected helps you stay grounded. 3. Prioritize Self-Care Take care of yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Maintain regular sleep, eat balanced meals, get outside, and make time for reflection or prayer. A calm and nourished mind is your strongest ally in maintaining sobriety. 4. Set Boundaries and Say “No” Without Guilt You don’t have to attend every event or explain your choices. Declining an invitation or leaving early doesn’t make you antisocial. It makes you strong. Your recovery is your priority, and real friends and loved ones will respect that. 5. Keep Recovery at the Center of the Season Stay consistent with meetings, counseling, or alumni groups. Cedar House offers aftercare support, relapse prevention programs, and peer connections that help clients stay engaged long after treatment. Recovery doesn’t stop after discharge. It’s a lifelong process of growth and renewal. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone If you or someone you love is struggling this holiday season, Cedar House Life Change Center is here to help. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based treatment, medical support, and recovery programs designed to meet each person’s unique needs. Reach out today to learn how we can help you or your loved one find peace, purpose, and sobriety this holiday season and beyond.
November is Homelessness Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most urgent issues facing our communities. Every day, thousands of individuals and families across San Bernardino County struggle with the devastating cycle of homelessness, often intertwined with substance use and mental health challenges. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we believe that recovery and stability begin with compassion, connection, and comprehensive care. For more than five decades, Cedar House has provided a safe haven for those seeking to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Many of the people we serve come to us after experiencing homelessness or unstable housing—circumstances that make recovery even more challenging. Through our evidence-based treatment programs, sober housing resources, and continuum of care, we help individuals find the structure, support, and self-worth needed to thrive. Our services address more than substance use. We provide mental health counseling, case management, and referrals to permanent housing, recognizing that recovery is not complete until every person has a safe place to call home. For many, Cedar House becomes the bridge from crisis to stability—where individuals rediscover hope, rebuild family connections, and prepare for lasting independence. This month, we invite our community to join us in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting efforts to end homelessness. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, every act of compassion brings us closer to a future where recovery and housing are accessible to all. At Cedar House, we know that healing happens one person—and one home—at a time.
Each October, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that recovery and healing are possible for everyone. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we understand that mental health and substance use are deeply connected. Many people who struggle with addiction are also coping with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma—and each affects the other. Treating both together is essential to lasting recovery. For more than 52 years, Cedar House has been helping individuals and families throughout the Inland Empire rebuild their lives through compassionate, evidence-based treatment. Our staff empowers people to overcome addiction and mental health challenges with respect, dignity, and hope. Tips for People Seeking Support If you or someone you love is struggling, here are a few ways to start your journey toward recovery: 1. Reach out for help early. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Early intervention can prevent harm and improve long-term success. 2. Get a professional assessment. At Cedar House, licensed clinicians assess each individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health to create a personalized plan. 3. Find community support. Recovery grows in connection. Peer support, counseling, and family engagement help build resilience and accountability. 4. Create stability. Safe housing, structured routines, and supportive care environments help lay the foundation for recovery. 5. Commit to ongoing care. Recovery doesn’t end after treatment—it continues through outpatient services, counseling, and ongoing connection to support systems. How Cedar House Life Change Center Can Help Cedar House offers a continuum of care designed to meet people wherever they are in their recovery journey: Withdrawal Management and Residential Treatment — Structured programs for men and women addressing both substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Maple House Perinatal Program — Family-centered services for mothers and children to recover and thrive together. Outpatient and Aftercare Programs — Continuing care, therapy, and relapse-prevention strategies for lasting stability. Family Support — Counseling and education to strengthen families and rebuild relationships. Our integrated treatment model ensures that every client receives comprehensive, coordinated care. You Are Not Alone This Mental Health Awareness Month, Cedar House encourages everyone to talk openly about mental health and seek support when needed. Recovery is not a solitary journey—it’s a shared path toward healing, strength, and renewal. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or co-occurring mental health issues, contact Cedar House Life Change Center today. Together, we can help you find hope, healing, and a fresh start.
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