Serenity Knolls

Basis for my 5 star review: I checked myself into Serenity Knolls on September 13, 2004 because I needed help to quit drinking and I’ve not had a drink since. This place changed my life and my decision to go here is the single best decision I have ever made.
Based on my understanding, the Knolls is not a typical rehab. Instead of being staffed solely by professionally trained drug and alcohol counselors, the Knolls’ staff includes a number of recovering alcoholics and addicts with long-​term sobriety. Instead of packing your daily schedule with back to back classes and various sessions of counseling, etc. the schedule at the Knolls includes a good deal of unstructured time. This was critical for me — I had to learn to be comfortable just *being* and not always having to be *doing*. I had to start getting comfortable in my own skin rather relying on alcohol to relieve me of my inability to be comfortable just on my own.
If you read the reviews that are not recommended (and you should) — yes, residents do what’s called «wet watch» over new residents during their first night. There’s a reason for that — a good reason. One huge part of getting and staying sober is getting outside of yourself and being of service to others. Even if you’ve only been sober for a week, you’ve got one week more than that person checking in and you therefore have something to offer. If you slept through it you missed the point.
The Knolls is not luxury rehab. News flash: you certainly don’t need luxury to get sober. The facilities are enough, the food is good and the people are generally wonderful — and there is a large, committed and close knit community of «alumni» there to help support you after you leave.
If you want to get sober, this is a great place to get help. Don’t hesitate to send me a message if you have questions or if there is something I might be able to do to help as well.

I checked into the Knolls on 5÷11÷14 and haven’t had a drink or drug since then. I learned life skills at the knolls that not only helped me get the upper hand on my addiction but helped me improve my everyday life. Since being released after 56 days at the knolls I have gotten a new job, moved out of my sober living house into my own apartment, and gotten my drivers license back. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Knolls.

I am writing as a parent, because I know how difficult it is for others who are searching for an appropriate setting for your child, spouse, friend, or loved one. Over the years, it has been a difficult journey for our son. We felt so overwhelmed and had no idea about any of the treatment centers. So what did we do? Searched on the Internet. Our son went to four various rehabs over the years. To be fair, when he was in the worst of his addiction, he was in no condition to review anything positively.
Serenity Knolls has been a true God-​send for him. From my perspective, it has been the best treatment center for him. The staff has been incredible. They are not only advocates for our son, they go out of their way to help the families. I have attended every weekend, and can attest to the professionalism from everyone.
Our son has made tremendous gains while at Serenity, and so have I as a parent. I now understand that there are no quick fixes, and that recovery is a process. Serenity has given him the tools and the confidence he needs to overcome this disease. On his own, he now has a sponsor, and is working toward living in an SLE for a transition after Serenity.

I was admitted to Serenity Knolls in June of 2014. I haven’t had a drink since. During my 28 days at «The Knolls» I was given the tools necessary to begin a life free of alcohol and drugs.
The counselors were understanding and knowledgeable. My assignments were based on the 12 steps and I completed the first three steps during the four week stay. The groups were designed to educate the clients on the disease of chemical dependency. Families visited and participated in their loved ones recovery and were invited to keep coming back afterwards at no additional cost. The aftercare program at Serenity Knolls is a great way to stay connected after leaving the center. I’ve attended the alumni meetings at both the San Francisco and Marin locations.
The facility is located in the beautiful hills of West Marin, and a perfect setting for a new beginning. Between treatment sessions I participated in a vast array of recreational activities: hiking, swimming, volleyball, basketball, and ping pong tournaments. I made a host of clean and sober friends whom I still stay in contact.
I would recommend Serenity Knolls to anyone inflicted with the disease of addiction.

I went to the Knolls back in 2007. I was a hopeless case, and pretty much everyone knew that. But being there and being sober, my life has changed. I was fed and housed far better than I had expected I would, and I received emotional support and counseling that was effective for beginning the most difficult and easiest part of my life. Serenity Knolls was what I needed to start a new life — without a drink or a drug since then — and completely worth moving, worth the money, and worth changing everything for.

I cannot imagine what Jeff J’s deal is, with the one star. The only reason I gave 4 instead 5, is that I don’t have anything to compare with. Yes The Knolls is expensive. What is your life worth? Plus, lifetime aftercare is included for the patient AND family. The counselors are all great and the owner, Mike, really cares. He is the real deal. If you are serious about getting sober, you will be given the tools and learn how to use them.

Maybe you’ll get lucky and stay in the room where Jerry Garcia died.