The first thing I should mention is that this is not my first visit to Soberman's Estate. I spent 45 days here in the Spring of 2021. When I left I was filled with optimism and felt that for the first time in my life I was prepared to deal with my addiction and lead a normal life. Why I am back here is a story within itself, and actually does not seem to be relevant to this review. Suffice it to say, that this facility is the best place that I can be at this day in my life. When I left Soberman's Estate in 2021 I wrote a very complimentary review of the facility, staff, and treatment program.
First a brief summary of myself. I am a professional male that had led an extraordinary life of travel, family, academic, physical, and sometimes risky ventures. Some would guess that I was a privileged child that was on a trust fund, and whose life was all roses. Far from it. I was the seventh child of an immigrant family that hovered somewhat below the poverty line. There was absolutely no education in my parents, and my three oldest brothers dropped out of school and joined the military. My sister also left high school due to a pregnancy. What is interesting is that they all were intelligent and learned from experience, and they all became productive in the work force. I was on the same path, but I escaped because of sports. I was big, and strong, and fast for my age. I moved directly to the varsity level and became one of the small town sports heroes. This opened many doors as well as scholarship offers. After obtaining a degree in business, I went directly into an executive training program at a major bank. They funded many academic ventures for me, including an MBA degree from a major university. It was discovered during these years that I was smart. My GPA in high school was 2.9, because I rarely went to class. I took three years of Spanish and was still unable to order a Taco. There were two girls that did all of my homework. Sports definitely had its rewards. My SAT scores were very high and every test from that date seemed to be easy. I later went on and obtained a PHD in an unrelated field. This is also insignificant to this review.
The review that I wrote of Soberman's Estate in 2021 was quite complimentary. I knew something of treatment centers prior to coming here. I had attended three different ones, as well as researching facilities throughout the country. I even reviewed some facilities in other countries, and sought advice from everyone that I met in the industry. I am very analytical, and spent my working life analyzing complex business plans. I became very disappointed in the rehab business.
The first area of review should be the physical plant and its location. Soberman's Estate is a desert property that was actually built as a luxury residential estate. The desert is a venue for healing for many of us. The home, which is now 10 beds, is a quality construction and does not leave you wanting of anything. Most rooms are private and well furnished. Occupancy seems to run from 5-8 clients, all coming from many areas. The venue includes a pool, spa, gym, horse barn, chicken coops, and greenhouse. They continue to add amenities like the labyrinth and medicine wheel. One cannot get bored at Soberman's Estate if you want to stay active and engaged.
The clientele is the result of some selective criteria. The program is designed for professional men of some maturity. There are varying degrees of success in the clientele, but it is very apparent that it is unique. It is not a celebrity rehab and it is not priced as one. All clients, that I have met, are obviously intelligent, successful, and appear to be driven. Most clients are very educated and are used to being in charge of their lives and others lives. There seems to be a certain level of comfort within the home as all clients seem to be compatible. I don’t know exactly why, but it is very apparent to me. This is just a great place for business owners and executives.
The staff at Soberman's Estate is especially unique. I am not sure how they do it but the credit has to go to the owner Mitch Prager. I believe he looks for certain qualities in people that reflects his thinking. Mitch has a special purpose with Soberman's Estate, but his story is best told by himself. He might even throw in some magic.
The staff in 2021 was excellent, but I think it is superior today. They appear to be better educated and better seasoned. More importantly, they all project an interest and willingness to help clients figure out complex issues. The level of compassion just seems higher.
The executive staff has improved in many ways. Not saying that the previous administrative personnel were deficient, it is again, just that feeling that resonates through the facility. Clients are very well taken care off. Lorraine and Jodi are very good in their positions as are all of the councilors.
The spirituality class on Sunday is presented in a special way by a special man Dr. Chaim Meyer Tureff. It is very worthwhile for everyone no matter their belief or background.
Food has always been excellent at Sobermans. The staff of three all present a slightly different cooking style and presentation. Chef Mike has a lot of experience and brings a healthy and varied menu to the table. We get three meals per day that are chef prepared and they are very good.
My previous review of the Equine program was very high, and my review of Janice was even higher. Janice is supplemented by Diana and they both are obviously horse people. However, they both have a high skill level in counseling, and they make classes very informative. Janice is special to the Soberman's Estate experience and her program is exceptional. I rely on her judgement and we have become friends. I have to say that if you have a trauma in your life you wish to resolve, that she will lead you through it in a professional way. She is the most compassionate person that I have ever met.
The music therapy is very good, as are the yoga, and weight training classes. The weekly massage, and acupuncture sessions are a special treat, and are valuable additions to the program. Brady usually takes the group on a morning hike in the desert once a week.
On the professional side, I also feel that the program has improved. Alin was here before, but I only had one session with him. I was not sure if he was the right councilor for me, as I think that I can be a difficult client. I am confident that he is now. It is very apparent that he is seasoned and well educated, and can effectively deal with a number of client issues. This opinion is shared by many of the residents in house. All of the others also appear to be highly competent.
It appears to me that Soberman's Estate is rapidly earning the reputation for being the gold standard for professional men. Clients are coming from farther distances, and marketing is successful by word of mouth. I don’t know everything, but I do know quite a lot about addiction and about treatment facilities. I will venture a guess that Soberman's Estate may be the top facility in the United States, and I doubt that you will find a better program at the same cost.
I spent some time earlier telling some things about myself. I don’t profess to be an expert on treatment facilities or their programs. I do, however, have a background in evaluating businesses. I have been to Soberman's Estate through two specific programs. Incidentally, I notice that many other alumnae are returning for a second visit. I think that there is a great need for additional education in the form of a refresher course. I would love to see Soberman's Estate offer a short term refresher course to alumnae. The program could be customized to suit individual needs.
I don’t think you will ever see me at Soberman's Estate again as being in recovery. I do think you will see me in the future, in a refresher course, and for relapse prevention. It is just a good experience.
Steve L. July 2024
Soberman's Estate is a residential men's addiction treatment center that provides discreet, individualized, sophisticated recovery and wellness services for adult men that want to recover from substance use disorders, and or other behavioral issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or other addictions.
If you or someone you know are struggling and wondering about the next step for receiving help, please call our Admissions Director for a complimentary consultation at 480.595.2222, or email info@SobermansEstate.com.