Fun Sober Holiday Activities

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If you want to replace some of your usual holiday events with alternatives that are more conducive to staying sober throughout the season, below are some options for you. Removing some of your old Christmas, New Year, and other year-end holiday activities from your plans can be your simplest and best strategy. It can free you to adopt some new holiday traditions of your own — new satisfying activities that can make it easier to keep your direction in recovery and stay clean and sober.

How to Stay Sober this Holiday Season

Pick sober holiday events and activities. Some or most of your old holiday traditions with family and friends may be precious and important to preserve. But maybe a few others can be replaced with some that are more conducive to your goal of staying sober through the holidays. Here are some ideas for fun holiday activities that don’t have to involve drinking alcohol.

Enjoy Holiday Socializing in Different Ways

Spend quality time with loved ones doing activities that don’t feature drugs or alcohol. Invite friends or family members to enjoy some alcohol- and drug-free social activities with you during the holiday season.

Choose a local holiday event to attend and invite friends to come with you.
Meet a friend for lunch at home, at a cafe, or online.
Have a movie night. Pop some popcorn and watch with friends at home or online.
Host a card game or chess tournament with sober friends, either in-person or online.

Just Enjoy Some Precious Downtime

Plan some ways to enjoy some quality alone time. Here are some great ways to enjoy some time during the holiday season on your own:

Take pictures of inspiring things around you.
Write a story, or a song, or a poem.
Make some Christmas ornaments or other crafts.
Spend some time writing in your gratitude journal.
Go for a drive to enjoy the winter scenery and decorations.
Make a favorite holiday dish or cookies for the family celebration.

Take Holiday Opportunities to Give Back

One of the steps in alcohol and drug addiction recovery is finding ways to give back. The holiday season is an ideal time of year to spend some time volunteering:

Collect for your town’s holiday food drive.
Volunteer to help serve food or work in the kitchen at your local mission.
Visit nursing home residents who are likely to be very lonely during the holidays.
Take lightly used coats, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, and blankets to a homeless shelter.

Have a Destination Holiday

Get away alone or with a friend or a whole group for a holiday trip to a near or far destination for a stress-free sober vacation that supports your sober lifestyle:

Head to the city for a live concert or live theater performance.
Travel for a therapeutic spa vacation for holiday R&R.
Take a road trip to enjoy the countryside for a day, a few days, or a whole week.

Happy Holidays from Renaissance – We’re Here for You.

However you decide to spend your holidays, you can minimize the risk of relapse. Make a plan for each day of the holiday period that occupies your time with activities or downtime that do not involve risky situations. Choose options that don’t present significant temptation or triggers that may make it difficult for you to stay on track with your commitment to your sobriety this holiday season.

For help planning your sober holiday itinerary, call Renaissance Ranch Ogden at (385) 222-3737 or reach us here online for help creating a fun and supportive seasonal plan.

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Addiction Recovery Reviews

Great people that genuinely care about you and your recovery!

Renaissance Ranch has a special place in my heart. It has saved my life in a way that I will be forever grateful for. I was able to reach a level of peace that I didn't know existed. All of the staff at Renaissance are not only some of the most knowledgeable they are some of the most caring individuals I have worked with in recovery. Highly recommended!!!!

This is the best program I've ever attended. The small group setting really opens you up for the opportunity to heal. The staff is absolutely amazing! Very relatable and helpful with recovery. Highly recommend!

I have found Renaissance Ranch to be a lifesaver. The staff is amazing and the groups are wonderful. I cannot thank this place for helping me get back my life. Thank you!

From the second I made desperate late night phone call to being accepted the very next day, I’ve found my tribe. I’ve explored (and failed) many options and I have felt most at home at the ranch! Made new sober friends and felt less alone on my recovery journey. The counselors and whole team and incredibly supportive, understanding and empathetic to my situation. If I could give more stars, I would! Thank you Renaissance Ranch for supporting me on this journey and saving my life.

Great experience! This opportunity came at the right time in my life. No one goes through life hoping they need help with any type of addictions. I'm forever grateful to my morning and afternoon groups, and coaches that have been there for me and shown me what is possible. I'll love them forever

I couldn't love Renaissance Ranch more. The support I have received has been unmatched. The group I go to is so supportive as well but Dave and the the other leaders are always reaching out to make sure you're okay. I have struggled with addiction for over a decade and the most success I've had in that time (although not perfect) has been the most days of sobriety I've had. If you are struggling like me, this is where you need to be!!!

Renaissance Ranch is such a good program! Grateful for the amazing staff and would recommend this for anyone looking into improving their life and recovery.

Staff is Great very informative and helpful I’m in my 6th month and my life is changing for the better

I've personally had a close friend who has gone through recovery with Renaissance Ranch and has had an amazing experience. Their alternative holistic approach to treatments and their caring staff are top notch. If you have a loved one that is seeking help, look no further than Renaissance Ranch!

I know several people that have done the program at south Ogden. They are still sober today. I recommend this place for sure.

The program was wonderful and very supportive in group therapy. Renaissance Ranch was a blessing at a much needed time of my life! I can't believe how much the facilitators were able to help me. It is amazing that when a year is completed, I can attend whenever I need for the rest of my life. Which is always great to have because we all know staying sober is a life long battle; it's so nice to know Renaissance Ranch will always be there for me and others who attend the program and graduate.Thank you Renaissance Ranch for all you do!!!

A corrupt world we live in where you have to pay thousands of dollars to get help. It’s very unfortunate. “Get insurance then”. Still costs thousands of dollars up front.

This program and the people are amazing! They are caring and assertive, honest and direct. This program emphasizes the 12 steps which I see as an absolute must for sober success.

I know a gentleman who has gone through this program and has 19 years of sobriety 19!! Thats incredible, that speaks volumes for the hard work and dedication to helping someones journey to sobriety. They care and they will help take that leap!

Super place to start the journey of recovery. I’ve been on this journey since 2019 attending the out patient groups. With dedication and an open mind being recovered from alcohol/drugs is possible. Especially with their super star staff members

I have had family go through Renaissance Ranch and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking help!

Dave Rose and his staff are the most caring and compassionate people I know. They know what they are doing and how to help. The treatment they provide and the love that they show have transformed my life. I will be forever grateful that my family found Renaissance Ranch, and that I chose to go get help there. THANK YOU!

I know an amazing person that is doing this program and they are doing so good for them selves!

Renaissance ranch is an amazing place! It is a caring supportive environment where the staff truly care.

Wonderful supportive recovery center with excellent counselor/peer support staff and clients that truly want to be there. Extremely supportive owner that will not give up on the clients as long as the clients stay dedicated to their wellness. If you or a loved one needs help, please call Renaissance Ranch.

Great treatment center!!! Wonderful, caring and really helpful counselors.Love the program, I'm in it now!

The knowledge and personability of the staff are phenomenal. I am encouraged and motivated in my recovery. I am so grateful for the support that continues to be extended to me. I am inspired to appreciate my sobriety and my future.The group meetings are so very helpful. I look forward to always sharing the highs and the lows of living life on life‘s terms. We all relate to one another. The support from others is motivating

I am very thankful for Renaissance Ranch this program has helped my daughter very much. She has reached her one sobriety and her life has completely turned around for the better and she is now helping others. Thank you from one very happy mother and thank you for your family support program too.

Hope can be restored here. Love y’all!

Renaissance Ranch is amazing! It has completely changed my life. I came to Renaissance Ranch a year ago desperate and hopeless lost to alcoholism. They showed me how to have hope again and help set the foundations for my recovery! I love the therapist ran groups as well as all of the other great group leaders that have taught me so much about addiction and recovery. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the constant support I have received through this program! If you are struggling with addiction this is definitely a great program to help you on your journey to freedom!

Great place. Highly recommend

This place is the Best. If your addicted to any substance RR can help you overcome it!!!!

Great place to find freedom from the bondage of self.

The treatment team at the Ogden location is amazing, they know a great deal about effective treatment as well as how important family support is, this is a excellent option for the addict you love and wish to help, Dave thank you so much for the love and passion you put into your work.

It's a great program! I have a friend who went through the program.

Thank you so much saved my uncle's life.

I've been going to the ranch for 6 weeks and not sure where'd I be if I never enrolled. Renaissance is like family and the group convo has got me through sobriety. I'm finally getting my life back together because of this place. Kassidy and Dave are amazing individuals. I Highly recommend Renaissance Ranch if your struggling with addiction.

I would recommend this center to anyone looking for help with addiction.My husband went to Renaissance Ranch and he is doing great.I did the family program and it has helped me so much.Thank you!

Several years ago I went with a loved one to a court ordered addiction program. While I could see that the counselors truly wanted to help their clients, I often left thinking that it was a very cold environment. I never heard anyone there speaking from experience.From the moment I met Dave, I knew he got it and understands the struggles. He freely shares about his own road to recovery. He has always treated me with kindness and respect. Most of all, I see his example of how to live in recovery. I found hope that I can finally conquer my addictions. If you are looking for a place to heal yourself and your family from the ravages of addiction, here's the place to start your journey.

I am a 24 year old man and came to Renaissance with unmanageable depression, anxiety and anger issues after I tried to quit abusing alcohol and marijuana. I admitted I felt scared and pathetic for even needing treatment. Immediately after my intake interview I joined my first group session and soon learned it wasn't pathetic at all to seek treatment, it was a sign of great strength.The group has always accepted everything I've said with open hearts, challenged my close mindedness with care, and prompted me to share even when I feel closed and isolated.The Ranch has made me realize no one is ever alone. People care for one another here, absences are noticed with concern and relapses (if they happen) are talked through and understood. Shame is NEVER a part of this dynamic. Some sessions are fun and full of laughter and jokes, some are intense and very introspective. At the end of each day, we have all worked through some aspect of our addiction. Without the support of this group I would not have the tools to continue practicing sobriety and reclaim good health and happiness.(However, I did gain about 20 pounds because members often bring sweets to share. You win some you lose some)

I am forever grateful and in debt to Renaissance Ranch Ogden. The love and support that they offer to myself and others who have struggled with addiction far surpasses to other treatment centers that I have been involved with. The program focuses on the personal development and self-care that is needed to be successful. One-on-one sessions and group meetings are available, and in turn the group members all become extended family that truly care about the success of one another. I am so happy that Renaissance Ranch Ogden has given me a new found hope and ability to tackle any and all obstacles that may come to face, and do so in a positive manner. Truly saved my life, and the well-being of those closest to me. Thank you so much!

The Ranch really cares about your personal recovery. It is a friendly loving environment that has helped me and many others to live in peace without addiction. This facility is about helping people not about money and numbers. Thanks love you guys.

Our family will be forever grateful for this program and the people who work there!!

My brother Ryan is a kind and strong soul. So am i, but Im still lost. The ranch is helping and digging to find my inner self. I respect that. But I'm not rich, so I'm using what I got. And it really is worth it.

I got my Brother to do the renaissance ranch program. For his alcohol addiction. He's been going for a 2 weeks now and he really enjoys going. I've been able to talk to him more and his anger problems have been going away. Also his alcohol problem has been decreasing. My brother says that the groups he's been going to don't judge him and he realizes that there are other that there are people there with the same problems if not worse, Dave is a commendable guy, I got to meet a gal their named Charlotte she was awesome. They do one on one counseling with each person. I would recommend this program with any one that needs help in any addiction problem or anger issues. It's been only 2 weeks and I can notice a big difference in my brother already. Thank you Renaissance Ranch.

Finding Renaissance Ranch IOP in Ogden was literally an answer to prayer. Words cannot express how grateful I am for this program and the people who provide it. It has helped me reconnect with God and remove heavy burdens I have carried around for decades. For the first time in a long time I feel like I have real hope - and the support I need to keep moving forward. The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection! The program at RR guides you toward that connection with God, with yourself, and with others. Anyone and everyone could benefit from the knowledge, insights, and support available through this program. There are so many types of addiction, but in the end they are all just different ways to try and cope with stress, fear, pain, etc. This program helps you realize there is only ONE solution to truly overcome addiction and take your life back. Finding Renaissance Ranch is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. So grateful to be a part of it.

Very nice people. Very good place. Great place to go to get help.

This place is awesome!

Renaissance Ranch gave me a new life of freedom, happiness and joy!

I found renaissance ranch at a time when my meaning to keep going on had depleted.. I was giving up. As a last resort I started attending groups and from day one something was different from the other programs I looked at.. I felt like they truly cared and they knew where I had been, and truly cared where I was going! the overal feeling you get from this place is something that can't really be described! Whatever it is I can honestly say it has changed and saved me! It's one of those things that if your struggling, you need to come here and feel it for yourself!

I truly appreciate the concept of Renaussance Ranch. I feel that there concept of addiction recovery is whole and complete.

I knew someone who went through here and they had nothing but great things to say about this place.

Uncle went through the program here. Would recommend again.

My uncle went through this program. It has not only helped him and his immediate family so much, but the rest of our family as well. I am grateful for the devotion and love they have towards anyone who comes in. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.

I'm am so grateful for the staff and their program that brought me to a new and thankful life. Their patience and dedication to my recovery literally saved my life.i highly recommend them to anyone truely looking for help in their recovery.

You are NOT A BURDEN, YOU HAVE A BURDEN that is to heavy to carry. Allow others to help lift this burden.....(Professionals, people just like you and loved ones) Just come!!! That's all they asked. I was wondering if it would REALLY help? I've struggled on and off for 20 years of my life. With every substance. And let me just say this. Why did I wait so dang long? I learned why I did the things I did. Even though I didn't want to. I learned why my habits had taken over my amazing life. But most importantly. I learned I was not unique. All kinds of people!! No matter their status, job, religion. SO BENIFIFICAL!! For me and all involved! Come, experience this PLEASE!! Real life is so much better!!

I love this place! The staff helps you stay on the right path toward sobriety. They're awesome to work with. I recommend this to anyone that wants help!! If I can give more stars I would.

I'm amazed at the extra attention given to detail at Renaissance Ranch Ogden, they make everyone feel welcome, they sincerely care for each and every persons needs. The counselors doors are always open if we need some one on one time with them. I didn't know how much I needed their help until I started attending, If you or someone you know needs help with their addiction, I highly recommend Renaissance Ranch Ogden it's warm and welcoming. It's been a fantastic experience on my road to recovery.

My family had a great experience with Renaissance Ranch. They were empathetic and very sensitive to any and all unique situations.

There are so many wonderful things to say about this incredible program that 1) it would be impossible to address all the terrific aspects in one short review, and 2) no matter how eloquent I could write the words will still be inadequate to express just how great this program really is. How could I say how grateful I am for this program that literally has saved my life. When I came into the program I was broken, defeated, overwhelmed and had all but given up. This was my last attempt to save my life. By the time I came to the program I had a suicide plan and means with the intent to end my life. With a family history of completed suicide I knew if I was going to act upon my plan that I would dang sure make sure it worked and that I would complete it not just attempt it. At the time I finally entered the program life felt much harder to continue to live than it felt to just give up and die. I am blessed there are other people in my life that I just didn’t want to hurt to that degree but even so I really was “done” with living. Tired of being addicted and depressed, tired of trying to put my life back in order and unable to do so, I was willing to give my life one more try and the only thing I could think of doing was reaching out to a program and professionals that just might be able to help me. My insurance was not contracted with any dual diagnosis (dx) programs (substance abuse and mental health issues) in this area. So I went in search of a program that might be able to meet my needs. I called several programs in the area and continued to be disappointed and defeated because they would not accept me for one reason or another, or they were not truly dual dx programs. Then I finally talked to Dave Rose with the Renaissance Ranch Addiction Treatment Center and for the first time in many many months I finally found a little bit of hope. He knew my story, he had lived my story, and now he was busy helping others change the ongoing chapters of their lives. I felt accepted and understood from the beginning, both with my addiction and with the serious aspect of my mental illness. I had been down for such a long time and without hope for such a prolonged period that I still did not hold out a lot of hope. At least when I talking with Dave about this program I could tell here was a real person who truly sounded genuine, passionate and informed about these diseases. He was transparent, honest and encouraging and I could tell he really understood what was going on with me because he told me my story before I told my story to him. He truly knew what I was doing, what I was going through, what I was feeling and just how low I had fallen.(please see 2nd and 3rd part of this review, thanks)

I know Dave Rose personally and he is one of the best people I know. If you, or someone you care about needs help, this is the place to go. Dave will make sure the kind of treatment needed will be given.

My family and I are forever grateful for Renaissance ranch. Dave rose is my uncle and he was at a point in his life where he felt like it was over and he couldn't find a way out. It got to the point where it was about to tear our family apart, and ever since he came here it has strengthened his relationship with his immediate family especially his wife Chris and the rest of us as well. They got sealed in the temple together and changed him into a completely different person for the better. Love this program!

I've been so impressed with the tremendous blessings our family has seen. We have watched Dave Rose and his family increase spiritually and his example has helped our family and so many others.

The Ranch saved my life in 2009! My husband went to rehab there and I was able to participate in the family program they offered. I thought my husband was the one that needed "fixin" but I learned that addiction is truly a family disease.....I was able to find my Savior and apply his atonement into my life.....and for that, I am forever grateful!!!

In 2004 I was searching for a rehab facility for myself. I met with David Rose and was so impressed. He helped me get a scholarship for the program. I attended Therapia women's center in St George and it's the best decision I ever made. David made me feel so comfortable and was so knowledgeable because he has been through it himself. I will never forget his kindness and willgness to help me. I am celebrating 4 years sober this year thanks to Renaissance Ranch and Therapia!

Great place to go for treatment. I'm forever grateful for the Ranch and the experiences I had there.

Dave Rose and Renaissance Ranch were an amazing resource to me when I was serving as an LDS Bishop. I was able to see the miracle of addiction recovery and healing for one my good friends and ward members who had struggled with drug addiction for most of his life. He has been sober for 5 years now. The blessings of freedom from this awful sickness are immeasurable to this good man and his family.

I am personal friends with someone who went thru this program. His story is inspirational. Reinaissance Ranch is a place of hope and success.

I am very grateful for Dave Rose and the Renaissance Ranch Ogden Staff. I am currently in The IOP program, and it has provided me with a safe place to go and share how my day is going. It has also set me up with the structure I need in my life right now. The facility is beautiful inside, and has a strong "spirit of recovery" feeling inside. I feel very blessed to be in IOP with Renaissance Ranch Ogden and have another chance at life, I would definitely Recommend Renaissance Ranch Ogden to anyone battling drug Addiction!Adam T. Honstein

I have known Dave Rose since we were both 15 years old, at Ogden High School in the early 1980's. I have always loved how accepting he has been of me, even in my painfully shy, awkward early days. I could see he was hurting, yet never understood why, and this was the time he began struggling with substance abuses. I definitely could relate with him, yet my issues were different.After High School graduation, about five years later, we worked together, and it was blatantly obvious he was deep in his struggle with addiction, yet I didn't know what to say, so didn't say anything. He was still that likeable guy, just lost within himself.Time passed then recently he opened the South Ogden Renaissance Ranch Addiction Recovery Center, and invited me over for a tour. We shared our life experiences with each other, and I feel so blessed to see the beginning stage, the intermediate stage, and then finally the end result of recovery. He has always been that amazing guy, yet he needed to find in himself what the rest of us who loved him saw all along, yet if we would have told him about it, he would not have believed it.He invited me to sit in on the family group evening sessions, and I accepted. After all, one can never learn too much. These group lessons on support and encouragement for loved ones struggling with addiction have been an eye opener for me, and I walk away filled with so much love for these people. GOD truly loves all his children!! I highly recommend this program to anyone who feels lost and alone. Dave Rose is truly a shepherd of the lost sheep.

When I first met with Dave I was not really sure I wanted help. I just met with him because I was curious about treatment and really quite honestly wasn't ready to quit Heroin. I have battled with Opiate addiction for about 8 or so years. I still had some drugs at home and so I told him that I will start treatment on my time. So I continued to use for about 2 more weeks and then finally started treatment. During those 2 weeks Dave always kept in contact with me trying to get me to come to treatment earlier but I was stubborn and went when I was ready.The first night I was supposed to go to group I took Suboxone too early so I was sick. Two people from the group came and talked with me as I was laying sick on the couch for about an hour and they really made me feel welcome. During the first few weeks of coming clean I would text Dave and he really helped me pull out of some really dark days.Renaissance Ranch has really been my saving grace. The counselors are amazing and really care. I love going to group each night. Everyone in the group are great and I love how I can for once be my honest true self and there is no judgement from anybody. When I first started the group was really small and it was kind of discouraging and there were a couple people that hardly came because they were battling with relapsing and now the group is a good size and really fun. We have all really bonded and I look forward to going each night. After 3 months you can switch to 2 nights a week but for me I would rather keep going 4 nights a week because of how much help I get and I also love to share and help others.I would highly recommend Renaissance Ranch Ogden to anyone that needs help with addiction. It's an amazing treatment program and Dave and the counselors truly care about you and are always willing to work with you on any problems you may have.Thanks Renaissance Ranch Ogden!!! 107 of sobriety so far!

After I got home from a residential rehab last fall I felt I needed some ongoing support, I visited with Dave and began an outpatient program with the team at Renaissance Ranch. It was a great experience, I found genuine people who truly care about helping others find hope. I am thankful every day for my sobriety and Renaissance Ranch was a great support on my road to recovery. I highly recommend anyone looking for help with their addictions to visit with Dave. Thank you Dave and all the staff for your kind hearts, love and support. Lewis Brown

My brothers dependency on drugs and alcohol had taken over his life. He had been in other rehab programs but they did not work for him. Thanks to Renaissance Ranch he was able to overcome his drug and alcohol addictions. He has not only gotten his life back but he has been able to build his relationships back with his wife and daughter. This program is amazing and I recommend it!!!

Renaissance ranch saved my dads life. He was in and out of rehab facilities and we had lost hope of anything helping him, until the ranch. The people were kind, attentive, and made sure to support him on his journey to sobriety. He made many friends he considers to be like family at the Ranch. He is 11 years sober now and it is all thanks to this place. Call them.

I was a patient of Renaissance Ranch in 2007. The concern and care for my sobriety and my well being was far beyond what I expected. 8½ years later and still sober. The people make all the difference and "The Ranch" has the people. Even all of this time later those people still care and I consider them lifelong friends.

Renaissance Ranch has been the life's blood of my recovery from drug and alcohol dependence. I didn't believe life was even possible without a drink or a drug, I was hopelessly addicted. Today I'm free and I don't have to drink or drug ever again. I don't have to walk down that road of continuously feeling angry, hopeless or ashamed of myself. I have been givin a new life, I feel liberated and alive, and it's all do to this simple program. I highly recommend Renaissance Ranch to anyone struggling with substance abuse or alcohol addiction

My name is Dixie Davis. I am David's mother in law. David is the results of many prayers of family members. Our daughter Chris and David had fallen away from the LDS church. They both discovered in their own ways the wonderful plan of salvation and the saviors wonderful gift of repentance. Thanks to the Renaissance Ranch they are miracles and examples that the Ranch can turn lives around. Dave also helped our son in law Mike Kihom and his wife, our daughter Carrie Kihlm. Of course let us not forget our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Chris are the guiding light in this program. Miracles can happen never give up.

I went through the ranch in 2006 I had lost all hope and did not believe ther was any way out. I was desperate and was finally willing to go to any length . Renaissance gave me the tools and helped me reconnect with my father in heaven. I owe my life to renaissance ranch and am blessed to have formed many life long friends. ...

I will forever be grateful to the opportunity I had to enter the Ranch, now over 10 years ago. Addiction is a spiritual disease as much as anything else in my opinion, and although I felt alone at the time, came to realize that a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. The Ranch provided the environment and instruction I needed to begin to recover from the devastating effects of alcoholism. David Rose and his wife Chris Rose, are amazing people who have a deep love for the addict that is still suffering. I would highly recommend contacting Dave or referring him to any of my family, friends, or others.

if anybody needs help with addiction this is the place to go. The Ranch has turned my life around and gave me a reason to wake up and be sober every morning the staff is more than amazing and wonderful with each and every client.I thank god every morning for this place and the new life it has giving me.

Dave Rose and the Renaissance Ranch truly have a passion for recovery and helping others. I would recommend any loved one and would trust this facility with their care and support.

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"When Everything Seems Like an Uphill Struggle, Just Think of the View from the Top"

Begin your Renaissance Period of Renewal, Call (385) 222.3737

Renaissance Ranch is an Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Center conveniently located in Ogden, UT. Stop the pain of alcohol and drug addiction today!