Top Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center California

California has been providing the leading edge for dual diagnosis recovery for over 24 years at Oasis Treatment Center. Oasis Treatment Center in Orange County California is one of the top 10 most progressive rehabs in the country.

On June 27th 2008 owners Jim and Kathy Antonowitsch hosted an anniversary luncheon to commemorate Oasis Treatment Center’s 20th year of service to the recovering community. Celebrating with friends, family, colleges, and alumni Jim and Kathy shared their reflections of those first years and how it all began.

It was 1962, she was 17 and he was 21. They fell in love instantly and were married 6 months later. They started their life off with dreams and hopes as most young couples do, but had no idea what their future would have in store for them. In late 1981, Jim was a man who had it all; beautiful homes, a successful and thriving landscape business, a loving family and a chronic addiction to alcohol that was threatening to take it all away. By early 1982, a sick man; emotionally, physically, and spiritually; committed to get sober after a series of demoralizing events. He was determined to save his life and his family.

Although Jim was able to stop drinking for 2 years, his life continued to spiral down and he hit an emotional bottom. As fate would have it, he met a man that was also sober but doing things a little different, he was involved in a program called Alcoholics Anonymous and he was more than happy to introduce this program to Jim. Little did they know in those early AA years just what kind of miracles were waiting for them and where this journey of recovery would lead them.

Now being 7 years sober and working with over 50 other Alcoholics, it came to Jim that he could do more. He and Kathy had a dream to find a way to give back what had been given to them. They decided they would open a recovery house, a place where people could come to get the help that they needed. Kathy knew it could not be just any treatment center but a place of love and forgiveness, a place to begin again and learn a whole new way of living. Kathy was determined to find the perfect place and she did. Not everyone could see the vision Kathy had when she first saw the house; but Jim did. Others saw an old beat down crack house that should be condemned but Kathy and Jim saw their dream. Once the owner of the property heard what Kathy and Jim had planned for the house, he sold it to them and the dream began.

In the beginning it was just Jim, Kathy, a house manager, cook, and a part time counselor. It didn?t take long before the word got out and as the number of clients grew so did the staff. More and more people came, got sober and stayed sober. Something very miraculous happened; it became a family. With people coming back each year to pick up chips for lengths of sobriety at a meeting they call Fireside it was becoming clear that this was a house of love where miracles were born. Jim did the Fireside meeting every week, worked with the residents, ran the business end of things, did spirituality groups, and helped to make Oasis what it is today. Kathy did various jobs over the years but her greatest gift is her Love Group that she does every week. During love group Kathy passes out treats and reads children’s stories. Through this group, Kathy found a way to remind those affected by addiction that they are worthy of love, life, and forgiveness.

Twenty years and thousands of residents later, the couple is a little older, a little wiser and not that much different. Jim will still promise every single client that he will tell them the truth, teach them what he knows, give them the tools to stay sober and share his life with them. Kathy will still love each person, regardless of who they are, where they came from, or what they have done. Jim and Kathy have had their own hardships over the years; their only son was killed by a drug addict, but their commitment to the Oasis has remained true. On any holiday you can find them at the center, celebrating with their “Family”. While Jim is past retirement age, you will not find him at home enjoying all he has accomplished. Your best bet is at Oasis, talking to an addict or alcoholic, teaching a spirituality group, leading a fireside meeting or helping the staff. Kathy will be in her love group each Friday, reminding people that they are loved and that there is hope.

Jim and Kathy had a vision 20 years ago and it surpassed their wildest dreams. Oasis’s original logo “Love Will Give You Wings.” has continued to give the residents their wings to stay alive. And when asked what the future holds for the Antonowitsch’s ; for the most part, they plan to spend it with their “Family”; the Oasis Treatment Center.

January 1, 2008 Dear Jim,

Happy New Year!!!!! As Jon and I were ringing in the New Year last night, we were reminiscing about 2007, counting our blessings and as always we remember that it was two years ago, New Year's Day that we escorted Kimmie to Oasis. I'll never forget how I felt that day- full of hope, relief, and gratitude that at the very least Kimmie would give treatment one more try. We were so impressed that you took the time on New Year's Day to come meet with us. Jon and I knew if we could get Kimmie to Oasis she'd have a fighting chance to get well. We could feel the warmth and love you and your staff had to offer even on tv!!!!

I am so happy and so very proud to tell you that Kimmie's doing so well, and in the next week will celebrate six months clean and sober!!! What a wonderful Christmas we enjoyed this year!!! Gone were the tears that came with hearing certain Christmas carols that reminded us of her this year we sang them together, we hoped for a "white christmas", instead of fearing that she may be cold, hungry, and alone, although we certainly prayed and remebered all who weren't as fortunate and blessed as we are. We will always believe you and Oasis are such a hugh part of her recovery. We just love and appreciate you and what you do so much Jim, you'll just never know. Although we don't see you often, we think of you and talk of you frequently and ALWAYS let people who are dealing with the disease of addiction that if they want to get well they need to do it right the very first time and go to Oasis. We will always feel gratitude and love for you and Oasis.

In addition to having Kimmie home alive and very well, we also have our beautiful grandchild Alivia, another little life that was cared for and helped along by Oasis! She's now almost two, and so perfect it's nothing short of one of God's miracles that we give so many thanks for!! She is so intelligent, so beautiful, really just an enchanting little creature whom we all love so much and are so very thankful for. What a gift!!! It really must feel extraordinary to know that you have helped so many people get well. I believe there are angels among us and many times when I look into my daughter's eyes, share a laugh or a hug with her, or pick up Alivia and put her on my lap to read her a story or just smell her hair I know that you must be one of them. Thank you...

We hope you and Kathy have a wonderful New Year filled with love, health, and beautiful memories!!!

With love and gratitude,

Keri & Jon F.

Dual Diagnosis | Oasis Treatment Center | Dual Diagnosis Program | Alcohol Dependency Treatment | Chemical Dependency Treatment Center

Dual Diagnosis | Oasis Treatment Center | Dual Diagnosis Program | Alcohol Dependency Treatment | Chemical Dependency Treatment Center: "Whether anxiety, depression, Bi Polar disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive disorder or other condition, we at Oasis believe that a total approach toward each individual provides the best opportunity for physical, emotional and spiritual recovery. Addressing only part of a problem means that a client leaves treatment with undressed issues, and relapse is more likely. For example, a person who completes 30 days and leaves treatment as a sober alcoholic but does not accept and address his depression is at high risk for relapse."