Serene Center Long Beach

I just read Marsha L's review - LOL! Don't believe a thing she writes - she is clearly just sour because her sister didn't follow through on her program. I know, because I was kicked out of Serene Center because I didn't follow through on my own program. But that is my fault, not Serene Center's fault. Andrew totally goes to extremes to help people. I wish I could go back and do it again differently this time. If you want a serious sober living, this is the place in the LBC. Definately! more

This place is awful. They just want money for everything, they even bill for missed meetings They are after your money. more

Talk about a professional operation! Serene Center blows all the other sober livings I have stayed out right out of the water. There is staff, there is structure, there is a community of fellowship and caring, they supply cleaning supplies, there are no bugs, they have awesome beds, bikes, laundry. Counselors are there too! Incredible facility. more

I paid the way for my adult son to attend Serene Center's program for six months. My son came back home a changed man. They really whipped him into shape, I don't know what they did, but he is now off the drink and acting as a man. I am very happy with the result as my son is going to his alcoholics meetings and he is a changed person. Many thanks. more

My son came back a chenged man, no longer a child. He was in and out of 4 different treatment programs, expensive well known programs too. He would graduate the program and be back to using heroin within days of leaving. He would blame everyone around him for his drug use, and he would manipulate everyone into giving him money and shelter and food. It is only after we sent him to Serene Center that he actually started to take responsibility. I think it is due to the unique coping skiils training that Serene Center provided with their counseling services. My son is now sober for the longest I can remember. I am so happy. more

My son attended Serenen Center for several months. I found Andrew Martin, the owner I think, to be professional and really know his stuff when it comes to addiction and the family. He told my husband and I what we needed to hear, not what we wanted to hear. We learned we are a part of the problem of addiction and that it was not all about my son. We now all work a program of recovery and my husband and I have never gotten along so well. My son remains sober and is a changed person: he acts as an adult now. I see him use his recovery tools, the tools he learned at Serene Center. more

Serene Center offers some counseling along with the sober living. The people here have helped me figure out a few things about myself, and I am now holding on to my sobriety for longer than I ever have: after 21 years. more

THE TRUTH.... If you wish to be ripped off at a time when your family is most vulnerable...by all means, go for the torture. What appeared to be on the surface, a professional atmosphere - quickly became a house of horrors. DON'T SIGN ANYTHING, DON'T SUBMIT ANY CREDIT CARDS. You will be charged erroneously, in the thousands - all the while your family member doesn't even reside there. You want serene? You want professional...skip this nazi camp that will cost your family endless heart ache. Off to the BBB on this racquet...and civil court! THIS IS A SCAM FOR SURE, ANDREW AND HIS 'ONLINE' CREDENTIALS! more

I have personally known Mr. Martin for 5 years and everything he does is with the greatest care and attention to detail. He understands your needs always has a wonderful way about him that makes everything he touches better, Serence Center is the same, and imprinted with the same love and devotion. If you are seeking loving care and want to get well, then this is an excellent choice. more

My friend has been at Serene Center for a few months and I have already seen a complete change in his attitude and actions. He is now acting more appropriately and he has stopped all of the shenanigans with drinking and using drugs. He has been able to rebuild his relationship with me and I am starting to trust him again. Many times I tried to talk to the counselors at Serene Center and they could not talk to me because my friend did not sign some sort of confidentiality document; but when he finally did, I was able to learn about the progress he was making and the counselors gave me good feedback too. I have also attended a couple of their family workshops and found them to be incredibly informative and helpful. When I visited the property I was so impressed with the environment, it is clean and people there are very nice. The staff was professional and absolutely knows what they are talking about. I am so happy my friend is getting the help he needs at Serene Center. more

Serene Center is keeping me sober. I came here after countless sober livings and treatment programs. After coming here, the counseling has helped me to figure out how to deal with my life instead of running away from it. I have no doubt that I would be back out drugging if it wasn't for this place. They drug test me every 3 days, they make sure I am going to meetings, and they are there for me whenever I ask. They listen to me, and they help me out. This place is awesome! don't pay any attention to the negative comments posted by people who were obviously cought using and were kicked out. I am sober, I am staying that way, and I am telling you the truth. more

This place is high on aesthetics and low on really delivering what they claim. The owner is a snob who thinks he can bully parents into paying more when their kids relapse. But our family recently found out that they never tried to help my family member stop using. They stood by and watched even after being warned by his girlfriend. He ended up overdosing and they charged us more for him to stay there. If you are looking to spend money without knowing how it is used then this place is for you. more

Serene Center in Long Beach, CA is NOT a place to reside if you are trying to find sobriety. It has revolved into a place where there is NO accountability or code of ethics what so ever. Counselors have their favorite members and engage in outside activities with them rather than stick to an ethical ""counselor - patient"" relationship. When it comes down to the Serene Center in Long Beach, CA it is a business and the top priority is to make money. Since there is NO accountability it has been my observation in the past several months that the relapse percentage has been extremely high. The Serene Centers solution to this problem is to only allow them back if they upgrade their membership to the next tier which is excess of $600 per month. The owner of the Serene Center stated ""members here are addicts and you cannot trust what any addict has to say"" Therefore problems or concerns will be overlooked when brought to staff/counselors attention and you can treat staff/counselors with utter disrespect without repercussion. I have seen with my own eyes members arrive at the Serene Center as alcoholics, relapse and become full blown heroin addicts which is heartbreaking. My advise is to think twice before moving here or sending your loved ones to the Serene Center to find sobriety and start a new life. more

The program at Serene Center sets the standard for transitional sober living facilities. They have a knowledgable staff as well as an awesome facility! Highly recommended. more