What Patients Are Saying
These heart-felt stories are offered by individuals who know first-hand the pain and destructive toll that addiction inflicts on individuals and families.
More importantly, they also know that there’s hope… that there’s an answer… once and for all. Please take your time reading these sincere words, then pick up the telephone or send me a message. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Whenever someone asks me to refer a professional, I always give the names of three, and then let the consumer do their own shopping… that way they can’t be upset with me! With Shelly Baron, I don’t need to do that. If I see someone that needs help… alcohol, drugs, or whatever… I can give them his number and know that they’re in good hands. If he doesn’t know the answer, he certainly knows where to get it.”
“While I have known Shelly personally for a very long time, more recently I have had the opportunity to use his services professionally as well. Just over four years ago, I was 5′ 8″, and at about 200 lbs., was in the process of working myself through a popular diet book and program.”
“Shelly asked me about food addiction… I had never heard of it. He offered to help me, and introduced me to FA, a twelve-step approach to achieving complete recovery… and permanent changes. With his help, and the support of the organization, I naturally leveled out at 147 lbs., and have maintained that weight ever since.”
“While I can’t speak for others, I can certainly tell you that Shelly Baron has been helpful to me… and I continue to speak with him by telephone at least once per week.”
Joe S.
Attorney
New Jersey
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“In short, Shelly Baron saved my life. Period. He may deny that, or may give credit to the thousands of contacts he has introduced me to, but I can say it. Shelly saved my life.”
I met Shelly when I was 31 and couldn’t get out of bed unless I had access to some powerful chemicals (alcohol, drugs, etc.). My life had become a nightmarish repetition of broken relationships, jail, and a soul sickness that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I was sick, very sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
“And at that time the only real option appearing in front of my hazed mind was suicide. Why not take your own life when you feel this lousy – when even your closest friends won’t have anything to do with you – when your own family is giving up on you, and when you can’t even get out of bed? Why not end it? Well, I can tell you why not. That was a long time ago. Shelly showed me how life could be lived. Not like a recluse, but a full, productive life of joy and gratitude – the life I was always looking for.”
“Shelly introduced me to 32 years of clean and sober living that has resulted in all of my dreams coming true. The dream of raising a family, of having grandchildren, of being a productive and respected member of society, of paying my bills on time, through Shelly’s kind and wise guidance and his introducing me to folks who also have climbed back from the abyss, life turned completely around. I am enjoying a loving 24 year marriage (that Shelly attended) and each day learning how to love – a subject I sorely missed some where along the road.”
“I wasn’t an easy case for Shelly. His patience, as I continued my self destructive behaviors, was unbelievable. But as the old self dropped away, the joyful new Steve appeared. That was 32 years ago – from heroin, booze, cocaine, prescription pills and any thing to escape life.”
“This is a man who invited me and my three year old son into his house for Thanksgiving when I had no where to go… who would receive calls at any time of the night or day! This is a man who is dedicated to helping others crawl (or run) out of addictive, destructive, soul wrenching behavior. I love Shelly. I love my life.”
Steve B.
Software Legal Consultant
New York
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“I met Shelly Baron through my husband about twenty-five years ago; Shelly was his therapist, and I joined later to work on my own food issues.”
“Shelly is very enlightening about addiction, he’s real about it… excellent at cutting through the denial, and waking you up. The results have been very positive. He got me involved in OA at that time, and I’m now working with FAA. It has been very good.”
“Addiction is not just about drugs and alcohol. I needed to learn how to eat healthy, and avoid trigger binge foods. Shelly is so knowledgeable… he cuts through the crap, raises your self-esteem, and helps people get educated… about proper nutrition, supplements… really, he’s a terrific educator.”
“For anyone thinking about getting help, I would say that Shelly Baron is truly unique… an amazing, amazing person. I’ve called him at 11 pm, and I’ve called him at 7 am; he’s available all the time. I really hope that this testimony conveys the amount of love that we have for him.”
Nancy R.
Housewife/Mom
New York
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“At the time I met Shelly, I was drinking a quart of vodka and using seven grams of cocaine daily. I wasn’t really aware that I had a problem, but he challenged me in a way that made me want to find out. The relationship that began that day… combined with my desire to beat this disease… saved my life. I definitely would not be here if it wasn’t for Shelly Baron.”
“In my opinion, he’s as learned a person as there is in the field of alcohol and addiction. Because he’s been there, he knows what people are feeling… what they’re going through. He knows what works and what doesn’t… and has a skill set and patience level that are very rare.”
“The turning point for me was the night I called to cancel an appointment… I was too stoned to make it. Shelly told me that I was keeping my appointment, and he wouldn’t take no for answer. That was the critical moment… either I was coming in, or he was coming to get me. It was his way of telling me that I was done using… that it was over… and it was. I never used again. ”
“In the subsequent years, I personally witnessed the numbers of people that Shelly helped. By being in group sessions, I saw how large his circle of influence was in New York City. And it wasn’t just the individuals themselves, but their families and children as well. It was really remarkable.”
“Today, I’m at the top of my profession, and have been sober over fifteen years. I’ve learned a lot and know that people can recover if they really want it… but they have to have the right therapist, and they’re difficult to find. If someone’s looking for help, the only person that I recommend is Shelly Baron. ”
Steven A.
Visual Display Expert
New York
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“I’ve known Shelly Baron for about a year; it was a friend-of-a-friend kind of thing. As we got to know each other, he saw that others treated me very unkindly, and offered his services. I only saw him for about six months… but he did help me.”
“He showed me goal-setting, and got me fired up to make better decisions. I didn’t always agree with him… in fact, I had a major disagreement with him… but Shelly is a real advocate for you. He is thoughtful and committed, and does want what’s best for you. Shelly sticks to the truth… he doesn’t ride the fence… and he doesn’t waver. If I were ever in a jam, he would definitely get me unstuck.”
“I just don’t know too many professionals that are that successful, who then turn around and help you for next to nothing, just because they know your suffering. He is very generous, and willing to help anyone who’s willing. I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t walked out of there better than when they went in.”
Tira L.
Student
Wisconsin
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“Coming out of a 28 day alcohol and drug rehab in 1982, I wanted to enhance the quality of my recovery and aftercare. I was referred by a doctor to Shelly Baron and began to see him regularly. Since then, he’s helped my wife… he’s been there for my children… as well as other family members and friends. He did absolute magic with a cousin on my wife’s side, and I’ve seen him work with very high-profile opinion and community leaders. He is excellent.”
“The results Shelly gets are far greater than others… and under very difficult circumstances. Addiction is not easy to treat. Typically, within the family there are codependents that facilitate the user’s continuing use. Shelly knows how to work with the addict and their family to change behavior. It’s sad, but not everyone is ready for this… and they are, in effect, making a conscious decision to not get well. Fortunately, Shelly has a way of keeping people in the game ’till they are ready.”
“He’s approachable, compassionate, and intelligent… capable of guiding one through the treacherous process of re-learning much of what was taught to us as young adults. If you really want to make a change, I would encourage you to submit yourself to the process that Shelly will guide you through. This can be difficult, because addicts and alcoholics don’ t necessarily want to hear what he will say… but once you get a little sobriety under your belt, you can do it.”
“Because of what I learned from Shelly Baron, I’ve been able to raise two children… to parent in a healthy way. I’ve been able to be an example to them, and have shared the lessons with countless others. Over the years I have referred at least three or four dozen people to Shelly. I’ve also been able to help some individuals directly because
I now know the formula for being able to change one’s life into a productive and purposeful life, as opposed to a destructive and self-indulgent life.”
“Shelly lives what he teaches… he’s walking the walk. He leads by the power of example, and is always available. He offers incredible access, any time, day or night… and that is incredibly important when talking about the kind of subject matter we are. I still speak with him by telephone on an as needed basis, and will continue to do so.”
Corey R.
Attorney
New York
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“My relationship with Shelly Baron began because of substance abuse issues with one of my family members. As part of the therapy, Shelly has worked with all of us… my parents, grandparents, sisters, cousins… you name it… to educate the whole family as to what we can do to help and support the recovery process.”
“From that experience, I know I speak for the whole family in saying we have the highest respect for him… he’s a trustworthy and confidential counselor who has our family’s best interest at heart. Shelly is particularly skilled at relating to each individual on a deep enough level to allow for a family conversation, exposing the lies and secrets and weakness of will that come with substance abuse.”
“Over time, Shelly has become a mentor to me… providing positive insights on a range of personal and family issues. In terms of priorities, addictive behavior disrupts what most people would see as desirable, and it affects people’s ability to be honest with themselves and others. Shelly has been very helpful… if it were not for his influence, our lives would be very different. Despite the challenges, we are a family that has excelled in many ways.”
“If someone were struggling with substance abuse issues, and they were serious about getting help, I would definitely tell them to call Shelly.”
Eric R.
Student
North Carolina
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“My husband and I were separated five years ago due to an addiction problem that he had. A friend recommended Shelly… she had seen him with great results, and I had never heard of a therapist who said you could call anytime twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. When I went to see him, he offered a couple’s session. The work that he did was truly amazing… I really had thought the marriage was over. After four months, we came back together… and Shelly was a big part of that.”
“He’s straight forward, to the point, and amazing in the hope that he gives. Shelly makes you want to get better… he’s like a father figure, easy to talk to, personable, and extremely knowledgeable. A man of action.”
“As for me, I never really drank… but cake!! That was another story. Shelly helped me with my food issues, and got me to FAA. He opened our eyes to so many things… life lessons… there were so many light-bulb moments with Shelly. I have quoted his words so many times to so many friends and relatives… long after Shelly is gone, his words of wisdom will live on and continue to help others.”
“I have personally recommended him at least twenty times. We consider him a beloved family friend… he’s been to our home, and we’ve been to his. He is a wonderful man, and a wonderful counselor… he is compassionate, and cares greatly for his patients.”
“I think part of the reason Shelly is so successful is because he knows addiction so well… the addict just can’t get around him. I truly believe that he went through all the difficult things he did, so that he could ultimately help other people. Today, my husband is five years sober… we’ve added two more children to our family, and we’re enjoying a life that we never could have had without Shelly Baron.”
Lynn D.
Teacher
Massachusetts
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“Shelly Baron has been a family friend for many years, having treated both of my parents for addiction issues when they were younger. I can’t imagine what our lives would have been like if they hadn’t gotten help. We’re certainly not perfect, but I see friends with families that are so messed up, and I wish they could have what we have.”
“Several years ago I began having problems with a food addiction, and Shelly introduced me to FAA. I have learned so much from him, and have literally transformed my physical health… I feel like a new person inside and out. An addiction to food is very difficult to overcome because we’re surrounded by it… but fixing the addiction changes your life… physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
“I continue to have one or two sessions a week with Shelly on the telephone… and it works very well. In fact, I find it easier than meeting in person, and just as effective. Shelly is one of the most caring people I know… an unbiased third party who really wants what’s best. My results have been phenomenal.”
“I would highly recommend Shelly… and would also encourage people to follow the process. It’s not always easy, but I believe they will get better if they do.”
Casey R.
Student
New York
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“I remember drinking when I was about nine or ten, and it was problematic by fourteen. Was a mess by my late-twenties… liver damage, bleeding internally, cocaine, alcohol, and amphetamines. Went to a rehab at that time, and pretty much stayed sober about three years. But the last ten years have been hell, dealing with pain management issues that quickly became addiction issues.”
“I have been on one or more of the following every day for the last ten years: Oxycodone, Morphine, Flexeril, Restoril, Valium, Klonopin, and Prozac. Absolutely miserable… no hope… and also drinking a couple nights a week. My wife and I have been separated most of the last five years, and totally for the last two.”
“Shelly got involved eight months ago… I didn’t want anything to do with him when I met him, but I can tell you he saved my life. He arranged a medical intervention with a hospital detox program in Florida. The doctors there told me the combination and dosages of narcotics I was taking was lethal; they got me off everything, and then I entered in-patient care for five months at Caron Renaissance.”
“I’ll say it again… working together, Shelly and Renaissance saved my life.”
“I know I have a lot of work to do, but I can also say that I have hope… for the first time in a very long time. I would absolutely recommend Shelly Baron to anyone; he was willing to work with me when every other door was shut. He is one of a kind, doesn’t pull any punches, and has no fear of the truth. There are lots of therapists that want to be nice… want to be liked… and they don’t accomplish anything.”
“I needed someone to take the reins and say… good, bad, or indifferent… this is what you need. Shelly did that for me. I have a great deal of respect for him… I love the man. And the more I know him, the more I like him… he’s one of the most decent people I’ve ever met. Since coming back, I see Shelly once or twice a week; my wife and I also go together, and I have moved back home with my family. I am very thankful to Shelly Baron.”
Greg B.
Healthcare Industry
Kentucky
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“Shelly Baron was referred to us about twenty years ago. At the time, one of my sons had a serious addiction problem, and was struggling with alcohol, drugs, and gambling.”
“Obviously, issues like these affect everyone in the family, and so my wife and our other sons and I were all involved. I would say that the family survived this in better shape because of our work with Shelly.”
“We worked with him for about eight years on everything from what to do about money, to what to do about a roof over his head, to food, to controlling our own attitudes… it was very involved.”
“Our son was in several rehab facilities over the years, so we have had interactions with other counselors as part of their programs. Shelly was vastly superior in his understanding, direction, and clarity about what was going on.”
Alvin O.
Retired
Florida
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“In 1988, I was in New York City… a successful, single, PR guy whose life had devolved into working, going home to a small apartment in Queens, doing cocaine, drinking, and basically hiding out. I thought I could handle it on my own, but eventually it started to impact my career and other relationships.”
“Thank God I found Shelly… thank God I found a therapist that understood alcoholism and dependency. He got me to AA, and made sure I got a good sponsor. Combining that with therapy had many benefits beyond just recovery… it handled a number of personal and behavioral issues that I wasn’t able to deal with previously. I am now eighteen year’s sober.”
“The difference is night and day. I have an absolutely great life… a wonderful wife… two children who have never seen me take a drink or drug. I have things I never dreamed of… I deal well with life , and I’m not walking around covering things up.”
“I have referred others to Shelly, and I will again. If anyone is thinking about handling this stuff on their own, I would like to tell them not to take that chance. Addiction is very difficult; it’s too hard to stay objective. It’s too important. If my child ever came home with dependency issues, the very first person I would call would be Shelly Baron. He is direct, but compassionate… and he’s very effective.”
“I have a great deal of respect for him… for what he’s done for me, and for what he’s done for others. I was in group sessions with him and saw him help many people. He knows how to get to the root cause. If you’re looking for help, this is super-charged recovery with Shelly. He is excellent.”
Paul H.
PR Professional
California
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