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The Retreat: Minnesota Recovery Programs
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The Great Fact and the New Year

The Great Fact and the New Year

by John MacDougall | Apr 27, 2026 | 12 Step Program, AA Meetings, Alcohol Addiction, Alcoholics Anonymous, Gratitude

I was never one to make New Year’s Resolutions, nor did I celebrate New Year’s Eve. I derided New Year’s Eve as “Amateur Night”; a time when non-serious drinkers drank too much and were sick the next day. This year seems different, because I am old, and my wife,...
  • The Great Fact and the New Year
    by John MacDougall
  • Black and white photo of a support group session indoors with diverse participants.
    I’d rather be a cause of the future than a result of the past
    by John MacDougall
  • Unrecognizable ethnic male client with hands clasped sitting on sofa near blurred female therapist during psychotherapy appointment in cozy office
    Sponsorship in Recovery: A Lifeline of Support and Accountability
    by Major John Donovan, contributing blog writer
  • A multicultural group of people participating in a supportive therapy session indoors, fostering diversity and discussion.
    An Army of One vs A Program of We
    by Major John Donovan, contributing blog writer
  • tilt shift lens photography of man standing near body of water
    Why Getting Sober at 30 Changed My Life
    by Alex Curtiss M.A.
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Our Misson

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and drug dependency by providing affordable, effective educational services grounded in the Twelve Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

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*The Retreat is a supportive, educational recovery program and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical, or clinical treatment.

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Phone: 952-476-0566
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Address:  1221 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata MN 55391

 

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