Recovery is a journey, one that requires support, community, and guidance. At The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota, people struggling with substance use disorders find a path to healing rooted in the principles of the 12 Steps. In a recent episode of Serenity Sit-Down, Father Jim sat down with Rich Murphy, Director of Admissions and Marketing at The Retreat, to discuss his personal experience, the unique approach of The Retreat, and the power of community in recovery.
A Personal Journey to Recovery
Rich Murphy isn’t just a staff member at The Retreat—he’s also an alumnus. Over eleven years ago, he arrived at The Retreat seeking help, having never attended a 12-Step meeting before. His family staged an intervention, a moment that changed the trajectory of his life.
“My family and friends gathered and read letters about how my addiction had affected their lives. It was done with love, and though I was mad at first, within minutes, I surrendered,” Rich recalls.
That surrender marked the beginning of his recovery journey. He completed The Retreat’s 30-day residential program and spent over a year in one of its sober living houses in Saint Paul. Now, as Director of Admissions and Marketing, he uses his experience to guide others through the first steps toward recovery.
The Retreat’s Approach: A 12-Step Immersion Model
Unlike traditional treatment centers, The Retreat is not a clinical facility. Instead, it focuses on immersing guests in a community-driven, 12-Step-based recovery program. The emphasis is on peer support and connection rather than therapy and medical intervention.
“We offer people a practical model of what a life in recovery can look like,” Rich explains. “Every day, guests work through the steps, attend workshops, and participate in 12-Step meetings led by volunteers who are also in recovery.”
This peer-led approach is a key differentiator. More than 400 volunteers visit The Retreat each month, sharing their experiences and offering guidance. The goal is to show guests that recovery is possible by surrounding them with people who have walked the same path and found healing.
Supporting Families Through Recovery
Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts families, too. That’s why The Retreat offers a comprehensive Family Program designed to help loved ones navigate their own recovery journey.
“The family program is a weekend-long experience where loved ones can learn recovery tools that mirror what their family member is learning at The Retreat,” Rich says. “We also offer a virtual option for those who can’t travel.”
The program is open to anyone, even if their loved one isn’t currently seeking help. Families can begin their own healing process while waiting for their loved one to take that first step toward recovery.
A Lifelong Support Network
Recovery doesn’t end after 30 days. The Retreat fosters a strong alumni network, ensuring that guests continue to receive support long after they leave. Alumni serve as mentors, volunteer drivers, and meeting facilitators, helping newcomers feel welcomed and understood.
“We connect people with alumni from their area before they even arrive,” Rich explains. “That way, they already have someone to turn to when they leave, making the transition back into everyday life smoother.”
The Spiritual Aspect of Recovery
Many guests arrive at The Retreat with skepticism about spirituality. Rich himself was once resistant to the idea but found that his perspective changed through connection with others in recovery.
“At first, I told my friend who brought me here, ‘I’ll do it, but I’m not doing any of that God stuff.’ But through conversations with other guests, I began to see what spirituality meant to them. My mind opened, and I became willing to believe in something greater than myself.”
This openness to spirituality, however it is personally defined, is an essential part of the recovery process at The Retreat. It provides guests with a foundation for finding purpose and meaning beyond addiction.
Final Thoughts
The Retreat offers a unique, community-driven approach to recovery that has transformed the lives of countless individuals, including Rich Murphy. By immersing guests in the 12 Steps, fostering peer connections, and providing family support, The Retreat creates an environment where lasting recovery is possible.
For those struggling with addiction or their loved ones searching for support, The Retreat stands as a beacon of hope, proving that recovery is not just possible—it’s a journey worth taking.
