About an hour west of Nashville in Lobelville, Tennessee, is Still Waters for Men, a 12-Step immersion retreat for those 18 and older committed to living a life free from drugs and alcohol. At Still Waters, principles of the 12-steps of recovery are taught using approved literature, fellowship, group discussions, lectures and 12-step meetings.
The Still Waters vision is to immerse a resident in the 12 Steps. Empowering and equipping a resident with the ability to maintain long term sobriety through practical application of the 12 Steps,12 Traditions and spiritual principled living.
In addition to learning about the disease of addiction, recovery and relapse, Still Waters emphasizes spiritual principles associated with each of the 12 Steps. This additional emphasis on spiritual principles separates the Still Waters program from others.
While at Still Waters the goal is for residents to complete the first seven steps of recovery. Residents will also build their own library of recovery literature based on assigned readings of approved 12-step literature.
The gender-specific track has a main house which provides meeting rooms, offices and housing for counseling staff. The facility also has additional guest houses where residents stay and sleep, with semi-private rooms and private baths.
We believe relationships (the brotherhood) built within the Still Waters community is one of the biggest factors that lead our alumni to lifelong recovery. The spiritual growth that happens on campus, alongside others who face similar battles, form lifelong bonds that can’t be broken.
A typical day at Still Waters for Men begins with a morning meditation, a practice that sets your mindset for the day, practicing gratitude and reflecting on your thoughts. Breakfast follows meditation and then the residents begin their daily, rotating chores.
The first group of the day begins at 9 am followed by lunch at noon. After lunch, the men either participate in a 12-step literature study, community meeting, or are given some free time to practice step work. Afternoon group follows from 2-4, with dinner served at 5.
After dinner, the men attend either an offsite 12-step meeting, off-site activity, or an onsite support meeting. Then it’s time to sit together as a community and reflect on the day in an accountability group, where residents share their intentions and goals for tomorrow.
Amazing experience and amazing place in general. Helped me when I needed it most and still helps me. It is for those willing to take a deeper look at their life. They show you another way of living that’s so much easier. I feared change but have gotten a better life than I ever believed I would, should and deserved. If you qualify to go, GO. It can absolutely save lives. It did mine for sure.
Still Waters (615) 933-5064
Still Waters for Men
259 Red Bank Creek Rd.
Lobelville, TN 37097
Still Waters for Women
1020 W. Sears Rd.
Pegram, TN 37143