Men's Program

A Vision is Realized

More than half a century ago, Austin Ripley founded Guest House – with what at the time was a revolutionary mission – to treat religious and clergy who suffer from alcoholism.

Ripley believed it was essential to treat chemical dependency in an atmosphere which affirms the special nature of the priesthood and religious life. He also knew that the most effective treatment should use the 12- Step recovery program of Alcoholics Anonymous in order to treat a disease which is physical, spiritual and emotional.

Time has proved Austin Ripley right. Since its beginning, Guest House has been the means for more than 7,000 priests, deacons, brothers and seminarians to be released from the ordeal of active alcoholism and drug dependency and many maintain sober and productive lives.

Studies have shown that more than 90 percent of those who undergo primary treatment at Guest House are still abstinent after 24 months.

Guest House provides a special community atmosphere for men suffering from addiction. It demonstrates that they are not alone and that recognition of their dependency should not be a source of shame but rather the first step toward resumption of happy and purposeful lives.

Guest House is proud of its history of services and of its commitment to the priesthood, religious life, and to the Catholic Church.