Story 1:

“I was a teenager when I first used. It started as an occasional use and then it consumed my life. After ups and downs I finally had enough. I wasn’t living, I was only existing in this crazy cycle. After many years I decided to get help and I remained clean 4 years. I was happy and thought I finally had it all together. Then I relapsed because I lacked the coping skills and support system. Again I started to attend meetings and learned the tools to succeed in my recovery. I’m now 16 years clean and love being able to help others gain all they need to be successful in their recovery.”

Story 2:

“In 2014 I went into treatment for alcohol and substance abuse disorder for the second time.  A string of devastating personal events combined with the lack of coping skills led me to relapse.  13 years of sobriety gone!   After abstaining from any kind of mind altering substances for so long I found myself sinking into my disorder and depression rapidly.   My inspiration for seeking help again was my three children.  My experience in treatment the second time around was totally different.  I was older and I had much more at stake to lose.  In treatment I was able to learn that my disorder with alcohol and narcotics can lay dormant for years.  I also learned that the disorder will pick right back up where you left off when you stopped using and progress quickly.  I have learned how to manage my disorder through therapy, a 12 step program, self-awareness and most importantly a relationship with a higher power. Also I have learned that this substance abuse disorder will never go away.  However, if I manage it daily it will stay in remission.”