What was your biggest takeaway as a patient at Valley Hope that has informed your recovery journey?
Structure, like I was taught at Valley Hope, is where I now get the gratification I used to seek from drugs. I think being there gave me structure that I was quite literally incapable of giving and maintaining myself. It felt like the hardest part at the time, but looking back I think that’s what made this place different from the others.
What staff member most influenced your treatment stay?
Monica and Tricia. Amber is still to this day the best therapist I’ve ever had! Krystal is wonderful and introduced me to Joe Dispensa. The staff is incredible.
What is life like today in recovery?
It’s simple and oddly satisfying to not be flooded with remorse and guilt at every moment. I’m eternally grateful to be able to enjoy what I once thought was a monotonous life: wake up, work, family, eat, rinse, repeat. Because it was so severe for me that I truly thought my brain and body just weren’t capable of feeling satisfied by normal life.
What piece of advice would you share with others seeking recovery?
Just don’t give up. Listen to advice especially that you don’t want to to listen to...the things that feel the hardest are usually helping the most. No matter what happens, know that you are not permanently broken and recovery is possible! For many years, I couldn’t stay clean for even 5 days in a row outside of a rehab. Now, I am approaching 9 months clean and free!
People would say things like “be in the moment” and “one day at a time” and that never made any sense to me. I can honestly say that I’ve learned how to do those things today.
In the first six months of sobriety I have restored my relationships with my family and friends, fallen in love with my sober partner, thrived in my career and gotten plugged back in with communities I enjoyed before my addiction.
My passion for reading has turned into a wonderful opportunity of reading for a network that helps others. I am now two years into my volunteer work and absolutely love it!
Recovery thrives in community. Whether you’re seeking help, supporting a loved one, or celebrating life in recovery, we’d love to connect with you. Follow our social media channels, attend an event, or simply reach out—we’re here for you 24/7 at (800) 544-5101.
