Heather L.’s Story

• 2024: Champions of Recovery

Which Valley Hope location did you attend?

Valley Hope of Atchison

When is your sobriety birthday?

March 29, 2019

What does your recovery community look like?

My recovery community includes AA, friendships within recovery, my co-workers that support not only my recovery but my work, my family, and my children.

How does your community support your recovery?

I have been very intentional about surrounding myself with people who support my recovery. That can be anything from small gestures of saying hi, giving a hug for no reason. The gestures can be supportive like celebrating the wins, celebrating the 24 hours I make it through, and sitting with me when I am struggling. Those moments can pull me from the fears that many of us live with in this disease.

What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t have a recovery community?

Every recovery journey is different. What works for me may not work for you. I have seen far better success with those that surround themselves with like-minded fellows that can understand what the world of an addict/alcoholic looks like.