Katelyn M.’s Story

• 2021: Voices of Hope

Which Valley Hope location did you attend?

Valley Hope of Cushing

How has sobriety improved your life? What does your sobriety mean to you?

Long term constant sobriety has changed my life in so many ways. I’ve learned how to be an excellent daughter, a caring wife, and a nurturing mother. My sobriety means the world to me because without sobriety I wouldn’t have any of those relationships today.

What is something you found surprising in recovery that you never knew before getting sober?

My whole life it always seemed like everyone knew how to do life except for me. I always felt so lost compared to everyone else. 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.

Based on your treatment experience, what lessons did you learn? Do you have any advice to give?

I learned so many things in treatment. I learned how to set boundaries with people who I needed to set boundaries with. Treatment was a much needed break from life where I was really able to sort out the things that I needed and didn’t need in my life. I also learned that it mattered what I did when I left treatment. My advice to anyone who finishes treatment is to find a 12 step fellowship that you can feel apart of. That’s when the work really matters!

How have you supported others in recovery?

I am an ACTIVE member of a 12 step program. I have a sponsor and I sponsor other women. I also really enjoy service work. One of the first things I did straight out of treatment was I dove straight in to service work. This allowed me to meet and befriend people in the fellowship easily and it kept me out of my head.

Why do you feel it is important to share your story with others?

I think it’s so important to share my experience with others because I truly believe that only another addict/alcoholic can help someone of the same variety. It was so easy for me to relate to people who had walked the same walk as I had in the beginning. It’s almost like they spoke the same language as I did and I had never heard anyone speak my language before. I felt at home when talking to another addict/alcoholic. I still feel the same way today even after 3 continuous years of sobriety.

Any additional comments?

I am so grateful for the staff at Valley Hope in Cushing. Everyone from the kitchen staff (the food was always incredible) to the counselors and chaplain. My experience at Valley Hope exceeded my expectations and really helped me build the foundation that I needed in order to achieve long term sobriety.