What was your biggest takeaway as a patient at Valley Hope that has informed your recovery journey?
When I showed up to Valley Hope, I was scared, nervous and reserved about what treatment would look like. I had never talked to anyone who had been to “rehab” and the stigma of it had me feeling like a complete failure. This was until the first AA meeting I attended the night I arrived. The biggest thing I took away from attending Valley Hope was that I was not alone. There are people like me who have been in my shoes and the weight of feeling alone in my addiction was lifted as soon as I let myself listen to the others in my first meeting. The most influential thing I could say I took away, was the understanding the science of why my brain was holding onto alcohol even when it was killing me. Amazing.
What staff member most influenced your treatment stay?
In all reality every single staff member had their own role to play in my treatment. My counselor was there to listen, and help. The cooking staff was there to make me smile everyday. And the nursing staff was there to make sure I was safe. Combined, I felt like I could truly focus on being present in the program and be completely in the moment for my education.
What is life like today in recovery?
The first day for my 3 week stay at Valley Hope O’Neill, I received news that my mother had terminal cancer. From her diagnosis, to her passing was 6 weeks to the day. So for the entirety of my stay, I was balancing my emotions of gaining the knowledge I needed to stay sober from alcohol while trying to come to terms of my mother’s diagnosis. The day I was out, I went back to Colorado to spend the remaining time by my mothers side, sober and clear minded. She got to see that from me and what I could do moving forward in my life. When I was in treatment, I made goals. Goals that I knew were impossible to obtain if I were to continue to drink. Get married, become a loan officer, and buy a house. Now almost 17 months sober, I am proud to say I have achieved each one of those goals. All of this and knowing my mom would be proud of where I stood today. This is all in credit to the tools I learned while I was in treatment.
What piece of advice would you share with others seeking recovery?
The advice I wish I could tell each person walking into Valley Hope for the 1st, 2nd, 5th! time, is to take the time each day to do more than just listen to the counselors and other attendees. You are there for the time being and you must take from each meeting you are in. Look for deeper insight into your own self while listening to others. This place can give you the tools to succeed but in the end, YOU are the only one that can use them.
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.
