What was your biggest takeaway as a patient at Valley Hope that has informed your recovery journey?
So many takeaways. Get a sponsor, go to meetings, get to know people, do service work. All of these things combined will keep you sober. Stay connected!
What staff member most influenced your treatment stay?
Karen. She was real; didn’t sugarcoat anything. Her story was scary, yet moving. It showed that we can change if we just do the next right thing. My pastor was also influential. He was the most soft spoken, easy to talk to person; he just had a comfort about him. He remembered every talk we had and that means a lot. It’s like family.
What is life like today in recovery?
It’s a life I would have never imagined. I won’t sit here and say it was easy- it was work. One day at a time is no joke. There’s always your firsts: first holidays, first summer, first meetings. I cried the first 2 years and still do because you’re feeling so much. Never be ashamed of it. EVER! I always hated speaking in meetings because, believe it or not, without alcohol I found I was quite introverted. But as a newcomer, old timer, or anything in between, we always hear what we need to hear in meetings.
What piece of advice would you share with others seeking recovery?
Don’t look back and don’t look forward - just do what you can in the 24 hours that you’re in. Reach out - it doesn’t matter if it’s a good or bad day. At first, I honestly hated AA because it felt like oh man another meeting...BUT how much time did it take spend on our addictions? One day you’ll feel like you’re in AA - a part of it. Not just a seat in a chair. I learned to trust again. You don’t have to do anything alone. EVER!
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.
