- Drugs
- Mental Health
Q: Start by describing the situation that changed your life or a loved one’s life.
A: I remember having gone to treatment and to a sober house, but still hurting myself physically through mutilation and bulimia, both of which lead to a relapse that through me back into treatment. I was not willing to get better because I believed that I was not worth recovery and that sobriety, for me, was hopeless. This lead to a longer relapse that ended with me being homeless. By the grace of God and people in the program, I was able to get back on my feet, back into a halfway house, get an amazing sponsor, and start working the program for real this time. I finally understood what true willingness and readiness for recovery was. I was doing so well in my first month of sobriety when I became deathly ill. I learned what true faith and perseverance was as I survived. God gave me yet another chance at life. Early recovery was not an easy thing for me to accomplish, but I don’t believe that it was supposed to be easy. It took real hardships to get to where I am today and that it what strength is.
Q: Based on your situation or story, was there a turning point that prompted the need for change or help?
A: The turning point for me was when I had nowhere to go and no one to turn to without being ashamed. Something really had to click in my head and when it did, I finally took suggestions and found the program and the rest slowly fell into place.
Q: How did you or your HERO get help?
A: I turned to God, the program itself, my sponsor, sober supports, and my family.
Q: Based on your experience, what lessons did you learn? Do you have any advice to give?
A: I learned to never give up and that I am worthy of recovery and love. I am still learning to be comfortable in my own skin and how to handle life with grace. Throughout the rest of my life, I know I will face unbearable troubles, but God will give me the strength I need to get through them. I have resources and healthy coping skills now. I also now that, though there will be difficult times, there will also be wonderful, beautiful moments and if I go back “out” and use, I will never be able to enjoy any of those. I know, “this too shall pass.”
Q: If you or your loved one is in recovery, describe what life is like today.
A: Life is not perfect today, but it is fine, and fine is good. Fine beats being homeless, sick, tired, and hurt every day. I have two loving parents, a wonderful sponsor, a great extended family, a job, a shelter, and God. I know that if I keep doing what I’m doing, things can only go up.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: I just want everyone out there to know that you are not alone, someone loves you, and everything is going to be okay, no matter how rough the situation may seem. There are far, far, greater things ahead than any we leave behind. It is possible to live a life with inner peace.