- Alcohol
- Friends & Family
Submitted by: Susanne Johnson
Although I’m not struggling with a substance use disorder or mental health condition, I work in the industry as a program coordinator for the leader in workshops focusing on balanced living. Our workshops aim to give people therapeutic and personal growth experiences. Most of our clients are either in recovery or just simply at a point in their life where they need assistance to develop further, live a more centered life, reach milestones or overcome trauma.
I love my work. I often remember my grandfather, who entered recovery from alcohol after he received help from a treatment center. Treatment really turns life and relationships around. Recovery has been a very positive thing in his life; so for me, it’s an honor to partner with people who are working hard on themselves. My grandfather was able to turn his entire life around through treatment and a 12-step program. He had to make some tough choices in the beginning, but it worked out for the best in his life.
My grandfather was struggling with his addiction even before I was born. While I was growing up, it was hard to see my mom deal with it all before he found recovery. We are all glad to have him around today and thankful that recovery turned his life around.
Everybody deserves love, and I’m happy to be part of a team that provides that to those who were fighting and struggling for many, many years. My work brought me to the Heroes in Recovery 6K run in Leiper’s Fork, near Nashville, TN. It is a beautiful place to enjoy a day outdoors as a huge family of those who recovered and others that cared.
My advice to others is to keep looking forward as you fight through it. You are not alone. You are loved and you are cared about. Maybe you just haven’t met that special person yet. There are many people waiting for you to love you and support you in any way they can. All you need to do is reach out for help.