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Select a picture below to read a recovery story:
April
Hello, my name is April; and I am a recovery ally. I have a loved one who is a person in long term recovery. Living with a loved one who struggles with the disease of addiction is a difficult journey. I knew little about the disease of addiction and only aware of the “stigma” that haunts it. The more I saw my loved one struggle with the disease; the more I wanted to help, and I didn’t know where to start. I found myself consumed by the effects of the disease. The disease of addiction brought chaos, sadness, and fear into my home. I began to lose sight of hope. When my loved one made the decision to accept the resources available to take back his life from the stronghold of addiction, I wanted to learn how the disease affected my loved one. I began to join meetings for family members of addiction. I read books about the disease of addiction. As he focused on his recovery and worked his program, I began to work my program to bring recovery to our home. Together we both continue to work our programs, we go to counseling together, and the hope of recovery has brought life back into our home. To family members who are struggling with the disease of addiction, don’t lose hope. Sometimes the disease may cause us to love and support our loved ones from a distance and that is okay, but you continue to offer that love and support and be there when your loved one is ready. *He gave me permission to share our photo*
Becca
Hey! I'm Becca. I'm an addict. April 8, 2017, was the last time I put any mind or mood altering substance in my body. The next day, I was arrested for the last time of what seemed like a never ending viscous cycle. I was ashamed, angry, disappointed, discouraged, miserable, hopeless, tired, lost, and broken. I felt defeated. Little did I know, this was all part of God's plan for me. The judge mandated me to rehab and said, “I hope this is a blessing in disguise for you”. I couldn't see how. Fast forward to the present and I know it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I've seen miracles and answered prayers along the way. When I decided to let go of what was holding me back, God filled my life with things that would help me grow. I completed rehab in 2018, and made the choice to stay in Dublin, rather than go back home to Augusta. It has been nothing less than a blessing ever since. Today I have so much to be thankful for: a supportive family, a sponsor, sponsees, a huge network of amazing people I love to death, accountability and independence, a place to call home, a great job, and so much more. Today I have peace and a relationship with my Higher Power! He leads the way, if I let him willingly, and there's a lot less bumps in the road...if not, there's some lesson I need to learn, and God knows, the only way my hard head would learn, is with a few bumps in the road! Tomorrow, God willing, I will celebrate! Thanks to God's never-ending grace, love and mercy. He sent out an army for me, so we could be an army for you!
Calvin
September is Recovery month! Hi, I am Calvin, a person in long term recovery. I speak out about my recovery because it has made me a better man, friend, son, father and grandfather, co-worker and employee. I haven't had the desire to go back to that life since 18 May 2006. What helped and is still helping me is support groups, a network of people in recovery and church family, other organizations that I'm a member of, and my family. The most important thing that keeps me on this road to recovery is my grandson Americus who was born with kidney failure. I see his courage and that helps me find strength.
Chris
My name is Chris, I am a person in long term recovery. I was a street bum living at animalistic levels until I found recovery. Life is not easy but it is way better than it was in active addiction. My family thought I was dead but now I live free...thanks to everyone that helped me in my journey...we do recover!
Jenn
Hi, my name is Jenn and I’m a recovering addict. I was in active addiction for 18 Years. I never felt adequate. Like I wasn’t as pretty or as smart as everyone else. It started out with recreational use because everyone else did it. I soon realized that the drugs and alcohol gave me the confidence I needed to come out of my shell or to not care what anyone thought. It soon became an everyday thing. That turned into years of broken dreams and burned bridges. Along with the drug use I suffered lots of emotion, mental, and physical abuse. No matter how many times I tried to get clean and turn things around, I would always go back to using to help me deal with all the guilt, shame and pain. I hurt lots of people and caused chaos everywhere I went.I was literally on death’s door when God intervened. I was mandated to an amazing recovery facility where He placed people in my life that showed me His love and what a life in recovery looked like and could be. I was introduced to the rooms of NA/AA and learned how to start building a relationship with my Higher Power. My clean date is September 2018. I can wake up today without feeling hopeless and miserable. I am a responsible member of society. I am employable today and can actually pay my own bills. I have my own home. I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to sleep or how I’m going to eat. I know these things sound normal but to an addict like me they are a huge deal. I have a great network full of others in recovery that are not only my friends but my chosen family.There are restorations being made in my God given family as well. I’m actually able to be enjoy them and be a good daughter, sister, and aunt. The things that I was incapable of doing before. They no longer have to worry about getting a phone call from jail because I’ve been arrested or from the hospital because I’ve overdosed again. I’ve learned how to be honest and accountable for my actions. I can set boundaries and have healthy relationships now. My recovery is everything to me. I’m happy, healthy, and peaceful. It’s not always easy. Getting clean was the hardest thing I ever did and staying clean is a full time job. However I wouldn’t trade being clean or my journey to get to where I am for anything. It’s made me the strong woman I am today and for that I’m extremely grateful!!
Kristi Guthrie
My name is Kristi Guthrie and I am a person in long term recovery. Oct 13, 2020 will be two years clean for me. My DOC was Meth and Roxie's. I started meth at the age of 18. I am 47 now. For years I told myself I could control it, until it went from weekends, to days of week, to every day. I went from snorting to smoking to shooting up. I lost everything a couple years ago from my house, two vehicles, my kids, my life. I wanted to die. I was arrested, was 10-13 in hospital, spent 15 grand, gambling, doing things I'm not proud of. Today I have gained so much back and more. A house, a stable job, both my kids back, and the love and support of my family, friends, and fellowship. I never want to go back to the ugly of before. Today I thank God Almighty for pulling me out of the depths of Hell. I came from abusive past, trauma, and the dope numbed all the pain till I got rock bottom and realized I could hit no lower. What keeps me going and clean and free today is #1. I ask myself What's it worth to my Recovery? #2 I NEVER EVER want to be a Picture upon the NA walls of ones who thought they had one more hit, one more relapse in them. Today I am filled with freedom and God has blessed me with so much more in life than I ever knew.
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