Real Stories About Drug Addiction and Recovery

’ I didn’t know I had this body that worked against me. Once I started drinking, I couldn’t stop. If I did manage to stop, my mind told me that I could drink like normal people. During this challenging time, it can help to remind yourself that success is achievable. By reading stories of overcoming addiction, you can find the inspiration to commit to your own success story. Whether you are on day one or year five of your sobriety, reminding yourself that you are not alone can help you stay focused on what truly matters—your health and happiness. I realize that I don’t give myself enough credit. I’m five months sober and I’m also transitioning.

And life is so much more beautiful than the darkness in which you have been living. We’re here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live the life you want. Talk to our recovery specialists today and start treatment immediately. Don describes feeling as though he has finally seen the light and he now feels strong in his recovery. In challenging times, Don turns to prayer and meditation to keep his emotions in check. After 6 months of sobriety, Becki attended Narcotics Anonymous. At the meeting, she met many others in her situation, and she saw how they were enjoying being substance-free.

John C.🥳 6 Years Sober 🤯

I know now that it was the light inside of them – the sunlight of the spirit – that spoke to me. One of addiction’s stereotypes is that it only affects those with dysfunctional families or a history of abuse. But when we spoke with Jules, we learned her story defied those ideas conclusively. “In 2005, I was out getting high and fell 20 feet and broke my back and my wrist, but I stayed out. I told my mom I was going to die from this disease, that it was my destiny. Gina is an outgoing person, hence, her soul that shines through her eyes. Without hearing her story, you would never understand the trials and tribulations she endured to make it to where she is today. People show up, and I’m trying to show up for people too, and be a good person.

Bill used drugs for thirty years from the age of 11. Tell me, and I’ll do it.” First the someone I asked was God. Then it was someone with a list of recovery meetings. And I think positive thoughts throughout my day. I believe this is true because I have experienced it. I harness that power, along with self-belief and courage, to tackle unimaginable challenges. I have confidence and I trust myself now.

Testimonials from real people with real recovery stories.

I found Cornerstone at nineteen, after five years of drinking and eventually drugging myself into countless episodes of humiliation, despair, and physical and emotional wreckage. I kept a stash of alcohol in my locker at school to make sure I wouldn’t sober up throughout the day. After high school I left the state to go to a relatively prestigious college in California, where I continued to plummet deeper and deeper into the throes of my alcoholism. Comedian and spiritual enthusiast Russell Brand is also celebrating 16 years of sobriety.

Today, Mike is four years sober with a career, friends, and a beautiful new family. All thanks to putting in the work and having faith that the 12 steps would work. Terryle was a “functioning alcoholic” who struggled with binge drinking for nearly 30 years and finally accepted that he could no longer safely use if he wanted to succeed. Raised by a single mother, Marc struggled socially growing up, he started experimenting with drugs at age 12, it took a decade before it became unmanageable. From 22 to 40 years old reckless drug use consumed his life before sobriety stuck. If you’re still unsure whether a sober life can be a fun and successful one, check out our guys’ success stories. You might find that you have something in common. Anyone can recovery from a life-long battle struggling against their addiction—if you are honest, open, and willing follow some simple instructions.

My loved one is looking for sober living…

I was taken to the hospital to detox and I did. But I was so deep into my disease that I didn’t ease up on my drinking. That is why Don T is a role model for anyone in recovery. He managed to stay meth-free thanks to 12-step recovery meetings with other people who are addicted to more than one substance. He attributes his success to the power of these meetings. She got herself a sponsor then attended 90 meetings over 90 days. She was eventually hired as a janitor at the treatment center where she first cleaned herself up. Meanwhile, I met a girl from back home with whom I began a relationship during the summer between my freshman and sophomore years.

I was blessed with an extremely good memory. I did not need to study very hard for tests to ace them. By my junior year, I was taking all honors classes and easily passing them, putting me near the top of my class. I had one influential mentor, my physiology teacher, who encouraged me to pursue an education in the sciences, perhaps medicine. My friends were all band members who partied like me. I never had any run-ins with the administration or faculty and did not think that I had any kind of problem.

Seeking Treatment

And it seemed to make things more fun for awhile. Now when people ask, I tell them that it just doesn’t suit me… It doesn’t do anything for my spiritual state, my mental state, or my creative state. It takes from that and I don’t want to play with fire. Facing a potential problem and getting sober is not an easy choice, but for millions of people each year it’s a necessary one. I reached out Sober Home to people who were recovering from addiction and asked them to be involved in a piece about their experiences with finding strength in sobriety. Addiction does not have to be the end of the road — it can actually be a life-changing beginning. After completing residency, I found a private practice opportunity that seemed like a good fit for me. My wife was pregnant with our second child.

The attention I receive on a daily basis helps so much. If I have an issue I can call so many people at Herren Wellness who will be there for me. I had never experienced anything like that before. Both my wife and I needed to see that recovery is possible, that this can happen. I felt like I had no real purpose, and Chris challenged me. Lori and Chris were shining examples of what recovery looks like on a daily basis, sobriety success stories and this was one of the most important things they did for me. I was able to look back at my childhood and see all the warning signs of just not feeling good about myself, not feeling like I fit in, feeling like I was an outcast. I was facing the decision to put some real work into myself or give up. I decided I wanted to give this one real chance. Don feels that he relapsed because his spirituality was missing.

If you’re concerned about relapse, use the contact information on this page to regain the benefits you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Real Recovery is a growing community of sober living homes located in the Tampa Bay area. Our properties are located throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota County). Everyone there has the same goals; stay sober, support those around you, attend meetings, follow the 12 steps, and lead a clean life. If your goals are not consistent with these principles do not consider Real Recovery as an option. The place is clean and was recently updated; giant TVs in every room and all the amenities of home. If you are serious in your sobriety this place is for you.

How can this be my purpose when I feel so unhappy? ” Yet, I decided to stick with it for one year and give it my all. I learned as much as I could in the field and always tried to go the extra mile. Liquor and lipstick – the middle class career woman’s essential purse items. According to the documentary, DUI arrests of women have increased by 30% over the sobriety success stories last ten years. Binge drinking by women is also on the rise. However, if you were to query a woman’s family or friends about her habits, many would not even know she has a problem. That’s because women are more likely to drink alone and keep it hidden. We often receive warm, wonderful letters of thanks from former patients, their families, and friends.

My son, I thought, would solve our problems and bring us closer. I matched in an anesthesiology residency after completing medical school with strong evaluations from my clerkship rotations. I made a conscious decision upon my graduation to stop smoking marijuana because of the possibility of jeopardizing my medical license if I were to get caught. Alcohol easily and quickly replaced the marijuana as I began residency. I swore I would never drink and go to work. I knew that if I did, that would mean I had a problem. 25th 1996 I moved into the Puente House with no idea what my future had in store. At that point in my life I didn’t really care as long as it didn’t resemble what it was like up to that day. I was confused, angry, and faithless and needed a different way to live and a new thought process desperately.

He also credits the help he received from AA for his success in recovery. In fact, he says if he stops going to AA meetings, he would relapse quickly. Celebrities are humans, just like us, and despite their fame, money and cool occupation, many celebrities have gone on to suffer from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. This further proves that knows no boundaries – rich or poor, old or young – anyone can be susceptible to addiction. This is a great option for clients that are in need of continued treatment, but are returning home to be with their families during this time. “I’ve had a really hard time getting my recovery back. I wasn’t sponsoring anybody; wasn’t helping anybody. I was 22-years old, in college, and I thought, ‘I’m not like these people in treatment.’ But I packed up my loafers and my sweaters, and I played the part. “My father passed away with 35 years of continuous sobriety. Even when he was in recovery, we didn’t talk about it.

• I had no running water, phone or heat in my duplex for almost a year.
• Living sober isn’t all rainbows and butterflies.
• After just a couple of days I began to enjoy the energy and good vibes I found there.
• I’m glad I found this place and would not be where I am today had I not.