​

"I walked into the rooms of recovery on 02/18/13 when alcohol had become a major problem in my life and I was unable to stop on my own. In the rooms, I met people who thought like me, felt like me and used substances for relief the same way I did. I found a sponsor and jumped into recovery with both feet. I was told to 'come all the way in and sit all the way down.' I was told that if I am just 'around' recovery and not doing the work, I will get 'picked off' so I need to get 'in the middle of the herd.' I only had to stay sober ONE DAY AT A TIME. I worked the steps with my sponsor and I had an entire psychic change in my character. I began to do 'the next right thing' and my life got like remarkably better. I became a sponsor and I continue to carry the message to others who are still sick and suffering. The rooms of recovery have given me a life I never knew was possible. If I want to stay sober, I have to continue to work on my recovery every single day, but I never have to do it alone." 

-Katie, Livingston County 

 

"As I child I suffered from PTSD after witnessing a family member commit suicide. Into my adolescent years I found myself in an abusive relationship with a child at the age of 17. When I finally did leave the toxic relationship with my child's father, I found myself hanging out with problematic people. I was always rather shy and when I found cocaine, I felt all my troubles dissipate. For seven years I struggled to quit my habit as it had taken over many aspects of my life. Through the tough love of family and much discipline I grounded myself and delved into gardening. Today I have 11 years without that monkey on my back and life couldn't be better." 

-Michelle, Lenawee County