29 March, 2019 I am a childhood rape survivor and two-time traumatic-brain injury patient. I am a suicide attempt failure (I am so glad). I don't care what my diagnosis is, I care about breaking stigma and speaking of my recovery. I am an extremely successful secondary teacher. I am a social worker. I am also a father, brother, son, friend, activist, a community volunteer. All that I am is much more than my diagnosis. I am a 59 year old out and proud gay man. I am a hero to many. I am just me. — Mark’s Recovery Story
12 October, 2018 My recovery means that I get to live life and not just survive. My recovery means that I am able to reach out and help others while giving others hope. Recovery means that I get to love and not loathe. My recovery means EVERYTHING good in my life! — Daniel’s Recovery Story
30 July, 2018 I believe Recovery is Beautiful because God loves everybody. We are all God’s children. “Just have faith” in God because when you have faith in God Recovery is possible because with faith the impossible is possible. I gave my life to the Lord when I was 17 years old. Before that, my life was worthless, hopeless, and meaningless. I was suicidal. I didn’t want to live anymore. After I was saved the Lord gave me back my life. I have been recovered. I have been in state hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, mental health centers, group therapy, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, but the Lord gave me back my life. I have been in recovery for 43 years. Bless you all. — Carol’s Recovery Story
23 July, 2018 Recovery means to me: Eleven years of grieving, ten years of disordered eating and depression, a lifetime of love, and turning from surviving to living. Recovery is loving those around you and yourself enough to understand that you are worth it; it does get better, and who knows, maybe one day that hard time, that journey you’ve been through, can be used to help someone through theirs. Together we empower each other. Together we are enough. — E.E.’s Reflections on Recovery
19 July, 2018 I am 29 months clean off of crack cocaine. I was able to start a new beginning in the city of Lima. The path will get better as I try to reach my my goal personally and spiritually. — Gene’s Story of Recovery
27 February, 2018 Recovery means everything to me. Without it I wouldn’t be able to function or have anything. It is the foundation of my life and the basis for all of my accomplishments of the past 27 years. I have utilized 12 Step Recovery programs to develop lasting supportive relationships. Through their love and support I have been able to become an ordained pastor and small business owner. My life is dedicated to helping others obtain Recovery. — William’s Recovery Story
22 February, 2018 Recovery is beautiful because it not only gave me my life back but also my family’s life, especially my parents. My addiction stole my parent’s life and recovery gave it back. I will be forever grateful for that. — Reflections on Recovery
05 February, 2018 To me, Recovery means that I get to live another day with a peace of mind and love in my heart seeking forgiveness and the strength and willingness to forgive. If I can do it, anybody can. My Peers, mentors, and everyone in Recovery that display a positive view to a journey we all must face help me sustain my recovery. Seeing people in recovery helps me because if he/she can do it so can I. — Ron’s Recovery Reflections
16 January, 2018 I am truly alive, the happiest I’ve ever been. Watching the recovery process from day 1 until graduation of the program and beyond. What a blessing! I just celebrated 2 years. I am a sponsor for several girls and I work at a drug treatment center in my hometown. I was once a patient there, and now I get to work there. I get to show them that RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE! — Ashley’s Recovery Story
26 December, 2017 To help others in Recovery I listen, I do not preach, and I tell my story. Recovery is beautiful because my granddaughter’s eyes are beautiful; my grandson’s laugh is beautiful; my daughter’s hugs are beautiful; my wife’s touch is beautiful. I can see, hear, and touch that beauty. THAT IS BEAUTIFUL. — Jim’s Recovery Story
