Q: Can you share a bit about your recovery journey and what brought you to Liberty?
A: I Started my recovery journey back in 2013 and went to rehab a couple time but didn’t take it seriously until 2015 when I went to drug court for some fraud charges. I graduated in 2016 and stayed sober until 2020. I thought I could drink again and was actually ok for about a year until I relapsed after a breakup in 2021. Between 2021 and 2024 I was sober on and off and did an iop until I decided I wanted to drink “normally” again. Then in Sept 2024 I had another breakup. It’s a pattern for me. This relapse really got me spiritually more than anything and right before I was about to lose my job I found liberty. I tried doing PHP only but that last 2-3 weeks and Bridger convinced me to do residential again. I was there 3/14-4/14. Still my new sober date is 10/28/24.
Q: What was the most impactful part of your time at Liberty?
A: The most impactful part of my time at liberty was just the support from the staff. I went to the ER one night and sat and talked with Cody. I had a lot of talks almost every morning with Jerry about my son and my future.
Challenges & Growth:
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced during recovery, and how did you overcome it?
A: The biggest challenge after I got out was my son running away for a week and just the struggles with him in general. The group I was in during iop and the therapists got me through that the most. Utilize that process group.
Q:How has your life changed since leaving Liberty?
A: I feel like I got a brand new start after Liberty and a new outlook on life and sobriety even though it still took me a couple relapses after getting out. I got back into AA and working the steps, I still have my job and I’m thriving there, and I got back into therapy. I wouldn’t have done these things if I didn’t go back into treatment.
Successes & Goals:
Q: What are you most proud of in your recovery journey?
A: I’m most proud of getting my self confidence back and excelling at work.
Q: What goals are you working on now, and what motivates you to keep going?
A: Right now, I’m working with the sponsor and almost done with the 12 steps. Im working on my relationship with my son and building a stable home for him.
Advice for Others:
Q: What would you say to someone who is just starting their recovery journey?
A: My advice would be to stay connected, find a program like aa or anything to keep you connected with other sober people, and if you do slip up to not give up or throw it all away. Also, do iop and gop once you leave residential.
Q: How do you stay connected to the recovery community?
A: I stay connected by going to aa meetings and events, sober softball in the summer, I still go to the alumni meeting, and we have a group me with alumni that we created. And if anyone wants to join just ask!
– Rachel
