STORIES OF
IMpact
STORIES OF
CRYSTAL
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What Sacred Heart and recovery means to me.
Sacred Heart is my Heart, they saved my life and always welcomed me with open arms, they never gave up on me, and I’m so grateful they didn’t. Recovery to me means a second chance at life, learning who you are and what gifts you have to show with the world, helping others and learning how beautiful life can be again, sharing your experience, strength, and hope with each other while lifting each other up. And finding true happiness again. I am forever grateful for Sacred Heart, and love the staff and it’s the best program to start your recovery journey. 
-Artwork is by Crystal, titled Mother and Daughter in Love.
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I am almost nine years sober and a SACRED HEART alumni. I am currently a team member at SACRED HEART, and will celebrate my FOUR-YEAR WORK ANNIVERSARY in July. I am a Direct Care Worker.
I have FOUR CHILDREN. Anthany is 18, Zachary is 15, Liam is 6 and my little princess EIla is 18 months.
I had Anthany when I was just 18 myself. He loves soccer and graduates high school this year. Zachary is a normal 15-year-old and likes anime, video games, and just like his big brother soccer.
I signed my rights away to my oldest boys because I thought I was going to die while in my addiction. I’d rather know they were with somebody than nobody.
I am very happy to say I now have both of them BACK IN MY LIFE. I am invited to be part of their activities. I am going to Anthany’s graduation. I choke up when I say that. So this next part when I say it, you will know how much it means to me. I got a text that HE LOVES ME AND I AM A GOOD MOM. I cried when I read that.
I had MOM GUILT. There was a big gaping hole in my heart created by losing my oldest boys. Six to seven years of them out of my life, but never out of my thoughts.
Now, they are not just in my thoughts. I am so happy to have them back in my life. I now have new goofy teenage boy family photos, memories, and activities in my calendar. I am somebody to them, not a nobody.
My youngest boy Liam is special to me. I had him in recovery. I got to be a mom again with no interruptions, gaps, or mom guilt.
His father died of an overdose. For a while there it was just the two of us. I wanted everything for Liam. I wanted everything I couldn’t have as a kid, or provide while I was in my addiction. My mother was addicted to drugs. She passed away 53 days into my sobriety. It was tough, but I was strong and remained sober because I made a promise to myself to be the mom my kids needed me to be. I was going to break the cycle. I did!
And this Mother’s Day I know all my kids will get me gifts and flowers. I am looking forward to spending time with them and reading all of the wonderful homemade cards that they plan to make me. Being comfortable and able to be celebrated took a while. I know we hurt the ones we love the most. But we can come back, and make promises we can keep. My love for my children was stronger than addiction.
If I wasn’t able to seek treatment when I did, I wouldn't have my recovery, I wouldn’t be alive or be a mother. I wouldn’t know what I was supposed to do as a mom. I wouldn’t have known how to work through the issues with my oldest boys. I wouldn’t be on the mend. My kids wouldn’t look at me how they do now and know that I keep promises, and that I am not going anywhere. It was vital I got into treatment when I did. Sacred Heart helped me navigate through the funding system and never considered turning me away.
SACRED HEART saved my life. It jump-started my recovery, taught me to stop and surrender. I learned lots of tools to sustain my recovery and how to have healthy relationships. Having me healthy means that I can help others do the same.
Giving back is what lead me to work for SACRED HEART. I work here because I get to help other little girls and boys not grow up without a mother. I want to help moms like me get back on track. I want to provide hope. I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for others like me at Sacred Heart. I wouldn’t have my oldest boys in my life, and Liam and EIla wouldn’t exist, and they are pretty awesome.
I have FOUR CHILDREN. Anthany is 18, Zachary is 15, Liam is 6 and my little princess EIla is 18 months.
I had Anthany when I was just 18 myself. He loves soccer and graduates high school this year. Zachary is a normal 15-year-old and likes anime, video games, and just like his big brother soccer.
I signed my rights away to my oldest boys because I thought I was going to die while in my addiction. I’d rather know they were with somebody than nobody.
I am very happy to say I now have both of them BACK IN MY LIFE. I am invited to be part of their activities. I am going to Anthany’s graduation. I choke up when I say that. So this next part when I say it, you will know how much it means to me. I got a text that HE LOVES ME AND I AM A GOOD MOM. I cried when I read that.
I had MOM GUILT. There was a big gaping hole in my heart created by losing my oldest boys. Six to seven years of them out of my life, but never out of my thoughts.
Now, they are not just in my thoughts. I am so happy to have them back in my life. I now have new goofy teenage boy family photos, memories, and activities in my calendar. I am somebody to them, not a nobody.
My youngest boy Liam is special to me. I had him in recovery. I got to be a mom again with no interruptions, gaps, or mom guilt.
His father died of an overdose. For a while there it was just the two of us. I wanted everything for Liam. I wanted everything I couldn’t have as a kid, or provide while I was in my addiction. My mother was addicted to drugs. She passed away 53 days into my sobriety. It was tough, but I was strong and remained sober because I made a promise to myself to be the mom my kids needed me to be. I was going to break the cycle. I did!
And this Mother’s Day I know all my kids will get me gifts and flowers. I am looking forward to spending time with them and reading all of the wonderful homemade cards that they plan to make me. Being comfortable and able to be celebrated took a while. I know we hurt the ones we love the most. But we can come back, and make promises we can keep. My love for my children was stronger than addiction.
If I wasn’t able to seek treatment when I did, I wouldn't have my recovery, I wouldn’t be alive or be a mother. I wouldn’t know what I was supposed to do as a mom. I wouldn’t have known how to work through the issues with my oldest boys. I wouldn’t be on the mend. My kids wouldn’t look at me how they do now and know that I keep promises, and that I am not going anywhere. It was vital I got into treatment when I did. Sacred Heart helped me navigate through the funding system and never considered turning me away.
SACRED HEART saved my life. It jump-started my recovery, taught me to stop and surrender. I learned lots of tools to sustain my recovery and how to have healthy relationships. Having me healthy means that I can help others do the same.
Giving back is what lead me to work for SACRED HEART. I work here because I get to help other little girls and boys not grow up without a mother. I want to help moms like me get back on track. I want to provide hope. I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for others like me at Sacred Heart. I wouldn’t have my oldest boys in my life, and Liam and EIla wouldn’t exist, and they are pretty awesome.
CLARISSA'S STORY
IF YOU HAD TO TITLE THIS NEW CHAPTER IN YOUR LIVES WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Progress.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BRING YOUR CHILDREN INTO TREATMENT?
Separating my family was not an option. All we have is each other so my children would have ended up in the system. I owed them more than that. I felt we needed to learn about addiction together.
HOW WERE YOUR LIVES DIFFERENT THIS TIME 2 YEARS AGO, BEFORE TREATMENT?
Night and day. It seemed a lifetime ago, but not my lifetime. I was insecure at first moving, but the continued support me and my children have is endless. Last year after we completed residential, the kids came home from school and crossed the street and walked right into Clearview. They were used to us living there, so a Clearview staff member brought them home to our apartment.
WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT SINCE WE LAST MET?
The day I went back to school. My science teacher was talking about DNA and I actually got it! My progress is going beyond abstinence.
DID YOU EVER DREAM THIS MOMENT WOULD OCCUR?
No, I didn’t. I had dreams. I knew my heart was ready but not actually my mind too.
WHAT ARE YOUR CHILDREN’S AGES?
Gary is 8, Amanda is 7 and the baby is 5. His name is Xavier.
YOU KEPT YOUR PROMISE AND WALKED THE EXTRA BLOCKS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS IN THEIR SAME SCHOOL, WHY WAS THIS SO IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN?
They felt safe at the school across from Clearview and the teachers know the kids. They know them as my ducklings too. Because we walk they know education is important to us and they value it more. And the conversations we have. To the baby everything is so fresh to him much like me. My oldest said one day “Did you know Obama didn’t have a daddy? Momma he is just like me”. My son wasn’t looking up to an athlete or rapper, but the president.
WHAT ARE THE MOST NOTABLE DIFFERENCES YOU SEE IN THEM NOW THAT YOU ARE IN RECOVERY?
I noticed that as I improve they improve. My kids had learning disabilities while I was in my addiction, now they do not. They got their roles back as children, instead of being the parent they can be children.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF CLARISSA, THE CLIENT?
I have gotten over the reluctance to give open talks. I thought “What if they don’t like me, or what if I make it worse?” Now I am excited to share because I see physical evidence my life has changed.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF CLARISSA, THE WOMAN?
Before I worried too much what people thought of me and whether or not they would like me, like a little child. I should have out grown this, but I didn’t because I was an addict and stuck. When my addiction stopped I became a woman and found out who I am and that people cared about me and for me.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF CLARISSA, THE MOTHER?
My children can look at their mother as they close their eyes at night and know that she will be there in the morning. They actually worry about things that every other child worries about. Recently my daughter looked at me with those concerned eyes I haven’t seen in a while, since my addiction. The ones she used to have when there was no food in the fridge or not making it to school. She told me she didn’t want to wear an ugly sweater to school she got for Christmas. I tried to hide my smile, but I was proud as a mother that this was my child’s worry.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED YOU ON YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY?
I think about all of you everyday and your time wasn’t wasted on me and my children. If I ever get sick again I will not walk back to Clearview; I will run with my kids right behind me!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE CONSIDERING OR BEGINNING A JOURNEY SIMILAR TO YOURS?
It’s not going to be all sunshine and lemonade. Find a higher power that can open your heart and mind. Be open minded. Do anything it takes to get to your recovery. It’s a progression toward a goal that you make and must keep to achieve change.
Progress.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BRING YOUR CHILDREN INTO TREATMENT?
Separating my family was not an option. All we have is each other so my children would have ended up in the system. I owed them more than that. I felt we needed to learn about addiction together.
HOW WERE YOUR LIVES DIFFERENT THIS TIME 2 YEARS AGO, BEFORE TREATMENT?
Night and day. It seemed a lifetime ago, but not my lifetime. I was insecure at first moving, but the continued support me and my children have is endless. Last year after we completed residential, the kids came home from school and crossed the street and walked right into Clearview. They were used to us living there, so a Clearview staff member brought them home to our apartment.
WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT SINCE WE LAST MET?
The day I went back to school. My science teacher was talking about DNA and I actually got it! My progress is going beyond abstinence.
DID YOU EVER DREAM THIS MOMENT WOULD OCCUR?
No, I didn’t. I had dreams. I knew my heart was ready but not actually my mind too.
WHAT ARE YOUR CHILDREN’S AGES?
Gary is 8, Amanda is 7 and the baby is 5. His name is Xavier.
YOU KEPT YOUR PROMISE AND WALKED THE EXTRA BLOCKS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS IN THEIR SAME SCHOOL, WHY WAS THIS SO IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN?
They felt safe at the school across from Clearview and the teachers know the kids. They know them as my ducklings too. Because we walk they know education is important to us and they value it more. And the conversations we have. To the baby everything is so fresh to him much like me. My oldest said one day “Did you know Obama didn’t have a daddy? Momma he is just like me”. My son wasn’t looking up to an athlete or rapper, but the president.
WHAT ARE THE MOST NOTABLE DIFFERENCES YOU SEE IN THEM NOW THAT YOU ARE IN RECOVERY?
I noticed that as I improve they improve. My kids had learning disabilities while I was in my addiction, now they do not. They got their roles back as children, instead of being the parent they can be children.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF CLARISSA, THE CLIENT?
I have gotten over the reluctance to give open talks. I thought “What if they don’t like me, or what if I make it worse?” Now I am excited to share because I see physical evidence my life has changed.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF CLARISSA, THE WOMAN?
Before I worried too much what people thought of me and whether or not they would like me, like a little child. I should have out grown this, but I didn’t because I was an addict and stuck. When my addiction stopped I became a woman and found out who I am and that people cared about me and for me.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF CLARISSA, THE MOTHER?
My children can look at their mother as they close their eyes at night and know that she will be there in the morning. They actually worry about things that every other child worries about. Recently my daughter looked at me with those concerned eyes I haven’t seen in a while, since my addiction. The ones she used to have when there was no food in the fridge or not making it to school. She told me she didn’t want to wear an ugly sweater to school she got for Christmas. I tried to hide my smile, but I was proud as a mother that this was my child’s worry.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED YOU ON YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY?
I think about all of you everyday and your time wasn’t wasted on me and my children. If I ever get sick again I will not walk back to Clearview; I will run with my kids right behind me!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE CONSIDERING OR BEGINNING A JOURNEY SIMILAR TO YOURS?
It’s not going to be all sunshine and lemonade. Find a higher power that can open your heart and mind. Be open minded. Do anything it takes to get to your recovery. It’s a progression toward a goal that you make and must keep to achieve change.
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Britany cannot really say where her story begins, except that she was not always the smiling mother we see today.
During Britany’s lowest moments of her life, she was drinking daily, mostly unable to get out of bed, a horribly inattentive parent, and getting sick so often that it had become her normal. Alcohol was ruining her life.
Her rocky road to recovery began when she sought treatment. She stayed sober for several months, then made the mistake of starting a romantic relationship with someone also in treatment before she had enough time to focus on her own recovery.
The relationship was not a good one, things spiraled out of control quickly and Brittany was not allowed to see her children.
After much abuse, stealing, legal issues, dangerous situations and desperate to see her children-- Brittany reached out for treatment at Sacred Heart, not once but twice. Brittany was welcomed into treatment both times. The second time she took the time needed to heal her body, and to focus on her mind, spirit and heart. Brittany was in residential treatment then transitioned to Sacred Heart’s women’s recovery home. She knew she needed to get better in order for her to be a good mom to Scarlett and Lincoln.
Britany has celebrated 2 years of recovery and was recently promoted to a Domestic Violence Crisis Advocate at a local shelter for women. She chairs NA meetings and sponsors women. She hopes to eventually return to school to obtain her master’s degree to be a therapist or work in another related field.
When asked, Britany says she is humbled, honored and so grateful to be here today. Also, the best part of recovery is that she gets to be a mom, and give her children the very best of her, the mother that they deserve. She is attentive, aware, supportive, and present. She can tell her kids every single day that she loves them. She lives in a Sacred Heart Independent Living unit and has a space where she, Scarlet and Lincoln can sleep safely.
It’s no wonder Britany and her children’s smiles are so bright. Every day they get to be together as life continues to get better and better. They deserved this chance and others do too.
During Britany’s lowest moments of her life, she was drinking daily, mostly unable to get out of bed, a horribly inattentive parent, and getting sick so often that it had become her normal. Alcohol was ruining her life.
Her rocky road to recovery began when she sought treatment. She stayed sober for several months, then made the mistake of starting a romantic relationship with someone also in treatment before she had enough time to focus on her own recovery.
The relationship was not a good one, things spiraled out of control quickly and Brittany was not allowed to see her children.
After much abuse, stealing, legal issues, dangerous situations and desperate to see her children-- Brittany reached out for treatment at Sacred Heart, not once but twice. Brittany was welcomed into treatment both times. The second time she took the time needed to heal her body, and to focus on her mind, spirit and heart. Brittany was in residential treatment then transitioned to Sacred Heart’s women’s recovery home. She knew she needed to get better in order for her to be a good mom to Scarlett and Lincoln.
Britany has celebrated 2 years of recovery and was recently promoted to a Domestic Violence Crisis Advocate at a local shelter for women. She chairs NA meetings and sponsors women. She hopes to eventually return to school to obtain her master’s degree to be a therapist or work in another related field.
When asked, Britany says she is humbled, honored and so grateful to be here today. Also, the best part of recovery is that she gets to be a mom, and give her children the very best of her, the mother that they deserve. She is attentive, aware, supportive, and present. She can tell her kids every single day that she loves them. She lives in a Sacred Heart Independent Living unit and has a space where she, Scarlet and Lincoln can sleep safely.
It’s no wonder Britany and her children’s smiles are so bright. Every day they get to be together as life continues to get better and better. They deserved this chance and others do too.
STEPHANIE'S STORY
MY PAST
What was your drug of choice, when did you start or how long did you use?
My drug of choice was alcohol and cocaine, however I would use anything that was there. I began drinking at the age of seventeen, when I went to Central Michigan University . I started using cocaine at the age of 22.
What do you remember your life being like in those days?
The first time I drank, I suddenly felt that I could handle anything. I was always an extremely shy, insecure person, and with alcohol I was suddenly unafraid. I had an extremely high tolerance from the moment I drank. I was suddenly unable to deal with anything in life without it. When I first tried cocaine, it was the same. It seemed as if it filled a hole in me that made me able to deal with the feelings and situations I was unable to handle. As my using progressed, however, I began to place the using before anything else. My outlook on life was suddenly focused only on surviving, and nothing else.
MY TREATMENT
How many times did you attempt recovery before getting sober and did you go to any other facility besides Sacred Heart?
I had tried to stay clean on my own, and never lasted more than a day I stopped using cocaine for two years, but still was drinking almost everyday. When I ran into old friends I immediately picked the cocaine back up, and it was so much worse than it ever was before. I used more and my life quickly fell completely apart. Clearview is the first and only treatment center I have been through.
Who was instrumental in helping you get into treatment?
The last day I used, I suddenly realized that I was going to die, and leave my 2 year old son without a mother if I did not get help. I went to my parents, who took me to the nearest hospital and dropped me off. After being admitted, I called a referral service who put me in contact with Clearview. It was during this process that I found out I was pregnant with triplets. Terrified, I was sure I would no longer qualify for treatment (I had no knowledge whatsoever of treatment centers, funding, insurance, etc.). When I found out that Clearview was a treatment center for women, women with children, and women who are pregnant, I was amazed, and so grateful.
What was your time in TX like, detox, residential and outpatient?
I was in residential treatment at Clearview for 48 days. It changed my life. It showed me that I was not alone and it taught me about what the disease of addiction is. My therapist was amazing. She showed me the patterns in my life and helped me to really own my part in things that had happened. The staff was extremely supportive. I was terrified at first—I truly did not believe that I was going to be able to be a single mother of four children under the age of three without any family support. But not once did any staff member allow me to give up. They all said that I could do anything I put my mind to, as long as I didn’t use and had a relationship with my higher power. They seemed so certain that eventually I believed them and started gaining some self-confidence. I left treatment in the middle of the night when I went into early labor. The hospital staff stopped my labor, but I spent 5 weeks in a hospital on bed rest until I was 33 weeks along. At that time, I was homeless. I received the call from Clearview that I had been accepted into supportive housing, and so I came back to Port Huron to live. After the triplets were born, I attended Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient, which was again an incredible support for me. With the continuing therapy, I was able to get a strong start into recovery and have a support system that I had nowhere else. I stayed in supportive housing for three years, at which time I moved into a house that is still in this area.
MY SUCCESS
How are things different ? What is your typical day like?
I am a single mom. I am self assured and have a beautiful relationship with my higher power. I have sole custody of all four of my children. Their fathers are no longer in their life, or mine. I am (slowly) finishing my Bachelor’s Degree. I am an advocate for my autistic son. My six year old son is starting first grade this year. The triplets are in the ECDD program in the area school district. My youngest son was diagnosed as autistic in June of 2008; his sisters are developmentally delayed. Having children with special needs has definitely put a different spin on my outlook on life today. However, they are all happy and growing and life is great.
Do you still continue in outpatient treatment, AA/NA meetings, recharge etc…?
I attend NA meetings. I have always attended at least one a week. That is all I can afford, as I have to pay a baby-sitter every time I leave my house. However, I have only missed my home group meeting 4 times in the past 3 years I have great friends in recovery, I have a sponsor and sponsees today. I am continuously working the 12 steps, and also am part of a Women’s Step Study Group.
How do these things help you stay sober?
Working with newcomers in the program is the safest way to insure against relapse. I never forget where I have been, and know that my reprieve from using is for today only. It also keeps you busy! I know that not having a lot of time on my hands has helped me stay clean.
Are you married and how many children?
I am engaged to a wonderful man---we are very happy with how things are right now (we do not live together), so marriage will be at some point down the road. I have four children--Travis is 6, Hope, Faith and Joshua are four.
What would your family and friends say about you now?
That I have changed. That I am officially a grown up! That I take my responsibilities seriously, and hopefully that I have a sense of humor. That I am a loving, a compassionate person who is embracing life today.
MY PAST
What was your drug of choice, when did you start or how long did you use?
My drug of choice was alcohol and cocaine, however I would use anything that was there. I began drinking at the age of seventeen, when I went to Central Michigan University . I started using cocaine at the age of 22.
What do you remember your life being like in those days?
The first time I drank, I suddenly felt that I could handle anything. I was always an extremely shy, insecure person, and with alcohol I was suddenly unafraid. I had an extremely high tolerance from the moment I drank. I was suddenly unable to deal with anything in life without it. When I first tried cocaine, it was the same. It seemed as if it filled a hole in me that made me able to deal with the feelings and situations I was unable to handle. As my using progressed, however, I began to place the using before anything else. My outlook on life was suddenly focused only on surviving, and nothing else.
MY TREATMENT
How many times did you attempt recovery before getting sober and did you go to any other facility besides Sacred Heart?
I had tried to stay clean on my own, and never lasted more than a day I stopped using cocaine for two years, but still was drinking almost everyday. When I ran into old friends I immediately picked the cocaine back up, and it was so much worse than it ever was before. I used more and my life quickly fell completely apart. Clearview is the first and only treatment center I have been through.
Who was instrumental in helping you get into treatment?
The last day I used, I suddenly realized that I was going to die, and leave my 2 year old son without a mother if I did not get help. I went to my parents, who took me to the nearest hospital and dropped me off. After being admitted, I called a referral service who put me in contact with Clearview. It was during this process that I found out I was pregnant with triplets. Terrified, I was sure I would no longer qualify for treatment (I had no knowledge whatsoever of treatment centers, funding, insurance, etc.). When I found out that Clearview was a treatment center for women, women with children, and women who are pregnant, I was amazed, and so grateful.
What was your time in TX like, detox, residential and outpatient?
I was in residential treatment at Clearview for 48 days. It changed my life. It showed me that I was not alone and it taught me about what the disease of addiction is. My therapist was amazing. She showed me the patterns in my life and helped me to really own my part in things that had happened. The staff was extremely supportive. I was terrified at first—I truly did not believe that I was going to be able to be a single mother of four children under the age of three without any family support. But not once did any staff member allow me to give up. They all said that I could do anything I put my mind to, as long as I didn’t use and had a relationship with my higher power. They seemed so certain that eventually I believed them and started gaining some self-confidence. I left treatment in the middle of the night when I went into early labor. The hospital staff stopped my labor, but I spent 5 weeks in a hospital on bed rest until I was 33 weeks along. At that time, I was homeless. I received the call from Clearview that I had been accepted into supportive housing, and so I came back to Port Huron to live. After the triplets were born, I attended Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient, which was again an incredible support for me. With the continuing therapy, I was able to get a strong start into recovery and have a support system that I had nowhere else. I stayed in supportive housing for three years, at which time I moved into a house that is still in this area.
MY SUCCESS
How are things different ? What is your typical day like?
I am a single mom. I am self assured and have a beautiful relationship with my higher power. I have sole custody of all four of my children. Their fathers are no longer in their life, or mine. I am (slowly) finishing my Bachelor’s Degree. I am an advocate for my autistic son. My six year old son is starting first grade this year. The triplets are in the ECDD program in the area school district. My youngest son was diagnosed as autistic in June of 2008; his sisters are developmentally delayed. Having children with special needs has definitely put a different spin on my outlook on life today. However, they are all happy and growing and life is great.
Do you still continue in outpatient treatment, AA/NA meetings, recharge etc…?
I attend NA meetings. I have always attended at least one a week. That is all I can afford, as I have to pay a baby-sitter every time I leave my house. However, I have only missed my home group meeting 4 times in the past 3 years I have great friends in recovery, I have a sponsor and sponsees today. I am continuously working the 12 steps, and also am part of a Women’s Step Study Group.
How do these things help you stay sober?
Working with newcomers in the program is the safest way to insure against relapse. I never forget where I have been, and know that my reprieve from using is for today only. It also keeps you busy! I know that not having a lot of time on my hands has helped me stay clean.
Are you married and how many children?
I am engaged to a wonderful man---we are very happy with how things are right now (we do not live together), so marriage will be at some point down the road. I have four children--Travis is 6, Hope, Faith and Joshua are four.
What would your family and friends say about you now?
That I have changed. That I am officially a grown up! That I take my responsibilities seriously, and hopefully that I have a sense of humor. That I am a loving, a compassionate person who is embracing life today.
LISA'S STORY
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“MY LIFE IS NOT PERFECT BY ANY MEANS, BUT IT HAS MEANING AND PURPOSE… ME, AS A GRANDMA, IS THE MOST REWARDING TIME IN MY LIFE.”
My addiction was out of control, but everything became much worse for me after my husband suddenly passed away on the 4th of July in 2006. Losing him was such a great loss for our family. I escaped by using drugs.
In April of 2007, I overdosed and was found by my older son and my mom. I was air lifted to a hospital in Detroit where I had been intubated. I will never fully know what that did to my sons and the rest of my family. The reason I talk about this is because even after I almost died, I walked out of the hospital with another powerful pain killer prescription. It took me another 5 months until I reached out to Sacred Heart on Sept 11th of 2007.
I had no idea what to expect with treatment or what the 12 steps were. I walked in and met the first staff person, a member of the direct care team, she was kind and compassionate, which is exactly what I needed at the time. I spent 24 days at Sacred Heart, and I have said over and over throughout the years-- they saved my life. The groups were eye opening, along with the one-on-one sessions with my therapist. I learned about the medical aspects and how my brain is chemically different than someone that does not have the chronic disease of addiction. It was an amazing experience.
I said when I was a client that I would be back to work here one day. I felt that in my heart. I wanted to get better so that I could help people. When I left treatment, I went back home with my two sons and I started going to meetings twice a day for years. Sometimes three times a day. I had a lot of family support, but I was jobless, starting over and did not have much. The community of NA and AA was instrumental in my early days, months and then years. It was very helpful that people reached out and asked me what they could do to help until I got a job again. I thought about food for my sons and the necessities that I was unable to purchase at the time. The recovery community really helped me get through that first year.
After spending 4 years really working on myself, I went back to Sacred Heart and put in my application, I was hired in July of 2011. I have been with the company for almost 12 years. In 2016, I was promoted to Direct Care Coordinator and in October of 2022 I was again promoted to the Team Leader Position.
Today, I am very blessed to have a supportive and loving family which consists of my two sons (that are now 34 and 36 years old), their wives and my three grandbabies.
I have an amazing 6-year-old grandson, I nicked named him “Boop”. He is very special in every way. He is non-verbal on the spectrum but communicates fine with those of us that know him and when he says “Mimi” every now and then it melts my heart. My first granddaughter Joelle was born in November of last year. She is the perfect likeness to my youngest son. The newest little fella Lincoln (Link), is Boop’s little brother. Link is a real chubby little fella I was so lucky that My sons Rob and Greg chose me to be their mom. Those three grandbabies are so beautiful and make me extremely happy.
I hear from clients daily how much better Sacred Heart is than the other treatment centers. Clients love that many of the staff have multiple years of sobriety and the recovery support they receive to help sustain recovery. Many come in with not even the basic necessities, like me. And because of generous donors we can help give their children who came in with them to treatment a stuffed toy, and even items for their new living space.
Believe me when I say, it took a village to get me from 2007 to today. I not only relied on the support I received from Sacred Heart but my compassionate community. I know the importance of sharing my story so others can get the support for a new start. I am grateful and very proud of myself.
My addiction was out of control, but everything became much worse for me after my husband suddenly passed away on the 4th of July in 2006. Losing him was such a great loss for our family. I escaped by using drugs.
In April of 2007, I overdosed and was found by my older son and my mom. I was air lifted to a hospital in Detroit where I had been intubated. I will never fully know what that did to my sons and the rest of my family. The reason I talk about this is because even after I almost died, I walked out of the hospital with another powerful pain killer prescription. It took me another 5 months until I reached out to Sacred Heart on Sept 11th of 2007.
I had no idea what to expect with treatment or what the 12 steps were. I walked in and met the first staff person, a member of the direct care team, she was kind and compassionate, which is exactly what I needed at the time. I spent 24 days at Sacred Heart, and I have said over and over throughout the years-- they saved my life. The groups were eye opening, along with the one-on-one sessions with my therapist. I learned about the medical aspects and how my brain is chemically different than someone that does not have the chronic disease of addiction. It was an amazing experience.
I said when I was a client that I would be back to work here one day. I felt that in my heart. I wanted to get better so that I could help people. When I left treatment, I went back home with my two sons and I started going to meetings twice a day for years. Sometimes three times a day. I had a lot of family support, but I was jobless, starting over and did not have much. The community of NA and AA was instrumental in my early days, months and then years. It was very helpful that people reached out and asked me what they could do to help until I got a job again. I thought about food for my sons and the necessities that I was unable to purchase at the time. The recovery community really helped me get through that first year.
After spending 4 years really working on myself, I went back to Sacred Heart and put in my application, I was hired in July of 2011. I have been with the company for almost 12 years. In 2016, I was promoted to Direct Care Coordinator and in October of 2022 I was again promoted to the Team Leader Position.
Today, I am very blessed to have a supportive and loving family which consists of my two sons (that are now 34 and 36 years old), their wives and my three grandbabies.
I have an amazing 6-year-old grandson, I nicked named him “Boop”. He is very special in every way. He is non-verbal on the spectrum but communicates fine with those of us that know him and when he says “Mimi” every now and then it melts my heart. My first granddaughter Joelle was born in November of last year. She is the perfect likeness to my youngest son. The newest little fella Lincoln (Link), is Boop’s little brother. Link is a real chubby little fella I was so lucky that My sons Rob and Greg chose me to be their mom. Those three grandbabies are so beautiful and make me extremely happy.
I hear from clients daily how much better Sacred Heart is than the other treatment centers. Clients love that many of the staff have multiple years of sobriety and the recovery support they receive to help sustain recovery. Many come in with not even the basic necessities, like me. And because of generous donors we can help give their children who came in with them to treatment a stuffed toy, and even items for their new living space.
Believe me when I say, it took a village to get me from 2007 to today. I not only relied on the support I received from Sacred Heart but my compassionate community. I know the importance of sharing my story so others can get the support for a new start. I am grateful and very proud of myself.
BEN' STORY
MY PAST
What was your drug of choice, when did you start or how long did you use?
I started drinking and smoking marijuana at the age of nine. By the time I was in high school, I was the typical “pot head”. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 18 and that was when I was introduced to opiates. Once this became too expensive, I turned to heroin. At the age of 21, this was my drug of choice.
What do you remember your life being like in those days?
When I first started using heroin, it was an $80-$100 a day habit. During the really bad part of my addiction, I was using $700 a day, I was not working and I was stealing from anyone I could. Drugs were the only thing that mattered to me. I was married but in actuality, I had divorced my wife and married the heroin. My step children lived with their father at the time but I would even steal from them. It did not matter who you were, if I could get something from you, I would. My parents moved out of state and washed their hands of me.
MY TREATMENT
How many times did you attempt recovery before getting sober and did you go to any other facility besides Sacred Heart?
I was probably in treatment at least ten times over the course of my addiction. However, Sacred Heart was always the back bone of my recovery. This is where I had the most support and was provided with the most tools. I still have all of the information I received at Sacred Heart. It was so much more than I had received at other facilities.
Who was instrumental in helping you get into treatment?
The first few times I went into recovery it was for other people, my mother and wife but then I started to realize I could not do it for anyone else, I had to do it for Ben. On April 28, 2007, I sat down and asked myself two vital questions: Am I done getting high and what is Ben willing to do for this recovery? I weighed 74 lbs. and was tired. It was time to stop.
What was your time in Treatment like, detox, residential and outpatient?
Due to the Heroin, I had a very bad withdrawal. I did not sleep for 21 days. I attended residential treatment but was considered less intensive so the afternoons were idle which allowed for unwelcome thoughts of drug use. My counselor was great and she provided with paperwork to keep me busy and helped me learn more about my addiction. I spent a lot of time in the chapel just thinking. I also attended Sacred Heart Outpatient.
MY PRESENT SUCCESS
What are you doing? How are things different? What is your typical day like?
I am self-employed and own a car detailing company in the Flint area. I am now a good provider for my wife and step children. I spend my time up and running on positive things.
Do you still continue in outpatient treatment, AA/NA meetings, recharge etc…?
I not only attend NA meetings but I travel around the state speaking at prisons and treatment centers and also volunteer twice a month to feed the homeless.
What would your family and friends say about you?
I again have contact with my parents but it took time to for them and everyone to trust me again, at least the first year of my sobriety. Even now, after 29 months of sobriety, there are still people who believe I have not changed.
What was your drug of choice, when did you start or how long did you use?
I started drinking and smoking marijuana at the age of nine. By the time I was in high school, I was the typical “pot head”. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 18 and that was when I was introduced to opiates. Once this became too expensive, I turned to heroin. At the age of 21, this was my drug of choice.
What do you remember your life being like in those days?
When I first started using heroin, it was an $80-$100 a day habit. During the really bad part of my addiction, I was using $700 a day, I was not working and I was stealing from anyone I could. Drugs were the only thing that mattered to me. I was married but in actuality, I had divorced my wife and married the heroin. My step children lived with their father at the time but I would even steal from them. It did not matter who you were, if I could get something from you, I would. My parents moved out of state and washed their hands of me.
MY TREATMENT
How many times did you attempt recovery before getting sober and did you go to any other facility besides Sacred Heart?
I was probably in treatment at least ten times over the course of my addiction. However, Sacred Heart was always the back bone of my recovery. This is where I had the most support and was provided with the most tools. I still have all of the information I received at Sacred Heart. It was so much more than I had received at other facilities.
Who was instrumental in helping you get into treatment?
The first few times I went into recovery it was for other people, my mother and wife but then I started to realize I could not do it for anyone else, I had to do it for Ben. On April 28, 2007, I sat down and asked myself two vital questions: Am I done getting high and what is Ben willing to do for this recovery? I weighed 74 lbs. and was tired. It was time to stop.
What was your time in Treatment like, detox, residential and outpatient?
Due to the Heroin, I had a very bad withdrawal. I did not sleep for 21 days. I attended residential treatment but was considered less intensive so the afternoons were idle which allowed for unwelcome thoughts of drug use. My counselor was great and she provided with paperwork to keep me busy and helped me learn more about my addiction. I spent a lot of time in the chapel just thinking. I also attended Sacred Heart Outpatient.
MY PRESENT SUCCESS
What are you doing? How are things different? What is your typical day like?
I am self-employed and own a car detailing company in the Flint area. I am now a good provider for my wife and step children. I spend my time up and running on positive things.
Do you still continue in outpatient treatment, AA/NA meetings, recharge etc…?
I not only attend NA meetings but I travel around the state speaking at prisons and treatment centers and also volunteer twice a month to feed the homeless.
What would your family and friends say about you?
I again have contact with my parents but it took time to for them and everyone to trust me again, at least the first year of my sobriety. Even now, after 29 months of sobriety, there are still people who believe I have not changed.
aimie's Story,
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My name is Jaimie, and I just celebrated my first year in recovery. I came from a family where most of the women suffered from one form of addiction or another. At just 11 years old, my mom was giving me prescription drugs for my mood swings and female issues. My mom played the role of being my best friend and party buddy, which resulted in me being turned over to Child Protective Services at the age of 14.
I was placed in a children’s home and was introduced to Narcotic Anonymous (NA) before I could even drive. At 16, I moved in with my mom and younger siblings. I was pulled back into the cycle of addiction.
I became pregnant and five days after giving birth, my son died from pneumonia. I had lost my son Wesley. The following year was a blur of grief-numbing addiction. I became pregnant twice more and would stay clean for a few months, but then end up using again. This pattern continued until I had lost custody of both my sons.
I was then diagnosed with bipolar disorder and learned about co-occurring disorders. I also learned, I was self-medicating. I went through treatment in Sacred Heart’s many programs including, medication-assisted treatment and Clearview, where I found women there who understood me and what I went through, and accepted me.
Now, I am at Sacred Heart’s Recovery Home in Port Huron, and it’s changed my life. I am the house monitor and run meetings, obtained my GED, a 12 step meeting volunteer, NA meeting General Service Representative (GSR), attend to my physical healthcare, and see a psychiatrist who prescribes me the right mental health medications. I am working on reunification with one son and have created a working co-parent relationship that has allowed me to form an even stronger bond with my other son. We all just celebrated Thanksgiving together as a family.
For once in my life, I feel productive and that I am working towards something meaningful. My future plans include attending the spring semester at college for Human Services so that I may one day become a substance abuse counselor. Another goal is to become a Peer Recovery Coach while I work on getting my degree. I am so grateful for Sacred Heart and all the tools, opportunities, and continued recovery and wellness support.
I was placed in a children’s home and was introduced to Narcotic Anonymous (NA) before I could even drive. At 16, I moved in with my mom and younger siblings. I was pulled back into the cycle of addiction.
I became pregnant and five days after giving birth, my son died from pneumonia. I had lost my son Wesley. The following year was a blur of grief-numbing addiction. I became pregnant twice more and would stay clean for a few months, but then end up using again. This pattern continued until I had lost custody of both my sons.
I was then diagnosed with bipolar disorder and learned about co-occurring disorders. I also learned, I was self-medicating. I went through treatment in Sacred Heart’s many programs including, medication-assisted treatment and Clearview, where I found women there who understood me and what I went through, and accepted me.
Now, I am at Sacred Heart’s Recovery Home in Port Huron, and it’s changed my life. I am the house monitor and run meetings, obtained my GED, a 12 step meeting volunteer, NA meeting General Service Representative (GSR), attend to my physical healthcare, and see a psychiatrist who prescribes me the right mental health medications. I am working on reunification with one son and have created a working co-parent relationship that has allowed me to form an even stronger bond with my other son. We all just celebrated Thanksgiving together as a family.
For once in my life, I feel productive and that I am working towards something meaningful. My future plans include attending the spring semester at college for Human Services so that I may one day become a substance abuse counselor. Another goal is to become a Peer Recovery Coach while I work on getting my degree. I am so grateful for Sacred Heart and all the tools, opportunities, and continued recovery and wellness support.
