This September is Recovery Month, and in recognition, we are sharing inspiring stories of recovery from our staff members. At The Council, we know there are many paths to recovery, and that each individual’s journey to recovery must be their own. Whether you follow a 12-step based approach, a spiritual or faith-based approach, SMART Recovery, or something else altogether – we seek to empower our clients to follow the path that works best for them. For the third entry in our series, we share the voice of one of our valued team members, who shares her personal path to recovery and how her faith has informed that journey.
My recovery began in January 1982, the moment I stepped onto a plane headed for Houston. My uncle met me at the airport, took me in, and helped me detox off opiates. I was referred by the Texas Research Institute for Mental Sciences (TRIMS) to attend a Narcotics Anonymous meeting at KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) group at noon on Saturdays. My sobriety date is January 31, 1982 and I have been clean ever since.
There is no one thing or person who has been most important in my recovery. I do know that God directed me to Narcotics Anonymous, the Steps and people who shared wisdom, friendship, and unconditional love. My recovery is evolving every day, all the time. I often say I grew up in Narcotics Anonymous and The Council. I am 38 years sober, 37 years at The Council, 26 years married, and a mother to a 25-year-old. I continue to evolve in my love of my faith, family, friends, knowledge and giving what I have back to others.
I love recovery! Recovery has given me the opportunity to love myself, display love to others, and practice human humility. It allows me to return to what I was always meant to be – someone who lives life fully without the use or dependence on drugs, and someone who learns and practices intimacy, partakes in community and loves God’s kingdom.