Brock –
“I’ve been battling addiction for 14 years now. I lived with my parents until I was 18 years old, and I became homeless at age 23 for over a year. I lived in a broken home, my parents were divorced and I lived with my single mother. My diet wasn’t great, I was eating snacks, soda, chips, etc. for one meal a day. I didn’t have a job, and I used school as an excuse as to why I couldn’t get one. If I got good grades in school, it didn’t matter. My only little amount of income was selling drugs and other paraphernalia on the side.
My relationships were very toxic, and I didn’t really have any. I never was disowned by my family, but things just weren’t the best. I attended 3 other recovery programs before I came to next level recovery, and they were helpful but they weren’t exactly what I needed. I wasn’t quite ready to get sober, and in other programs when you leave you go straight back to the environment you were in previously.
The darkest point in my addiction was when I started doing the hardest drugs, my friends were dying, my mental health was bad, and I felt that drugs were the only way I could have a small amount of control over my life. After my last time in jail, about 2 years ago, I decided I didn’t have any of the control I wanted in my life, and I didn’t have anything. I lost hope, and I was ready for that to change. I came to next level recovery, and the first couple weeks were really tough. I was scared, but I knew I couldn’t go back. I had to get off drugs, which was really hard. I got on a schedule, I was living alone, and I needed to find my environment.
After a few months I started to notice positive changes, as I began to make friends, and connect with my family. I became employed after just a couple months at next level recovery, and the job opportunities I’ve seen are great! Most of the time I was just in treatment. I felt very comfortable at the house and at next level recovery. I also saw many other people succeed while in the house. Even though I still live at a house, I feel pretty good to leave. I am aware of the dangers, I’m a little anxious. I am stressed about my family, and maintaining my lifestyle I have now. However, I’m confident in my education, social groups, and recovery in general.
The support system I have is excellent, and I feel much better about staying abstinent after leaving. Now my life is beautiful, full, complete, balanced, and equal, and I am able to show up for myself.”
