Recovery is a process. It takes time. It doesn’t come all at once. It’s a try, it’s a fail. It’s a defeat, it’s a victory. Today I’ve been walking in sobriety for almost 23 months. My sobriety date is November 13, 2018. Having the right tools and resources available to me has helped to get me where I am now. Every person that is put in my path plays a role in my recovery journey. Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers has been there for me from the very beginning. I was 25 the first time I went through their Women’s Residential Program at Oak House. I loved it. I stayed for almost 6 months. I stayed sober for 18 months when I got involved in a toxic relationship. However, the recovery seed was planted.

I ended up struggling with my addition for the next ten years. During that time, Oak House allowed me to come back for treatment on two separate occasions but I wasn’t ready. I was really deep into my addiction and I hadn’t truly hit my bottom. It wasn’t until the last time around that I fully surrendered and knew in my heart that if I continued to drink and drug I was going to end up dead or in prison. When I entered Oak House this time, I was coming directly from serving 4 months at NEOCAP. I knew it was a place of healing and new beginnings. In fact, one of my first few days there, I saw the most beautiful double rainbow. According to Google, rainbows signify a new beginning.

At Oak House, I was involved with their Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. I also had a counselor and peer support guided groups from 8am-4pm throughout the week, along with individual counselling sessions. In the evenings we were allowed to go to meetings with AA members from the community. It was vital to my recovery to build those relationships with my sponsor and support group before leaving treatment. I also helped prepare meals and clean during my stay. The structure and routine helped me to feel safe, stable and secure. I spent time learning about my disease and how it was affecting me and my family. I started to rebuild relationships that I had damaged during my active addiction. Eventually, after a few months, I was able to start looking for employment. I began a job and have been there ever since and today I am a manager.

After leaving Oak House, I went on to live in a sober living house. I did 12 weeks of aftercare. To this day, I still participate in LGRC’s MAT program as well as monthly individual counseling sessions. I cannot even explain how blessed I am. I sponsor women now. I am the secretary of my home group meeting. I have paid off the majority of my debt. I am a leader at work. My family is very proud of me. I have a closer relationship with my higher power. People trust me today. I still go back to Oak House to participate in AA meetings with the new ladies (which I love). In sobriety, I feel like anything is possible. I never use to feel that way at all. Over time, I reach a goal then I set another goal. It builds me up and encourages me to keep moving forward no matter what.

Lastly, I just want to say that I know that I can reach out to any of the staff at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers during a difficult time and ask for help. I know they are always here for me no matter what. There is something genuinely special about their residential facilities. It’s hard to even explain. It’s just a feeling of pure peace and happiness there. A new beginning for anyone who wants it.
-Jodi