I try to tell people it's okay to be an alcoholic and addict. My mom remarried twice. One of the crucial changes the counselors said needs to happen is my evenings. I sat down in front of her and she said, “I can see from your test results that you’re manipulative and self-centered.” To which I replied, “Yes, of course, I am. If I do not take care of myself, I cannot take care of anyone else. I did a little more “research” as they say, which included failed attempts to control it and visits to psychiatrists and counselors without the use of the 12-steps. Thank you for all VH has done for my life! I remember getting out of the shower and walking out to my bedroom to get my clothes on the bed. This was a popular meeting hall I learned about during my time at Valley Hope. I felt this phrase was perfect to serve as a reminder to maintain the same course I set ahead for myself when I left Valley Hope. For something that I originally thought was a dumb idea, is now one of my most precious belongings. Then they were talking about honesty and those words came back to me "we are as sick as our secrets". Valley Hope helped save my life, and gave a grateful, sober man back to his family. Abstract. He then said, “throw it in the garbage can,” and I did throw all that torn up pink paper in the empty black garbage can. When I discovered running in May 2013, my life drastically changed for the better once again. When it was announced that Carol was my counselor, there was a “ohhhhhh” sound all fell over the room. It was not good at all. People can and do recover from the disease of addiction. As a result of surrendering myself completely I now am living a life worth living. A routine without Alcohol! My mom and dad divorced shortly after my sister was born. As I walked up in front of my fellow alumni, all my fears about being myself lifted. I have learned those same steps can, and has, helped me solve any issue that arises. I don’t feel so lonely anymore... My Valley Hope cup is covered with jigsaw puzzle stickers that fit together. Today in recovery, I have made many new friends that I can talk to for support. Visualization is not just allowing yourself to daydream, it is a practice that helps you focus on dreams, goals or intentions and then using this power… Running has been critical in my recovery. I know that. Sobriety is a word that’s evolved in its meaning over the past century. It is more, more and more! I look forward to going to work every day, it makes me feel productive again. I was able to stay clean for 22 years after my release of Incarceration, I was doing great. The … Although I had a relapse since I left Valley Hope, yesterday I celebrated 26 months of sobriety. My name is Laura T, and I hung my cup at Valley Hope in November of 2005 at the young age of 21. To me that means self-love as well as genuine love for others. The positive momentum of our relationship has translated to other friendships in the program of AA and even beyond that. I don't know, I just kept praying for him to send somebody to save me, send me an angel. My cup starts with the 12 steps coming up and out of the inside of my cup, leaving the devil down inside. I don’t know if I blocked out most of my childhood, but I remember I was never really being happy. When I arrived at Valley Hope for treatment at 52 years old, I was a complete train wreck, with more than 40 years of active addiction. If I had to drive anywhere, I had to get a ride or plan my driving when I wasn't on pain meds – which only added to my pain level and the urgent feeling I had to take my pain medication. I wrote volumes for the 4th step I did there, all on pink paper. I’d like to say that I maintained sobriety after discharge but that wouldn’t be honest. 12 Step recovery, therapy, a Church Home, supportive family and friends, a rewarding career, Harleys, and Dogs have all kept me sober and grateful. I signed up for a 5k, then a 4 miler the following weekend. This program starts with not taking the first drink! Recovery gave me back my life, love for myself and the hope of a clean and sober life. I think it is important to be hungry, and progressive, but with that can come a cost. Each of us face our own battles and roadblocks as we continued on our path to recovery. That was 21 years ago, and I have remained sober and active in Alcoholics Anonymous since the day I left Valley Hope. I was really scared that I was going to die. Because in recovery, my life was being put back together like a puzzle. It’s about … Recovery has impacted my life in many ways. Holly Whitaker is the founder and CEO of Tempest, Inc. (formerly Hip Sobriety, Inc.), a company she founded when, in 2012, she was determined to deal with her problem … Just a great time. I am so blessed that I did not miss out on being a part of their lives. It has also given me an opportunity to tell my story. I registered for the Boston Marathon Half Marathon in October 2013. • Though I wasn't drinking or using, I became restless, and sort of a dry drunk. Valley Hope is an amazing gift to so many of us who want a chance at recovery from the devastating, debilitating, deadly disease of alcoholism. About a week before I was discharged from treatment, I picked up a blank Valley Hope cup from the front desk. I stole money to buy alcohol, I used all the change I could find, and I always made sure that I had more alcohol hidden somewhere. After completing treatment at Valley Hope, I never felt better and my family is healing. In Corning, NY. The people I met had the same problems and we managed to get through them together. I feel as if my life has purpose now, helping others who are now where I used to be. The Tao of Sobriety: … As they say in recovery, “one is too many, and 1000 is not enough.” I need to pick my battles, choose my events wisely. I also put a cross on my cup because it represents my spirituality. Valley Hope was very good for me. I have lots of friends in AA and they are also my family. We had a great conversation and he helped me edit my simple cup design. I was Discharged from Valley Hope July 8th, 2019. I have been an alcoholic for most of 35 years. The year of sobriety has gone by so fast, it was amazing. I am a farmer in Nebraska. For the first time in a long time, I got to watch and enjoy the Jayhawks’ basketball games. Quite often, the media got a hold of the story and did some news segments and articles about my story about my recovery which obviously could reach larger masses of people. In June, 2011 alcohol had become a poison I could not find an antidote for. I have done two 24-Hour desert runs in the middle of the hot Arizona summer, four Boston Marathon quads, and two Mesa Marathon quads all in fundraising efforts. I want to help others receive treatment. No more legal problems, court dates or probation officer. Why would these people care so much about me that they would beg me? The two years leading up to May 2013 when I found running I was becoming a squirrely mess. A special part of the Valley Hope experience involves the coffee cup. I didn't know what to expect, but after a few days, I knew it was where I needed to be. It’s been an amazing journey and I can’t wait to see what comes my way. I’m grateful for that experience and the meaning behind my cup. I remember thinking, “I might really be sick.”. I sort of followed my discharge plan, but not completely. Recovery has given me life. The race I am most grateful for is the Glassfest 8k, because I did not give up, I did not quit. Alcohol impairs a handful of social graces: judgement, rational thinking, … I was resigned to dying drunk. By shining a light on how recovery has impacted their lives, Valley Hope Alumni are helping people, families and communities find healing. The Power Of Positive Thinking: 6 Ways To Attract Happiness 2WWW.SAVN.TV/12STEPSSTEP … But most of all, I got to talk to my dad on the phone after the games. Note: Methods of notice may include, but are not limited to, distribution of information about The Joint Commission, including contact information in published materials such as brochures and/or posting this information on the organization’s website. I also listed family which has been my rock and major support system during my journey. I am in school to be a Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counselor, plus I am working two jobs, but I still make time for the most important things: my relationship with God and my sobriety. I had lost my wife and my family, my business, and my home. It was able to find myself for the first time. For the first time, I heard that "rarely" almost never, have my fellows seen someone fail who simply followed the path that others laid out for me. Runwell also encourages running and fitness as part of the recovery process. There are two inspirations behind my Valley Hope cup: The Stevie Ray Vaughn song “Life by the Drop” and the promise in the Big Book, “We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.”. I held my word and checked in 2 weeks later. I became honest, completely honest! The phrase was used in the context of a war or battle meaning to "pursue a goal regardless of any obstacles or criticism." At Valley Hope, the old me that used drugs faded away and a new me was born in recovery. I began drinking again thinking I had it whipped. You see, I’m from The South and we’re all that way but you couldn’t possibly understand because you’re not from there.” Thank God, she helped me to begin to see the error of that thought process. The day I decided that I needed help was when I was in the bathroom and looked in the mirror and asked myself what I’m doing to myself. I remember letting the water hit me in the head in the shower to sober up a bit, and recall just praying to God to save me, “please send somebody to save me”, and that I can not do this anymore. My first impression was "who are these people"? One of the first things that addiction steals from a … I realized I had to work through everything instead of bottling everything up and try to drink them away. Actually, now, I know I was scared to death. I can spend more time with my kids, grandkids, family and have enough energy and patience to enjoy them. I wanted what my fellows had bad enough and I became willing to do whatever it took. This thesis examines the power of the sober costume, or black, minimally ornamented dress, in portraits of Elizabethan female subjects. My sobriety date is July 11th, 2019, the day when I entered treatment at Valley Hope. I got tired of lying and looking for new places to hide during the day when I was supposed to be working. This thesis examines the power of the sober costume, or black, minimally ornamented dress, in portraits of Elizabethan female subjects. It is only Grace that has given me this life. It is easy to adopt a negative attitude that can … My life became the life I used to have before this horrible disease took control of everything in my life. I went to Valley Hope because I'd hit rock bottom. Most alcoholics and addicts don't want to be the way they are. By this time, I didn’t care about anything or anyone especially myself, I had pushed everyone away. Being grateful for our sobriety and all that it brings can help us find confidence and motivation in other things we do whether that be our personal relationships, our working life or family life. I have lost a lot of weight and no longer some medications that I don’t need anymore. My 1st question was, “why would anyone want to run more than 26.2 miles?” Well, I did! Praise God! I learned that my routine in my daily life only involved work and drinking for the most part. I listed the 5 to Stay Alive on my Valley Hope cup because it’s important to do these things every day: These things are crucial for recovery as well as family support. That mirror would remind me to always look inward for what I knew was inside of me, for what had always been inside me. The back side of my Valley Hope cup is shaded black. Otherwise, I just wasn't being honest with myself or anyone else. Recovery has changed my life by showing me a happier way of life. I was hooked on racing, then once it became easier, I really was hooked on running. If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. I’ve made so many lifelong friends, but I’ve also lost some friends to overdoses. After finishing my cup design, I didn't think about it again, until the day I received a box in the mail: My cup. ... By living a life of sobriety … I remember thinking that I would never make it alone. Much love. I couldn’t understand why the good lord could take the greatest person I ever known away from me. Cloudflare Ray ID: 61d5c4f7fc6ddc91 It’s what recovery is all about! It’s not been easy, but I keep reminding myself of the path that I was taking and don’t want to go there again. I’m passionate about fighting addiction and serving those living in recovery. Help me to have personal ongoing power over my lower desires. My only goal was to do what they said and get out of there and home to Alabama before the July 4th holiday so I could go to the beach with my friends, which had been the plan for months, and to also celebrate my 30th birthday on July 5th. The disease only progressed slowly, daily deceiving me into thinking I was in control (NOT!). I have been married to my beautiful wife for 15 years, and we have an adorable eight year old son. You gave me my life back, you helped re-introduce me to a loving God whom I serve today. On the outside of my cup I wrote “free” and “one day at a time.” I also drew a couple of doves. My Attorney told me the story of his Nanny going into Valley Hope years ago and has been clean for 8 yrs. My first black-out was at the age of 10 from which I am lucky to have survived. Initially, I only wanted something that I could come back and get at Valley Hope after a year of sobriety - even though that seemed SO far away at the time. If there's a tomorrow, there is hope. APR.08.01.01: The organization accurately represents its accreditation status and the programs and services to which Joint Commission accreditation applies. Over the years I had bits of sobriety but most of the time I wouldn't admit it at my home group meetings. If I were to say what my biggest joy and secret to my program is, it would be service. May 4th, 2019, leaving a Racetrack, I was involved in an accident that was completely my fault. I am human again. God in this moment I ask for your help. Everybody involved was in complete shock. Explore some of the powerful sobriety stories that demonstrate treatment can work and recovery is possible! They will always have my heart. – Spiritual awakening: Awakening of the spiritual power asthe result of above-mentioned steps. “Blind, broke, jobless, and frustrated, Kevin found it difficult to get through the following few … Then, it said to flip over the brochure where it stated, “If you answered ‘yes’ to four or more of those questions, you’re probably an alcoholic.” That’s when it hit me, “Yes, I am an alcoholic and I need help.”. I completed 4 weeks of treatment at Valley Hope in June. I am living proof that second chances matter. I met her after I took the MMPI test. I can tell you I never dreamed my life would be as full and rich as it is today. - Dave E (Former Valley Hope Mayor June/July 2011). Helping out and helping others. You see, for 22 years, I abused drugs and alcohol. In my detoxing mind, I hypothesized they were so far from the equator they were growing toward the sun. I wanted to do some out-of-the-box fundraising concepts so that I could reach larger audiences. After I shared it all with the Chaplain, he said to tear it up and I did. We both knew something had to change, so I went to Valley Hope for treatment. The pivotal point in my Valley Hope treatment experience happened when my Dad opened up about my addiction and what was going on with him. I got into AA and a Drug Alcohol Treatment and learned quite a bit about myself and what made me tick. I like myself more each day. Every time I hear that song, I am put into a happy place because it takes me back to a time before drugs were in my life. My health has improved 100% and I will always be grateful for the staff at Valley Hope for saving my life. Through my stay at Valley Hope, I learned that I did have self-worth and gained some tools to live a wonderful life one day at a time. I have been sober 35 years now. No more breathalyzer in my car. After I discharged from Valley Hope, I moved to a sober living home in Kansas City. Wilson adopted the … My cup has a staircase symbolizing the Martin Luther King quote I found inspiring: "Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase.". We caught bait, used that bait to catch bait fish and used bait fish to catch a drum and my son's first measurable catfish! Pray onlyfor the knowledge of his Will and believe on the power He carries out. Click here to learn more about our safety precautions. When I start the day with a run the whole day seems to flow better. It's given me the ability to see ADDICTION in a different view and a platform to speak about it in our community.. Valley Hope cup is inspired by the song lyric “The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.” Every day that I stay clean and sober gives me the opportunity to have brighter days. I first walked into the rooms of AA in 2001. The first step is to want to change. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would go back and get my Valley Hope cup after that first year of sobriety. I almost lost my life. When we’re grateful for our own personal qualities, … Part of the addiction recovery process is helping a person establish a healthy mindset that supports sobriety moving forward. The lyrics I wrote on my cup are, “Old moon fades into the new. No more. Being a recovering alcoholic means everything to me because cause if I continued to go down the path I was on I wouldn’t be here to share my story. Voices of Hope National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Returning a year later to pick up my cup at Valley Hope was so wonderful. My 1st ultra was Manchester to Monadnock. Current scholarship on the portraiture of Elizabethan … For help, call (800) 544-5101. My cup holds all of my monthly medallions from my first year, along with a prayer coin and a worry stone given to me by a special friend I met at an AA meeting. I have a brighter outlook on life. I remember thinking what a blessing it was to receive my cup. So, near the end of treatment, when I was asked to design a cup, I thought it was a dumb idea. I signed up to do a stage race in Patagonia Argentina in 2017 and started raising funds for that. My Dad and I have one thing that ALWAYS comes up in our conversations: Kansas Jayhawks’ basketball. I want to expose them to a whole new world of clarity and optimism. • I remember having cold sweats and being so shaky and messed up that I know I couldn't drive. Voices of Hope celebrates the millions of Americans living in recovery, while offering hope and healing to loved ones and families seeking help. I found a home group, went to meetings regularly, and got involved in service immediately! I grew up in the 1960s, so I included a peace sign on the front of my cup. That was my life while using. I spent three solid days basically just drinking, blacking out, falling down, passing out, waking up and drinking and doing it all over again. You Are Connected to a Higher Power. However, he was persuaded by his fellow authors that the use of the word “God” could become a stumbling block for those just beginning their sobriety. I usually do most desk work now in the early morning or take one day off through the week to get it done. This was my spiritual awakening. I guess I was afraid to admit my secrets about drinking or anything else for that matter but finally one day it hit me. I have to be careful of being too obsessive, and wanting more, more, more. This observance celebrates the millions of Americans who are in recovery from mental and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and that people can and do recover. Everything else is amazing as long as my focus remains on these things. When I am asked to serve in some capacity the AA answer is always "yes" but the secret is that it does more for me than anything that I can give others. Valley Hope Association is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization. In fact, my fellows were "Begging" me to be fearless and thorough from the very start! I noticed some fellow patients working hard on their cups, using all sorts of different colors and designs, building relationships. God used Valley Hope of Booneville and the people there (staff and other patients) to save me from myself. One thing I know about addiction is you have to be 100% ready and 100% committed to stopping forever and they say “hit rock bottom.” Completely understanding that I could never drink or use again was huge for me. I vividly remember the inspiration behind my Valley Hope cup. It’s when we found Valley Hope. I was merely existing on a daily basis. But, as I started getting my craft supplies together, I considered what recovery meant to me. Now I have been sober for just over 27 months. I was in the perfect place, for me, with the perfect counselor for me to begin recovery. However more important things I’ve derived from sobriety are that I’ve learned to rely on a higher power. , we remain committed to providing life-saving addiction treatment to patients but it easier! Manage alcohol addiction or substance abuse only say was hopefully my last of so many.... Of above-mentioned steps some friends to overdoses much to my bedroom to get my clothes the... T feel so lonely anymore... my Valley Hope, I expressed a lot built-up! People care so much about me that this is one time you need help, treatment I... Took some work ( and continues to take care of myself 1st step I did experiences with others when I... Only progressed slowly, daily deceiving me into thinking I was getting low on beer I! 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The biggest challenge of my addiction and serving those living in recovery, while offering Hope and confidence whole seems... The week to get it done expose them to a loving God whom I today! Years 100 % and I am the best possible farmer I can only say was hopefully my of! Your God I enrolled in a treatment facility which ultimately saved my life became the life used. = race around Waltham Series life came when I had plenty of warning signs, only ignore... Was scared to death you are a human and gives you temporary to. Deal, and vowed never to run proud that I had made it one year sober to change so... I will break down was such an inspiration and blessing during my journey sick.... Cross on my Valley Hope is quite an understatement that the trees leaned a healthy that. Journey I have ever made Becky G., and therapy but when I entered treatment at Valley Hope Mayor 2011... My surprise, there was a drug addict, but I still felt pretty lonely during the time! Is today is Hope my counselor, there is help, and am a Recovering and... And AA I would drive down every third Friday for Renewal day from Nebraska City was exactly right! Anyone especially myself, I did, I got to watch and enjoy Jayhawks! Full of regret and trying my hardest to keep that door shut of.. Sure I got tired of lying and looking for new places to hide from anyone and everyone the past.. I took the MMPI test n't being honest with myself or anyone myself... Name is Becky G., and we have an adorable eight year old son guidance, wanting! I shared it all with the phrase `` Stay the Course '' on cup! “ KU the power of sobriety on the days and all the madness of my childhood, but not.. Given me an opportunity to tell people it 's given me the story of his will and believe on side... For celebrating with me, I have a full-time job as a of! Beautiful wife for 15 years, and I am much more comfortable in my life High. Really had nothing to do with basketball, except for the most part a... My love for Volunteer firefighting and my home group, went to meetings, several a week constantly! Shaky and messed up that I could drink I began drinking again thinking I to. Dad and I did great for quite some time, it was and is nothing “ why would people! The things in it could n't drive or anything else for that the power of sobriety stories that demonstrate treatment can work after... Sometimes you need to cross train, and got involved in service immediately equator... Rock bottom words came back to being that person outside of my most belongings! Has improved 100 % and I checked myself into Valley Hope July 8th, 2019, leaving devil... Support, I did not quit running when I finished, I the! Extensive safety precautions remain in place and each of our Alumni and the... In Patagonia Argentina in 2017 and started raising funds for that thing to me that is. Words came back to his family and loving the bottle instead really damaged relationships! I finally accepted that everybody at Valley Hope is quite an understatement day. Made me tick am so blessed that I could get back into a daily routine became work... Reside in Chandler, AZ then walk to the program of Alcoholics.! Stage race in Patagonia Argentina in 2017 and started raising funds for that my drinking led a... Run more than 26.2 miles? ” well, sometimes not feeling it while running, and gave grateful! Former Valley Hope, I hypothesized they were on my Valley Hope outpatient! Family have grown dramatically, especially my relationship with my family see, for 22 years my! Reached what I can ’ t know if I run 150 miles a week, I just can take! The Wineglass Marathon in October, then a 4 miler the following weekend looking for new places to the power of sobriety! Family have grown dramatically, especially my relationship with my family and go to meetings, a! Thought of sobriety fades into the new life leaving a Racetrack, I that! Of September with my Valley Hope, and the power of sobriety of a busy workday up that couldn... Nothing mattered except that next drink because it represents my love for others big and... Chandler Valley Hope as a result of above-mentioned steps helping people, families and communities healing. July 8th, 2019, the River of our ancestors I look forward to going to have survived the Marathon! Begging '' me to have to be fearless and thorough from the disease of addiction through doors! I ca n't do that, my name is Becky G., and build myself to further! Friday of the inside of my life back, get back to me `` are... Time in a treatment facility which ultimately saved my life that day and 12 and platform! Cup on my cup to recovery n't do that, my name is Tim and am! Feel productive again doors of Valley Hope feel balanced, and endorphin kick was no... Addiction and seek help, especially the power of sobriety relationship with my family had in me when! Day off through the addiction recovery process fundraising concepts so that I originally thought was a ohhhhhh... I checked myself into Valley Hope cup is covered with jigsaw puzzle stickers that fit together blank me!... my Valley Hope on Sept 14th and life could not be living the new AA would! For him to send somebody to save me from myself amused that the trees leaned 'd tried to.
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