This is an excerpt from a letter written by a Recoveree at the Families in Recovery Program (FIRP).
This was supposed to be a paper about how and why my impulses get the best of me. But I wanted it to be more than just that because I’ve worked very hard on not only managing them but controlling other aspects of my recovery as well.
During my time here and working with [counselor], I’ve learned a lot about myself and my addiction. I’m ready to begin my life. I wasn’t living before and I wasn’t just hurting me… leaving my son without his mother. Being here has shown me who I really am. I’ve learned that my brain can be rewired and that I don’t need to depend on chemicals. I don’t think I would have had the same outcome had I went to a different rehabilitation center.
Finally, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for helping me throughout this part of my journey. I will cherish the memories I made here forever!
The women of the Families in Recovery Program (FIRP) penned this poem about a painting generously donated to the program by Arlene and Reuben Mark.
Our color green IS our SUCCESS
It stares us in the face
Reminding us of when we were all a mess
Yet today, we’re finding our place
The color blue is cold and sad
And we reminisce on our worst memories
But then we realize, we need not feel bad
For it has left us stronger and we gained new strategies
Orange reminds us to do our best
With its beauty, vibrant and bright
We are reminded we’re worth it, like the rest
And to do want we KNOW is right
Yellow reminds us of our future in store
If we want it, we can BE SUCCESS
Some days we’ll want to hit the floor
But we push for greatness, NOTHING LESS
The colors of recovery is our new mascot
If we believe in ourselves we will make it far
We just have to work hard and have acceptance a lot
But for each day we succeed, we’re a STAR
The following poem is by one of our Outpatient Recoverees in reflection of her own recovery journey.
You’re a blessing, an Angel who walks this earth;
Helping us, the lost ones find our self-worth.
You guided me and gently pushed;
Believed in me when no one would.
I’m grateful, my friend, for all that you do;
I’m becoming who I am with the help of you.
Liberations, a place that’s more like family;
A place that feels like home.
A place to unlock my minds insanity;
And Let Go of all I’ve known.
My dreams have haunted and healed me;
They’ve taunted and showed me who I am.
I’ve seen my demons inside me;
But I won’t let them grab me and take my wings.
I paid my dues and I’m finally done paying;
I’m on both feet but on my knees praying.
That I get through this day with one thought in my mind;
– Diane M.
Joy’s Story
The search to fill that void in my gut began when I was thirteen years old. Religion, shoplifting, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and the streets were all attempts to find my place in the world that would end that deep loneliness and void I felt. I got pregnant when I was 17 years old and […]
My name is Nancy and I’m thriving in recovery.
My name is Nancy and I am a recovering addict. I am the mother of the two most adorable, respectable, lovable, responsible, supportive kids in the whole wide world. My clean/ sober date is September 8th 1996 – the day my son turned two years old and the same day I went into detox.