How can I put into words something that can only be experienced? It takes my breath away to think of where I was two years ago. I seem to start reflecting on where I’ve been and where I’ve come as sobriety birthdays approach.

And I’m not just talking about substance abuse. People from all walks of life find recovery from many afflictions – gambling, sex, eating disorders etc. Only they know the gut-wrenching hopelessness that arrives in addiction’s death grip. Only they know the indescribable joy that comes from triumph in the face of certain tragedy.That makes the word “recovery” so applicable to what we endure. When weather disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes happen, obliterated towns pick up the pieces, rebuild and commence on the road to recovery. Substitute a hurricane with addiction, the town for my personhood and you’ve got the perfect analogy of recovery.I remember riding in the car one day with a drug dealer. Not something I’m particularly proud of, but it happened frequently in active addiction. In the course of conversation, he casually mentioned that a man he sold heroin to overdosed and died. The words rolled off the dope dealer’s tongue as casually as someone talking about the weather. It was incredibly disturbing.

In that moment, I knew if I continued navigating heroin’s dark alleys, I’d be the dead man in a drug dealer’s causal conversation. And nothing more.Even heroin couldn’t pacify the emptiness I started to feel. It was my own personal zombie apocalypse. I consumed everything I held dear like a brain-thirsty walker. When I finally reached out for help, there wasn’t much left.

Maybe you never used heroin. Or alcohol. Or marijuana. Or cocaine. Or methamphetamine. Maybe you gambled compulsively. Maybe you used sex like a drug, constantly chasing the next partner to satisfy an insatiable appetite. Perhaps it was an eating disorder, where you constructed a fairytale body image and starved yourself in order to attain it.

It really doesn’t matter. All of us used something to control the way we felt. It became normal for us. Yet we knew, deep down, something was disturbingly wrong.Then the transformation happened, usually at an impasse of death and dire consequence. We finally faced the fact that life was no longer worth living like this. Change wasn’t chosen, it was necessary for our survival.

So we set about on a path of uncertainty. We weren’t sure who we’d become, who our friends would be or what life would look like. Resistance conspired with doubt to sidestep any progress. Old thoughts returned frequently, dancing with the temptation of a cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.

But they were there to guide us – the people who walked through the same despair and fear to find recovery. They showed up to show us the way, and we listened. We followed their suggestions, despite how irrational they sounded.

Days slowly turned into months, and months turned into years. Through the principles contained in recovery, put in practice with the guidance of compassionate individuals, we rebuilt our lives. Our innate talents emerged like a phoenix rising from the ashes. In our wildest dreams, we never thought a life like this possible.

That is where we stand today. It wasn’t easy, but dammit, it was worth it.What recovery means to me isn’t just hope. Recovery means an entire transformation of my life from top to bottom. In the process, I receive the greatest gift of all – the honor of helping others revolutionize their attitude and perspective, both internally and externally.

Recovery is contagious. You can’t help being affected when it surrounds you. That’s why it’s so important to stay close to the people who radiate recovery. I need them. And they need me.

What recovery means to me isn’t just love. Recovery means an altruistic affection that transcends traditional conceptions of love. Where else can you walk into a room completely broken and find men and women ready to walk with you on the road to redemption?What recovery means to me isn’t just perseverance. When a person has been biochemically altered to literally require a substance to feel normal, yet decides to walk away from the very thing that was more important to them than food and water, that’s something else altogether. The word “perseverance” doesn’t do it justice.

But above all else, recovery is an experience – something that can only be lived. You can see it behind the eyes of those who pass it along. It’s a twinkle in the eye that betrays an overwhelming satisfaction.

On True Detective, Russ Cole said there were times he thought he was mainlining the secret truth of the universe. When I’m in those surreal moments made possible through recovery, I know what he means.

OR

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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