Thank you, Allies in Recovery, CRAFT, and this entire community. I’ve read so many of the blog postings and recognize so many of the challenges of living with a Loved One who uses. I’m hesitant to be too optimistic, but I do continue to be hopeful. Approaching my loved one’s use with CRAFT has had such an impact on me. It’s lightened the burden of living with my son’s SUD and is helping me rebuild my life and my relationship with my son. A person in recovery for drug addiction looks out from a substance abuse treatment center in Westborough, Mass.

His doctor knows about my concerns with his use and how it keeps him from functioning. He asked my son great questions, and for the most part my son was honest, but he wouldn’t admit the connection between his drug use and the struggles he’s having. When his doctor asked him about his relationship with us, my son told him, “It’s good when I’m not using, but they’re hostile when I do use”. I guess he is feeling the effects of CRAFT (even though our hostility emerges very seldom now). We celebrate the success you have shared with us.

Alysa’s Story

“It was primarily my self-centeredness, my ego. I mean selfishness, resentments, fear, the things that engulf people with drinking problems. The steps are designed to look at that from a different point of view. There’s got to be that internal surrender for sobriety to happen. It keeps you really connected to other people.

Now, instead of comparing myself to others, I compare myself to the way I was yesterday. For me, that’s the secret sauce; it’s the best lesson I’ve ever learned. And I’m now able to be more present with, and for, my wife of 13 years. My life isn’t consumed by alcohol, drunkenness or desperate thoughts about finding my next drink. That’s just not something I was good at before.

Residential Treatment Facility

Josh was literally eating himself to death, tipping the scales at 546 lbs -– 360 lbs heavier than his “ideal weight.” Josh’s dad Rex also had a food addiction. His obesity had led to multiple health issues, including diabetes and numerous strokes (per Intervention Directory). “I have hope, and I think here I will succeed. There’s no question,” he vowed. In a follow-up interview, Josh announced he’d lost 239 lbs.

• Surreal even, to think back to when we opened our first sober house in St. Petersburg, and to see all the men, families, and friends that have been touched by our community.
• Josh was literally eating himself to death, tipping the scales at 546 lbs -– 360 lbs heavier than his “ideal weight.” Josh’s dad Rex also had a food addiction.
• Tiffany wandered around Baltimore, looking for her next fix.
• I rationalized that the vomiting might be due to food poisoning.
• New York City recently opened the nation’s first official safe consumption clinics, where people with substance use disorder can use drugs under medical supervision.

Researchers say this data — and this lived experience — contradicts a widespread misperception that substance-use disorder is a permanent affliction and often fatal. “We are literally surrounded by people who are in recovery from a substance-use disorder, but we don’t know it,” Kelly said. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sober fun in Los Angeles is not only possible but can also lead to a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle. Katie’s successful path to recovery began by looking outside of herself.

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“Shannon and the baby coming; they’re my future,” a tearful Ryan shared. “They’re my future, so I’m doing it for them. And for me.” After completing four months sober success stories of rehab, he was at Shannon’s side as she gave birth. “The greatest thing I can do is to show up for my daughter completely, every day,” Ryan vowed.