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Ambrosia Treatment Center’s South Florida locations offer cutting edge addiction treatment that advances patient safety. With over ten thousand success stories, Ambrosia specialists have crafted effective medically supervised drug detox plus inpatient residential drug treatment programs. We work to provide best in class medically monitored detox and dual-diagnosis alcohol along with drug abuse treatment that really works. Our methods are based on science and designed by addiction specialists with decades of cumulative hands-on experience helping those who struggle with addiction. Ambrosia’s recovery programs helps you understand the complete detoxification and recovery process while you get industry-leading support before, during and after your stay. Our Florida treatment centers provide an oasis away from addiction triggers in a serene coastal community. In residential rehabilitation, Ambrosia’s Florida inpatient rehab housing includes amenities such as a pool, lounge area, lush grounds and much more. Explore the photo galleries and videos below and check out our Florida addiction treatment centers. We welcome you to tour our centers, call the phone number at the bottom of the page 24/7 for all the details.
Ambrosia Treatment Center Singer Island, Florida
Ambrosia Treatment Center partnership with leading universities stands as a shining example of our commitment to offering evidence-based recovery treatment. Our multi-state treatment facilities maintain high standards of care coupled with pre-admission and post-admission support that are among the best in the addiction treatment industry. We continuously work to improve our community by offering addiction treatment along with addiction education and prevention strategies.
FREE Helpline: Talk to someone who understands & can help you figure out what to do — even if you don’t come here. For your free quick & easy rehab insurance benefits confirmation, use the form below.
Ambrosia Treatment Center Port St Lucie, Florida
FREE Helpline: Talk to someone who understands & can help you figure out what to do — even if you don’t come here.
Ambrosia Treatment Center West Palm Beach, Florida
Whether you’re planning a drug or alcohol abuse intervention or seeking addiction treatment for yourself, you’re likely to have questions about the detoxification and recovery treatment process. We invite you to contact our treatment team to learn more about our South Florida drug and alcohol detox programs.
Don’t delay. Ambrosia rehab centers have limited occupancy. Start your sobriety & recovery with treatment that really works from experts that actually care. Learn the unique benefits of Ambrosia’s drug rehab and alcohol rehab treatments; call for FREE drug and alcohol treatment center advice 24/7.
Ambrosia Treatment Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ambrosia Treatment Center partnership with leading universities stands as a shining example of our commitment to offering evidence-based recovery treatment. Our multi-state treatment facilities maintain high standards of care coupled with pre-admission and post-admission support that are among the best in the addiction treatment industry. We continuously work to improve our community by offering addiction treatment along with addiction education and prevention strategies.
FREE Helpline: Talk to someone who understands & can help you figure out what to do — even if you don’t come here. For your free quick & easy rehab insurance benefits confirmation, use the form below.
Dr. Duy Nguyen
DO
Medical Director
Dr. Nguyen specializes in addiction medicine. His professional doctoral degree (DO) requires meeting the exact same stringent standards as the more common MD, but with additional focus on treating the whole person at the core, not just symptoms.
“If nothing changes, then nothing changes. Whether you’re ‘ready’ or not, the first step is to just show up.”
Education
Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine — Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Psychiatric Residency — Palm Beach Consortium for Graduate Medical Education
Specialties
Anti-Craving & Mental Health Medications
Years in the Field
6 Years
Personal Journey
Addiction too often starts with a prescription. I entered this specialty to prove (one success story at a time) that medicine can still heal.
Rock to Recovery
Music Therapy
Founded by the sober, two-time Grammy-winning guitarist from Korn, the group works together as a team to form a “band.” The goal is to write and record an original song and bond with one another over the healing power of music.
“Music is the art of thinking with sounds. Find what makes your heart sing and create your own music.”
Education
Variety of clinical & music credentials — from Master’s in Counseling Psychology to Bachelor’s in Studio Recording
*17 Person Team
Years in the Field
5 Years
Personal Journey
Being totally sober and dealing with the bottom I had hit, strumming the guitar was the only thing that would bring me peace. Everyone would wait in line to play, even people who had never touched a guitar.
Kelsey Cianciulli
BA Social Work
Director of Admissions
Kelsey has been with Ambrosia Treatment Center 8 years establishing a remarkable and successful career as the Director of Admissions. Being passionate about offering substance abuse help, she began to climb her way up the corporate ladder by nurturing her connection with those suffering from substance abuse dependency. Since starting to work at Ambrosia in 2013, she has honed her communication and management skills to provide attentive assistance to clients and their families suffering from the illness of addiction. She is passionate, compassionate, and hospitable to clients, alumni, families and team members she deals with.
“Kindness and courtesy are at the root of a positive customer service experience.”
Education
Bachelors in Social Work — Palm Beach State College, Florida
Specialties
Management, Healthcare and Client Relationships
Years in the Field
9 Years
Personal Journey
Kelsey became Director of Admissions at Ambrosia Treatment Center over a three-year course of progressing through the ranks in the admissions department. Before taking the title of Admissions Coordinator and then Admissions Supervisor, Kelsey worked in the substance abuse field for about two years. Having gained direct experience within the recovery community by working as a resident manager at a South Florida sober living organization prior to working at Ambrosia Treatment Center.
Zute Weick
C
Director of Operations
James, also known as Zute, has multiple years developing mid-level managers and supervisors. He specializes in emergency management, daily facilities operations management, staff training and development. His responsibilities extend to company systems and process implementation plus communication on all levels. His responsibilities also include strategic planning for projects, staff and company growth. He is passionate and looks forward to the prospects for continued growth and new facility openings in addition to staff training.
“Avoiding crisis situations means employing robust emergency management with pre-planning coupled with the execution of an already thought out plan”
Education
Associate in Railroad Science Railroad — Northwest Railroad Institute
Instructor Level Certification: American Red Cross – Adult, Child, Infant First Aid, CPR, AED
Years in the Field
10 Years
Marc Chiurato
Chief Financial Officer
Marc has over two decades of business experience, coming to Ambrosia eight years ago from the banking industry. His high regard for integrity and leadership are beacons of light in the often scrutinized addiction treatment field
“Knowledge gives you power. Character gives you respect.”
Education
Bachelor’s in Finance — University of Central Florida
Years in the Field
21 Years
Personal Journey
Life is about putting others first, being honorable and compassionate, and making a difference. That’s why I work in this field.
Benjamin Geigus
Alumni Advocate
An alumni himself, Ben is relatable and realistic. He understands the fears and challenges of never having lived as an adult without addiction. He’s passionate about building real friendships and helping build stable futures, leading by example.
“If you don’t paddle your own canoe, you don’t move.”
Education
Diploma — Pottsgrove Senior High School
Specialties
Alumni Advocate
Years in the Field
1 Year
Personal Journey
I picked up my first drug at age 14 and didn’t stop until I was 24. I use my own story to show that if I can beat this, anyone can.
Troy Tretola
RDN, LDN
Dietitian & Nutritionist
Troy has dedicated his life to empowering people through body optimization and nutrition. He advocates for diet and exercise as a part of any health-conscious lifestyle change.
“To eat is a necessity, to eat intelligently is an art.”
Education
Bachelor’s in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services – Keiser University
Holistic Lifestyle Coach – CHEK Institute
Specialties
Health & Nutrition
Years in the Field
20 Years
Personal Journey
Recovering from addiction requires a total change in how you treat yourself – both body and mind. Learning how to cook and eat healthy food in treatment is a life-skill that will carry over into the real world and get you feeling better faster.
Nick Vacarino
CRSS, CAC
Director of Alumni Services
After treatment, Nick and his team remain the primary point of contact for alumni as they begin their recovery journey. Through sober fellowship, events and meetings, Nick maintains a fun and engaging community that ensures everyone has the support and encouragement they need to continue their success.
“In May 2014, I experienced first-hand that treatment really can change your life.”
Education
Certified Addiction Counselor — International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium
Florida Certified Recovery Support Specialist
Specialties
Young Adults, Operations
Years in the Field
5 Years
Personal Journey
If you can quit for a day, you can quit for a lifetime.
Kelly Hettema
CRSS
Operations Supervisor
For Kelly, recovery is in his DNA. Sober for more than 8 years, he provides structure and an example to motivates change, even after years in addiction.
“I would rather go through life sober, believing I am an alcoholic, than go through life drunk, trying to convince myself that I am not.”
Education
Florida Certified Recovery Support Specialist
Specialties
Adult, Operations
Years in the Field
6 Years
Personal Journey
I’ve stayed sober since 2010. Recovery is not just my job, it’s my lifestyle.
Brian Wood
MHC, LMHC
Art Therapist
Brian is a masters-level counselor with 16 years of experience in mental health and a lifetime of experience creating art. Each session deals with a specific topic like anger, stress or goals. You visualize yourself successfully dealing with stress or achieving your goals. If you can visualize success, you can attain it.
“If you’re feeling blue, try painting yourself a different color.”
Education
Master’s in Mental Health Counseling — Palm Beach Atlantic University
Bachelor’s in Psychology — Palm Beach Atlantic University
Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Specialties
Specialist
Years in the Field
8 Years
Personal Journey
Art therapy transforms pain into beauty. I make art when I can’t gather the words to say.
Ronnie Hanley
CRSS / CRRA
Operations Supervisor
Ronnie Hanley has extensive training from the MedVance Institute. His military training has instilled great discipline, leadership, and hard work ethic values which he applies every day as the operation supervisor at Ambrosia Treatment Center.
“Difficult roads often lead to worth while beautiful destinations”
Education
MedVance Institute: Medical Assistant Program
Florida Community College Center for Anti-Terrorism and Navy Security Forces
Specialties
Management
Years in the Field
8 Years
Personal Journey
I enjoy serving my community and giving back.
Andrew Hope
DC
Chiropractic Therapist
Chiropractic care isn’t just about cracking backs. Studies show it can reduce muscle, joint, bone or connective tissue pain better than many medications. With over 30 years of experience, Andrew has mastered how to use the power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.
“You don’t have to be injured benefit from chiropractic care. The preservation of health is always better than waiting to cure damage. Anyone is one chiropractic adjustment away from a good mood.”
Education
Chiropractic Medicine — Lincoln Chiropractic College
Specialties
Holistic
Years in the Field
31 Years
Personal Journey
Chiropractic care is one of the few areas of medicine that can address the whole body, enhancing our ability to think, move and perform.
Tashika Ellis-Sutton
RN, LPN
Nursing Supervisor
Throughout her 8 years of experience, Tashika has maintained the two highest licensing credentials in nursing. She has a love of science and a heart for helping those in need.
“Pain in this life is not avoidable, but the pain we create avoiding pain is.”
Education
Registered Nurse — Fortis Institute
Licensed Practical Nurse — Eastwick College
Associate’s in Liberal Arts — Bergen Community Community College
Specialties
Anti-Craving & Mental Health Medications
Years in the Field
8 Years
Personal Journey
During my psych rotation in nursing school, I saw first-hand the transformative power of addiction medicine and taking the extra time to really listen. I was hooked.
Dr. Raul Rodriguez
MD, DABPN, DABAM
Medical Director
Dr. Raul Rodriguez is as passionate about treating addiction as he is experienced. Board-certified in addiction medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Rodriguez adopts an integrated approach to treating addiction and the surrounding issues that can lead to relapse.
“We have to fight addiction like we do any other medical condition, with up-to-date and well-researched techniques that have real data to back them up. The treatment must evolve with the patient’s need.”
Education
Adult Psychiatry Residency – University of Miami
Medical Doctor – University of South Florida
Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry – Florida International University
Diplomate – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Diplomate – American Board of Addiction Medicine
Specialties
Addiction Medicine, Psychiatry, Detox
Years in the Field
20 Years
Personal Journey
During my residency, I noticed a trend. It seemed like more and more people were struggling with addiction, and the cases were getting worse. Many had tried to quit before, but they just couldn’t make it through the withdrawal. Since then, treating substance abuse has been my number one focus.
Candice Danzey
LPN
Director of Nursing
Candice is a Licensed Practical Nurse with six years of experience in the drug and alcohol niche. Addiction wreaked havoc on generations of her own family, showing her first-hand the transformative power of addiction medication and taking the time to care.
“I’m not telling you it is going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.”
Education
Licensed Practical Nurse — Lancaster County Career and Technical College
Associate’s in Nursing — Care Hope College
Associate’s in Business Managment — Harrisburg Community College
Specialties
Anti-Craving & Mental Health Medications
Years in the Field
6 Years
Personal Journey
Nursing is the perfect balance of applying and teaching dry medical knowledge with an unmatched level or empathy, engagement and care.
Alexandria Voyles
Case Manager
Alexandria is passionate about helping others like her find a new way of life thru recovery.
“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I built my future”
Education
High School Diploma – Eufaula High School
Specialties
case manager
Years in the Field
3 Years
Personal Journey
I am a recovering addict with a history of substance abuse in my family, and so I understand how the addict and the family suffers at the expense of this disease.
Emily Scott
M.S, Ed.S
Primary Therapist
Emily is a Masters level therapist that brings forth compassionate care and shares her insight and expertise with her clients. She is committed to the success of each and every person she works with.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be”
Education
Masters of Mental Health Counseling and Specialist- Florida State University
Counselor Education Specialist- Florida State University
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
CPR/AED Certification – Health and Safety Institute
Specialties
Adults
Years in the Field
2 Years
Personal Journey
I chose to work in addiction treatment because I’ve seen both enlightenment and devastation emerge from substance abuse, and I want to help those struggling to navigate toward freedom, self-love, and success.
Glen Cognac
MSW
Primary Therapist
Glen combines his clinical experience and passion for recovery to help others when they need it most. He is dedicated to making long-term sobriety possible for anyone, no matter the circumstances.
“You don’t know what you’re made of until you become broken and build yourself back up.”
Education
Master’s in Social Work – Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor’s in Psychology – University of South Florida
Specialties
Court-Ordered Treatment, Special Needs Populations
Years in the Field
8 Years
Personal Journey
I’ve seen the desperation, the hopelessness and the pain of not being able to stop. But I’ve also witnessed complete transformations happening before my eyes. That’s what makes my job so rewarding.
Glenn Sime
CAP, CAMS-II, CCTSA
Primary Therapist
Glenn is a certified addiction therapist meeting both state and international standards. His enlightenment, patience and positivity are contagious.
“Getting sober isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself. It’s about progress, not perfection.”
Education
Bachelor’s in Human Services— Indian River State College
Certified Addiction Professional — International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium
Certified Anger Management Specialist II — National Anger Management Association
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Addiction — Trauma Institute International
Specialties
Adults
Years in the Field
7 Years
Personal Journey
A life not lived for others is not a life. Every day I’m inspired by the transformation and healing that is happening here.
Brenda Ott
LADC, CAC, ICADC
Primary Therapist
Brenda is backed by both state and international certifications, as well as over 40 years of personal recovery. Her decades of experience includes teaching addiction treatment in hospitals and dealing with the most chronic cases.
“Everyone comes in overwhelmed, but looking to make big change quickly. This is where the process starts. Where you learn to harness and hold on to hope.”
Education
Florida Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Certified Addiction Counselor — International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium
Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Certified International Co-Occurring Disorder Professional
Specialties
Adults
Years in the Field
31 Years
Personal Journey
My work gives meaning to my decade-long personal struggle with addiction. It’s in my blood to help others.
Michele Fazzari
LMHC
Clinical Supervisor
Michele approaches addiction treatment with empathy and a passion for helping others. As Clinical Supervisor, she encourages struggling addicts and alcoholics to look beyond the drugs and alcohol to get to the core underlying issues of substance abuse.
“Stop looking for happiness in the same place you lost it. Grow through what you go through”
Education
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
M.Ed. Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling — Florida Atlantic University
B.A., Psychology — Florida Atlantic University
Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Specialties
Trauma, Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Years in the Field
9 Years
Personal Journey
It is an indescribable feeling to watch someone come into treatment completely broken and leave feeling a sense of being whole again. I work in addiction treatment because I get to watch growth happen every day.
Dr. Sylvia Keller
PhD, LMHC, NCC, CAP
Trauma Therapist
neuro-science is the most cutting-edge technique for treating trauma that also has plenty of proven research behind it. The results are typically quicker than with other forms of therapy.
“Trauma is not the person refusing to let go of the past, but the past refusing to let go of the person. The shame and loss of self-esteem can be debilitating, but even the most unimaginable pain can be healed.”
Education
Doctorate in Philosophy PhD — America Academy of Clinical
Master’s in Counseling — Antioch University
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Florida Certified Addictions Professional
Specialties
Trauma
Years in the Field
15 Years
Personal Journey
More than two in three people that come here report trauma. In each and every case, their pain matters. Their experience matters. And, their healing matters.
Dr. Pamela Tambini
MD, Addiction, Internal Medicine
Chief Medical Director
Dr. Pamela Tambini is the Chief Medical Director for Ambrosia Treatment Center , and she is double board-certified in Internal and Addiction Medicine. In addition to her role as our Chief Medical Director, Dr. Tambini continues to practice Internal Medicine at the prestigious VAMC WPB. Dr. Tambini graduated at the top of her class on the Dean’s List from Medical School. Upon graduation, she was admitted into the highly selected, nationally renowned residency program at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center. Since 2013, Dr. Tambini has successfully helped patients from all over the world to optimize their health through better preventative, primary, and addiction medicine. Dr. Tambini focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the adult population—both acute and chronic. Her specialization in addiction, prevention of the onset of disease, management of sports injuries, and optimal physical and mental health has been a great asset to Ambrosia.
Dr. Tambini maintains an active lifestyle to promote physical and mental wellbeing; while trying to lead by example for her patients. Prior to entering medical school, Dr. Tambini studied pre-med and psychology. She received a full scholarship to play Division I basketball while in college and continues to be an avid CrossFit participant.
Dr. Tambini finished her third and fourth year of med school at the University of Miami. Dr. Tambini completed her Internal Medicine Residency through the University of Miami at JFK Medical Center and Veteran Affairs (VA) in West Palm Beach, FL.
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
Education
Medical School & Residency
Ross University School of Medicine
Medical School
Certifications & Licensure
American Board of Internal Medicine
Certified in Internal Medicine
FL State Medical License
MS State Medical License
Specialties
Dr.Tambini specializes in the following: Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians / Internal Medicine Internal Medicine/ Addiction Medicine
Years in the Field
Dr. Pamela Tambini has primarily specialized in Internal Medicine for over 8 years.
Personal Journey
Dr. Tambini finished her third and fourth year of med school at the University of Miami. Dr. Tambini completed her Internal Medicine Residency through the University of Miami at JFK Medical Center and Veteran Affairs (VA) in West Palm Beach, FL. Dr. Tambini now works as an Academic Hospitalist at the VAMC and with addiction medicine. Dr. Tambini intently applies her impressive resume towards working as the medical director at Palm Beach Elite and treating each patient admitted.
Dotty Lerum
LICDC, CCS, CAC, ICADC
Primary Therapist
Dotty has worked in addiction treatment since 1977 and maintains the highest international and Florida-specific certifications for addiction professionals. She puts her heart and soul into helping each person (finally) stay sober.
“I care about each and every person, but I don’t accept excuses. It’s often been years of lying, denying and manipulating. This is where those behaviors end. Once you get on the right path, you just have to keep walking.”
Education
Florida Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Certified Addiction Counselor — International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium
Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Certified International Co-Occurring Disorder Professional
Specialties
Trauma, Young Adults
Years in the Field
41 Years
Personal Journey
I got sober in 1975. Helping others take that same honest look inwards is my life’s purpose.
David Hargreaves
CRSS
Case Manager
David has battled his own addiction problems and went through 59 months of inpatient rehab. Using that experience he has been able to help others struggling in his line of work as a case manager. He loves working at Ambrosia and wishes to continue to help others that are struggling with addiction.
“Never let a stumble in the road be the end of a journey”
Education
Certified in Recovery Support Specialist
Specialties
Adam S case manager intake
Years in the Field
5 Years
Personal Journey
From being a struggling addict to helping those addicted. Being a case manager is my life calling. I love working with clients at Ambrosia!
Adelle Altidor
Primary Therapist
Adelle methods are backed by a master degree in Mental Counseling Studies from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. Her upbeat, friendly and engaging personality helps her connect with each and every person that walks through the door.
“You can not heal in an environment where you got sick.”
Education
Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling – Walden University
Bachelor of Social Work – Florida Atlantic University
State of Florida Child Protection Certificate
Certificate of Completion Risk Assessment
Certificate of Completion Confidentiality & HIPPA
Certificate of Completion Substance/Drug Abuse Training
Certificate of Completion Corporate Ethics
Certificate of Completion Child Protection Services
Certificate of Completion Child abuse in the home
Certificate of Completion Domestic Violence
Certificate of Completion Eating Disorder
Certificate of Completion Elder Abuse
Specialties
Therapist
Years in the Field
14 Years
Personal Journey
Helping others get sober is my life mission. I love what I do and will continue to do it for as long as I can.
Richard Grunther
MSed
Primary Therapist
Richards high energy and self-motivation helps him in his day to day as a primary therapist. He enjoys working with his patients at Ambrosia.
“So far you have survived 100% of your worst days.”
Education
Masters of Science in Education with Major in Rehabilitation Counseling- Hunter College
Bachelors in Political Science- Colgate University
Golden Key International Honour Society
Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International
Specialties
Group Therapy
Years in the Field
3 Years
Personal Journey
Getting sober was the best thing I could of done for my quality of life. Helping others experience the same is what gives me purpose.
James English
MS, CAS, LMHC
Primary Therapist
James is a masters-level therapist with nearly 20 years of professional experience and 30 years of personal experience in recovery. He has a gift to leave even those most unreachable with a lasting, life-changing hope.
“If you’re trying to drown your sorrows in drugs and alcohol, know that sorrows know how to swim.”
Education
Master’s in Psychology — Palm Beach Atlantic University
Bachelor’s in Psychology — Palm Beach Atlantic University
Florida Certified Addiction Specialist
Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Specialties
Young Adults, Families
Years in the Field
18 Years
Personal Journey
I have been sober for nearly three decades. This is not my profession, this is my passion.
Bill Scannell
We Do Recover
Don’t be afraid to ask for help; it will save your life.
I was drinking to live and living to drink. It was hell on earth, but I couldn’t put down the alcohol.
I started drinking recreationally, but I quickly lost the power to control myself. I was angry and irritable constantly, and it tore me up to have to watch my family go through the pain of living with an addict. I put my family in danger many times over the years and caused more emotional pain than I could fathom. Despite all of this, I couldn’t figure out how to stop.
There is nothing worse than wanting to quit, but not being able to.
After many failed attempts, I went to Ambrosia’s alcohol rehab center in Florida with the willingness to do whatever it would take to save my life. I knew that if I continued the way I was going, it wouldn’t be long until my life completely unraveled, and something had to be done. I took all the things I thought I knew about living sober and left them at the door. I had heard people talk about surrendering my will before, and I never fully understood what that meant or how to apply it. I was told early on that recovery is an ongoing process, and it requires work on a daily basis to maintain my sobriety. It sounds daunting, but if I just try to do the best I can day by day, it adds up to a lifetime of happiness.
When I let go of my own ideas and started taking suggestions, things changed almost immediately.
Recovery has allowed me to regain the respect for myself that I had lost for so long. It wasn’t easy, but I have been able to build a life without alcohol that I can be proud of. When things don’t go my way, I have the tools to accept it instead of getting frustrated and immediately reacting. The small changes I make in my behavior add up to huge differences in my attitude. My view of the outside world is completely different now.
Being clean and sober has reunited my family. That is by far the best gift sobriety has brought me.
After all the damage I did to myself and my family, my sobriety has reunited us. Today I am planning my retirement and looking forward to many more years with my beautiful wife and children. Change can be scary, but I thank God every day for the gift of desperation, and I thank myself for following through before it was too late.
Lauren Schreck
We Do Recover
Failure is not in the fall; it’s when you stop getting back up.
My addiction started when I was around 12 years old. I felt so different than my peers. Whether that was true or not, that was my reality. Everyone else seemed so sure of themselves and put together. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. I realized that if I experiment with drugs and alcohol, my classmates and friends would be more focused on the substances than teasing me and picking apart my insecurities.
It started with stealing out of my parent’s liquor cabinet. I hated the taste of alcohol, but I loved the results I got from drinking. That same year, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I found my true love in her medicine cabinet, opiates. Without even realizing it, escaping through substance abuse became my answer to every problem or unwanted feeling. My parents were officially living with an addict.
My mantra growing up was “I love how it feels not to feel.” If you stood between me and the next fix, I would plow through you.
Active addiction is a hell that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. In a short amount of time, I went from partying like any other “normal teenager” to needing these substances to function. My friends had boundaries and would stop the party for school or when they got in trouble with their parents. I couldn’t understand why or how they did that. Alcohol and drugs came before everything else for me. All the dreams and goals I had growing up were no longer relevant.
My disease caused incomprehensible pain to my family and friends. I was raised in a beautiful middle-class family. I went to private Catholic school for 13 years. My household growing up was an open-door policy. My parents would do anything for us and give us the shirt off their back in a second. We went from an open-door household to locks on all the bedrooms, and it was horrifying. My father could no longer leave his wallet on the counter after a long day’s work. My mother had to lock up whatever jewelry and family heirlooms that she had left after I had pawned 99% of the rest of them. My sister and brother always came second to my sickness, not because my parents liked me best, but because I was always in a self-inflicted, life or death situation.
My parents were there for me through every treatment center, overdose, arrest, and relapse. I have one vivid picture that sticks out in my mind. Through a small window, I watched my father sobbing on the other side of a steel door. I was locked into a state-run baker act unit and forced to sleep on a rubber pad in the hallway. My poor father couldn’t bear to sit with me through the intake. The thought of his little girl turning into this monster was eventually too much handle.
I am the type of addict that had to be cornered without any options. My “rock bottom” seemed to have basements and trap doors that went on forever.
It wasn’t until my family refused to support me that I had no choice but to take responsibility for the mess that I made. I wasn’t allowed to return to my childhood home, and my parents were done helping financially. I was homeless and broke for the first time in my life. If I was going to make it, I had to do it on my own. I finally got the help I needed at a rehab in FL called Ambrosia. That was truly a godsend. With the physical pain and psychological anguish, I doubt I would have stayed sober on the outside. I got a sponsor and a scholarship to a local halfway house and started my journey.
Through living the steps and spiritual principles, the doors of opportunity began to open all around me. Recovery makes me feel like the empty space in my heart is finally filled.
When I make plans, God laughs. There is no denying that my higher power was looking out for me and had big plans for my life. I have ideas of what I want my future to look like, but I know that it’s not up to me.
I have the motivation and drive that I have never experienced before. For the first time in my life, I believe I have a purpose, and I am so much more than just a hopeless junkie sentenced to a life of misery.
My first job in recovery, I worked at a pizza place for minimum wage for almost two years, and my employer was sad when I put in my two weeks. I walked everywhere for that year in recovery and today I have a car of my very own, and I’m able to make the payments on it monthly. I went back to school and got my Associates Degree. I am now in my third year for my Bachelor’s in Health Care Management.
I can’t explain the gratitude I feel on a daily basis. I am managing the facility that saved my life. If that is not the promises of recovery coming true, I don’t know what is.
Today I have faith and confidence that if I do the right thing, my higher power will provide. I know that if I am capable of arresting my addiction for five and a half years, there are no limits on what I can accomplish!
Melisa Grace Harrison
We Do Recover
Remember that addiction is the monster, not the addict. Their journey to and in recovery is harder than we can ever begin to imagine.
My daughter’s addiction started with prescription narcotics. As a young girl, she was sick often, and she was prescribed medication that eventually lead to her addiction. Once she graduated to heroin, things really got out of control. Heroin seemed so bad to me. I didn’t know how heroin looked or anyone that had ever tried it.
Drugs robbed my daughter of her sense of responsibility and self-respect. She became lost to herself and to those who love her. Her health deteriorated drastically, and it was exhausting as a parent to watch that happen.
Addiction turned my home into a frightening and toxic environment.
She went to rehab several times over the course of a few years but slipped back into her old ways time after time. It took a while for her to become ready to get sober, but one thing I had to learn was that she would only get better when she was ready. As a parent, that’s a hard thing to accept. The right combination of good interventions and support from Ambrosia’s West Palm Beach drug rehab eventually made her realize that she would likely lose her life if she continued to use. That was the turning point.
There is so much hope in recovery, but it is not an easy process and therefore there is a feeling of insecurity as well. I must admit that every time the phone rings, I am still afraid that someone is calling to tell me that my daughter is in trouble, but the heart-pounding panic doesn’t last as long now as it used to. My own recovery has been a tremendous help. I found the support I need to voice my fears about her addiction, and know that I am not alone.
It is a relief to feel hopeful for the first time in many years.
I am so proud of my daughter today. She is working hard on her sobriety and is enjoying success in her life, experiencing healthy relationships, renewed self-respect and financial independence. She is becoming physically healthier every time I see her, and I can see that she has a positive attitude and is looking forward to her future. That’s the miracle of recovery.
My own greatest accomplishment has been accepting that enabling my daughter likely delayed her recovery. I am still trying to forgive myself for that, but with a little work on myself and my own recovery, I have been able to accept that her journey has been a learning experience for all of us. There are so many resources available for the loved ones of addicts and alcoholics, like myself.
I would highly suggest anyone who has a loved one who is struggling should find a support group and join it. It makes all the difference.
On a recent visit with my loved one, I could see that she is safe and well on her way to becoming a better version of herself. Even though we live far away from each other, I feel much safer knowing she isn’t drinking or using drugs. There are no words for how much I miss her. I really feel like I have my daughter back, and it’s so wonderful to see her progress into the woman I always knew she could be.
JDevyn Taylor
We Do Recover
When I found out my brother was an addict, it completely changed my life.
I didn’t even know what was happening to him until it was too late. I noticed that his actions were different, but I couldn’t figure out why. I was constantly worrying about him. Late at night, when I would hear the garage door open, I would sigh in relief because then I knew he was home safe.
My brother’s addiction impacted our entire family. I didn’t know anyone else who was an addict, so it was a learning experience, to say the least. I remember learning about drugs in grade school, but his addiction was completely different from the typical addict I had pictured in my head. It was very difficult for me to understand the situation at first. There is a lot of uncertainty and fear that some night, he just wouldn’t make it home. Once I educated myself about his situation, I was better able to accept what was happening and give him the support he needed.
The biggest lesson I learned through all of this is that addiction is a disease that affects the actions and behaviors of your family member or friend. They are ultimately responsible for their actions, but the disease is what is driving their insanity.
I’ve learned that support and understanding are crucial to recovery. If someone you know is battling addiction, encourage them to get help and do whatever it takes to get them that help.
My parents were his biggest enablers. Finally, when they had enough, they sent him to Ambrosia’s West Palm Beach rehab and it was the best thing that ever happened to our family. He was resistant at first, but once he got there he knew what he had to do. After treatment, we were surprised to hear that he wanted to stay in the area and get his life back together away from the temptations of home. He moved into a sober community, and that was key.
Today I recognize the fact that just as he is powerless over drugs and alcohol, in the end, I am powerless over his decisions. The best I can do is keep in touch with him often and ask them how he is doing as he goes through recovery. My parents and I are always reminding him of how proud we are of his accomplishments and we support him endlessly, but it took a while for us to get to that point. Letting go of the need to protect him was what eventually led him to get the help he needed.
Now that my brother is sober and working on himself, it feels like I can sleep at night knowing he is going to be okay. I still worry about him sometimes, but nowhere near as often as I did when he was using.
My brother has accomplished so much since being in recovery. He has a girlfriend who is also in recovery and he has an amazing network of friends that support each other. He has also been able to mend past relationships that were fractured because of his disease. I have learned so much information, addiction no longer frustrates or confuses me. I can approach the topic and those that struggle with compassion and understanding. Although I would have never wished this situation on myself or anyone else, I am thankful for the knowledge and experience that I have gained through this. As a future healthcare professional, I want to stand behind this cause and improve the lives of individuals affected by this disease. If my brother can beat this, anyone can, they just need to reach out and get accept help when it comes their way.
Michele Schreck
We Do Recover
Love them and understand that it’s a disease. Get out of their way and stop enabling them.
My daughter’s addiction started with alcohol and eventually progressed to opiates, like so many do. We tried to hide it for a long time which put so much stress on our family relationships. After a while, unimaginable things started to happen. She was stealing, getting into car accidents, and getting in trouble with the law. It was awful watching my beautiful daughter suffer while my family was falling apart.
After multiple attempts at rehab and the relapses that followed, I found my way into a family support group for parents of children who struggle with addiction. It was there that I learned about codependency and I found the strength to stop enabling her.
Like so many parents, we thought that we were protecting her, but we were only prolonging the inevitable.
We finally told her she couldn’t live with us anymore and that we weren’t going to pay for her to die. We were always in touch with her, and she knows we never stopped loving her. We just refused to let her die under our roof. By a miracle, she ended up at Ambrosia’s Port St. Lucie rehab.
Today I’m proud to say that our daughter has climbed out of the dark hole she fell into. She is in the process of making her amends, addressing her health issues, her criminal records, finding steady employment, cleaning up her credit rating, securing a stable living environment and remaining focused on her recovery. She is now putting herself through college and is close to graduating with her bachelor’s degree.
There were so many long days and sleepless nights that I never thought this was possible. The strength of my family is unbelievable.
I am so grateful for the recovery process. The best thing about my daughter being sober is what it has taught our family. My husband and I, our son and his wife, and our other daughter have learned the meaning of hope and faith. This disease affects everyone, and no one is immune.
We have all learned to value each other because life is precious.
As a mother, her recovery means everything to me. I am so proud of her strength, her faith, and commitment to giving back. I am grateful and amazed that our family relationships are back intact and continue to get stronger.
Our daughter’s future is so bright and promising. I know she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to do. She is truly the strongest woman I know. She knows how much I love her and how proud we are of her.
Patrick Spross
We Do Recover
Ask for help and never give up on yourself.
When I started drinking on the corner as a kid, I had no idea where my addiction would eventually take me. A couple of years later and I would be selling drugs on that same corner. The progression of this disease catches up with you before you have any idea what is happening. Eventually, opiates and prescription drugs took over my life and put me on a downward spiral that seemed impossible to escape.
Even though I was physically present, my loved ones lost me for years. I was selfish, and constantly looking for my next fix. When you’re using, you’re blind to everything else going on around you.
Life in active addiction is miserable and lonely. To someone who hasn’t experienced it, it is difficult to understand. When life got bad, it was tough, but it gave me the push to get sober that I needed. I was hurting my mother as she watched me deteriorate into a son she couldn’t recognize. I hadn’t seen my daughter for over six months, and my brother was in the hospital fighting for his life after brain surgery. Once I saw my brother, I knew it was time to finally accept help. I packed my things and went to treatment at Ambrosia’s West Palm Beach rehab knowing that it was going to be difficult, but it was the right thing to do. Despite all the difficulties that came with it, I am grateful for that push in the right direction.
Actions speak louder than words.
A big part of my recovery is facing the damage I did in the past and cleaning it up. I had pending legal issues, no job, and no direction when I decided to give up the fight. Today, I have a job, I am clear of my legal troubles, and most importantly, I am sober.
When I finally let my guard down and went to treatment, things started to change in my life. The people around me could see that I was taking recovery seriously. Little by little, I started to get back the things that my addiction took away from me. Now I speak to my daughter every day, and I am proud to say my family has their son back.
My outlook on life is simple these days, I take life one day at a time and try to live in the moment.
Lawrence Traynor
We Do Recover
Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful, but there is always hope.
As far back as I can remember, I struggled with loneliness and a lack of self-worth. Alcoholism runs in my family yet; somehow, I never felt like I fit in. People drink and do drugs for many reasons: to change the way they feel, to cope with mental illnesses or to escape the past. But at the end of the day, there is never just one reason. My experience is the same. I can’t blame my addiction on just one thing, but I do know that the disease is not a simple lack of willpower.
The day I finally surrendered at an alcohol rehab in Florida, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. That was the day that my life changed. After years of being unavailable to my spouse and children, both emotionally and physically, I was finally ready to make a change and free myself from the slavery of denial. That single decision saved me from a lifetime of misery and unhappiness. It sounds backward, but addiction is the only fight you have to surrender to win
To me, recovery is unconditional freedom and belonging.
Getting clean and sober helped me realize that I am not a bad person. I have a disease that tells me I don’t have a disease, and it does not allow me to drink without severe consequences. Once I accepted that fact I was able to forge ahead and create a new life that is second to none.
If you go to meetings, get a sponsor and don’t pick up a drink, things will get better. Finding a support network helped me get out of my head and start to enjoy the process. Recovery isn’t always easy, but it’s simple if you follow suggestions. And like anything else, you get as much out of it as you put into it.
As long as I am vigilant about recovery, the sky is the limit.
After 26 years of continuous sobriety, I can earnestly say that my life has never been better. I get the opportunity to help people find their way to the miracle that is recovery. I am proud of the relationship that I have with my family, and I lead by the power of example.
If someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, reach out and be the helping hand that they need. Always remember that addiction has nothing to do with a lack of willpower, they are suffering from a disease that they cannot cure themselves. There is always hope, and there is always help if they choose to accept it.
Pat Fay
We Do Recover
Give recovery a chance; you’ll be astounded how quickly and dramatically your life can improve.
It’s hard to say if I was genetically predisposed to addiction, but I do know that something is fundamentally different about how I process drugs and alcohol compared to other people. My using started out relatively innocent with what I consider average teenage behavior, but “normal” activities like smoking a joint or stealing a few beers from my parents had a far more detrimental effect on me than it did to my peers. Even at this age, it was clear that I wasn’t able to moderate or control my consumption of drugs and alcohol. Considering the progressive nature of the disease of addiction, it only got worse as time went on.
My own consciousness had become a prison that I could only escape by being high or asleep.
I can only imagine how it feels to have the son that you raised, fed, clothed and supported turn around and start stealing, lying and manipulating. My last day using I stood in front of my father with tears in his eyes while I handed him my used syringes and other paraphernalia. That was the day I went to detox and the first day of my life in recovery. I stuck around after going to Ambrosia’s rehab in Port St. Lucie, Florida. I live 1500 miles away from my family, but I’m closer to them than ever before. My mother tells me “I’d rather love you from Florida than mourn you in New Jersey.” Words cannot express how grateful I am to have such a loving and supportive family. It’s going to take a lifetime of amends to erase the guilt I feel for what I put them through but being clean has given me that opportunity.
As long as I stay clean, the possibilities are endless.
The beauty of recovery is that I can feel a full range of emotions and don’t need to numb myself or escape reality. No one ever promised me that recovery would be easy, but I was promised that I never have to use again as long as I put in the effort. That promise has been fulfilled. Today, I’m free from the physical, mental and spiritual bondage of addiction. When I think back to my life as an addict, recovery is paradise. I’ve never been more content and well-adjusted in my life.
My greatest accomplishment in recovery has been becoming a better person, both to myself and to my family.
It’s crazy to think how far your life can progress when you do the right thing. When I was young, one of my dreams was to travel the world. Recently, I hiked for four days through the Andes Mountains in Peru, got to see Machu Picchu and experience the beautiful volcanos, rainforests and coffee plantations in Costa Rica. Before I got clean, I could barely get out of bed. Now, I get to go anywhere and do anything I want, as long as I put my recovery first. It goes without saying that none of this would be possible if it weren’t for a program of recovery working in my life today.
Sivia Franko
We Do Recover
Never, ever give up hope.
My addiction started at the age of 18, right before college. I was working late nights and double shifts at a restaurant, and my boyfriend at the time gave me half of a pill to help with back pain from standing all day. I functioned normally for the first year, only taking them on the weekends during college. During the summer after my first year of college, I started using heroin and not long after, crack cocaine.
It wasn’t long before I lost all control. I dropped out of college, couldn’t keep a job, and ended up without a place to live. When I used, I would disappear. My family and friends would try to reach out, but I would never respond. I became a ghost. On occasion, I would be spotted on the street, but for the most part, no one knew if I was dead or alive.
My last attempt at using heroin only lasted a few weeks, but it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I was staying at a drug motel and using with strangers. I was putting myself in very dangerous situations, and I knew it was only going to get worse. I finally surrendered. I successfully completed treatment at Ambrosia in West Palm Beach, and for the first time, I was willing to take direction. I moved into a halfway house where I attended aftercare and began to pick up the pieces. After three years of using drugs and attending several treatment centers, I finally got (and stayed) sober.
Recovery feels like total freedom. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I now have faith that I can accomplish anything.
The best thing about being clean and sober is having the freedom to wake up every day without having to rely on a substance to feel okay. My mind is no longer clouded. I have a strong connection with my Higher Power who guides me, and I live a better life than I ever thought possible. And because of that, I am able to help others who are fighting the same battle that I was.
For a long time, I struggled to get sober because I had lost all hope. I could not see the possibility of my life being okay even if I stopped using. Now, I know that anyone can get sober if they want to. My faith was restored by hearing the stories of others and having faith in a Higher Power. Even though I could not see a path, one would be made for me, and it was. Recovery has given me a life I never thought possible, and I would not trade it for anything in the world.
I am so happy and so grateful to be where I am. It’s never too late to change your life, one day at a time.
Benjamin Geigus
We Do Recover
Trust me when I say, the sober life is a life beyond your wildest dreams.
I started smoking weed when I was about 14 years old, which slowly turned in to harder drugs and a lot of drinking. I would go to parties and have a good time, but when everyone was done at the end of the night, I kept going. For some reason, I could never get enough. Things got worse when I started using prescription pain pills. I was using every day and eventually turned to heroin.
I knew I had a chance that not a lot of addicts get. I knew I had the will to fight. I knew I had to get sober.
I went to detox and a 90-day program at a treatment center in South Carolina. When I left, I thought I was ready to be on my own. I got an apartment and relapsed a day later. I continued to use for about two weeks until my mother intervened and told me I had to go back to treatment. Something was missing from my recovery. I kicked and screamed, but eventually gave in. Not because I didn’t want to be sober, but because I was so angry at myself for relapsing. I broke down and went to Ambrosia, ready to forgive myself and work harder than ever before.
Addiction was a ball and chain. I couldn’t go anywhere or do anything if I wasn’t high. I was constantly tied down to the drugs.
Active addiction was the most miserable time of my life. I would lie, cheat, steal, and manipulate everyone in my life. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I didn’t care. All I could think about was my next fix. I was living that lifestyle just so I wouldn’t be sick and so I could function throughout the day.
My drug use tore my family apart. As much as they loved me, they had to distance themselves. My addiction was making them sick and destroying their lives. After a while, I had no friends left either. It wasn’t until I was completely broken down that I decided to get help. I knew I was going to die if I didn’t put all my effort into recovery. I had to do it for myself, or nothing was going to change. I was ready to accept whatever help I could get.
For once in my life, I was a free man.
After treatment, I dove right in and got a sponsor. Going through the twelve steps is what saved my life. For once, I stopped trying to run the show and just listened. I hung around people that had a year or more and knew how to stay sober, and they showed me how to do it. It was simple, but I always made it so much more difficult than it had to be.
About six months into my sobriety the obsession to drink and use drugs went away. Now, I can go anywhere and do anything without being tied down to a substance. I have this peace and calmness about me, and it feels unreal. Never in my life did I ever think I would have that peace of mind.
Today, I’m back in school and studying business administration. Eventually, I would like to get my master’s degree and start a business of my own. Plus, I get to work at the treatment center where I began my journey. I don’t know where sobriety will take me, but I do know my heart lies in helping others.
I find the best gift in life is to give back, and that is what I want to do.
Nick Williams
We Do Recover
My addiction put my family through something they were never meant to experience.
I swore I’d never touch drugs, but it happened. Once I started smoking weed, I justified taking pills, then doing a little coke. I kept justifying until I needed to stick a needle in my arm to get out of bed in the morning. Buying, using, and hiding my addiction was a 24-hour grind. I couldn’t shake the constant, bone-chilling fear of knowing that I needed to use to get through the day, but I had no means of getting what I needed.
I started putting myself in dangerous situations that I would never have dreamed of. Eventually, my friends and family cut me off because of all the pain and heartache I was causing them. I always thought I was only hurting myself when I was in active addiction. I never realized that my family suffered the same amount of pain and heartache that I did.
I was willing to do whatever it took to prevent myself from going back to that lifestyle.
Addiction beat me down, but fortunately, I had people looking out for me that got me into treatment. I went to a meeting my first day out and raised my hand. The other men at that meeting took me under their wing and gave me suggestions along the way. I surrounded myself with them all the time, even outside of the meeting. Sometimes they would play golf or go fishing, and anything that they did I was right there with them. After I went to a few meetings, I found someone that I could really relate to, and I asked him to be my sponsor. As he took me through the twelve steps, the obsession to do drugs was slowly removed. It wasn’t easy, but it meant that I didn’t have to rely on a chemical to get through the day.
Take advice. Let somebody else make the right decisions for you until you can make them yourself.
I’m not a millionaire by any means. I still have rough days and deal with life’s problems, but it’s nothing that I can’t handle with help from my sober support. By next fall I plan on going back to school to study marine biology. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about, and now that I live in Florida I have the perfect opportunity to pursue it.
I’m included in things today, like going out and doing fun activities with my friends. When I was getting high, I was such a toxic, shady person that nobody wanted anything to do with me. I have been rebuilding my relationship with my mother, and I’m starting to gain back the trust that I lost over the years. Now I spend my days helping other people who are struggling in the same situation I was. It’s unbelievably gratifying because it’s a constant reminder of what life was like back then.
The best part about being sober is being able to sleep at night without constant fear and worry creeping over me.
Jennifer Cleveland
We Do Recover
I am proud to say that I’m the mother I always wanted to be.
Like so many others, I started drinking as a teenager with my friends. It started out innocent, but before I knew it, I had formed a relationship with alcohol that was going to take me to places I never imaged that I would go.
When enough was enough, I knew I needed help. I came to treatment completely unmanageable and feeling broken. The worst part was that I wasn’t present in my daughter’s life. I knew it was time to stop making excuses and start making a change. Being in treatment gave me time to heal and come to terms with the damage I had done to myself and my family. After I got out, I kept going to meetings and started working a 12-step program every day. That’s what helped me get sober and what helps me stay sober, one day at a time. The best part about the program is getting to see the process work for other people. When it happens, you can see and feel the transformation.
It’s a miracle seeing the light return to someone’s eyes.
So much has happened in my life since I have been sober. Sobriety is like a completely new adventure. I recently got married for the first time and my husband is also in recovery. He’s been clean for two and a half years now, and together we’re able to help each other stay accountable. I’m able to be present for my friends and family on a regular basis and I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think about how much has changed.
I am currently working on my certification to become a Certified Recovery Support Worker, which I should be finishing up by the end of 2019. I live in New Hampshire, where there aren’t a lot of resources available for addicts and alcoholics. I want to get into the treatment field and use my experience to help people find a new life, the same way people helped me when I needed it.
My biggest piece of advice is to stay away from people, places and things where you drank and get active in a recovery program. Getting sober isn’t always easy, but it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Find a power greater than yourself, get a sponsor and surround yourself with good people who can help you. Most importantly, just don’t pick up.
Jacqueline Tobias
We Do Recover
Give yourself a break.
My addiction started at the age of 12 when I smoked marijuana for the first time. A couple of years later, I had my wisdom teeth removed and the surgeon gave me painkillers. I instantly fell in love with opiates and the way they made me feel. At the time, I had no idea that a doctor’s prescription could kick off a disease that would completely change my life.
I constantly felt hopeless. It felt like it would never be possible for me to live a life of recovery.
My addiction led me down a horrible path of self-destruction. Drugs and alcohol destroyed every relationship I had including family, friends, my higher power and myself. I had no conscience and disregarded any help that my loved ones offered me.
When things finally got bad enough, I found myself checking into multiple detoxes and treatment centers without any success. Looking back, I realize why recovery didn’t stick those first few times. I stopped working on myself as soon as I got out. After my last time in treatment in 2008, I decided that this time around I was going to continue working on myself every day. I am still an active member of a 12-step fellowship today, and I don’t plan on stopping.
Recovery is being at peace with one’s self.
I feel that I am finally free from my addiction. When I wake up in the morning, my first thought isn’t spent wondering how I am going to get high today. Being clean gives me the freedom of choice. Addiction is predictable, but recovery is not. The longer I stay away from that life, the more I appreciate life and the gifts of living a better life.
I have found myself and a sense of peace and happiness that money cannot buy.
Being clean has given me the opportunity to become the person that I’ve always wanted to be. The progress that I have made in these few years never ceases to amaze me. I went back to school and graduated with my nursing degree in 2015 and purchased my first home a year later. I earned my associate degree, and I am now a Certified Addiction Counselor. I’ve been able to repair all the financial damage I caused and make amends for the emotional damage I’ve caused as well.
I plan to continue my education and help as many people as I can by pursuing my master’s degree in social work. I want to become a licensed clinician and combine my personal experience with my education to help people find a new way of life. I also plan to continue attending meetings and helping others. I have a duty to and give away what was so freely given to me.
I am a woman of integrity today and recovery makes that possible.
Susan Pearce
We Do Recover
Kelsey couldn’t stay sober.
My daughter was desperate before Ambrosia took her in. She couldn’t stay sober, and I couldn’t stand her. She wasn’t welcome in my home anymore. I know it was heartbreaking for her to hear me say that. She thought I hated her for all the awful things she put me through. Some days it felt like she was right. I read an old letter she wrote at her first rehab in 2015, where she listed the positive things about herself. It made me cry knowing that person, her old self, was gone.
Kelsey has a daughter, but she didn’t really know her. She didn’t know her clothes size or what she liked to do. Sometimes, her own child was afraid of her. Kelsey put on a great façade, pretending everything was OK when she was always high, but it became too much. She gave up emotionally and just tapped out.
I spent every minute of every day worried about my daughter.
It became so bad that I stopped living altogether. I existed only in the chaos. Were the police going to come knocking? Was I going to get a call that my daughter had been arrested? What would be missing when I got home? I walked around distracted by a permanent fog.
After years living like this, there was nothing left to do but stop. Stop trying to save her. Stop covering and giving her money. Stop talking to her altogether. I told my daughter that unless she went to treatment, I would not be able to have her in my life. It went against the permanent feelings of love that I will always have for her, but there was nothing left. We were both living in ruins and so was our relationship. The only thing I could fix was myself.
I didn’t know what to do or where to go, but I knew I needed help too. I eventually found the Facebook group “The Addict’s Mom” and it changed my life. I was so relieved that I wasn’t alone. I found parents just like me, going through the same thing. It was unbelievable how similar some of the stories were to my situation. I got so much more than advice. The group helped me find the inner peace I was looking for.
One day in June, The Addict’s Mom posted on Facebook about scholarships for treatment at Ambrosia. This was the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Kelsey needed. Her four-page application letter detailing her desperation was accepted. I finally felt hopeful that something might change for the better. And, it did.
Recovery feels like peace and quiet.
I’m so grateful to be a part of Kelsey’s recovery. She has seven months sober now, and I am proud of that accomplishment. I know she fights against temptation every day, some days harder than others. Not only is she in sober living, but she’s the house manager and just landed her first full-time job. She’s learned to get beyond her self-hate and knows that she deserves goodness and happiness in her life.
If you’re also struggling with the addiction of your loved one, visit HopeTracker.org for a FREE 10-session crash course on addiction and how you can help.
Andrew Gallagher
We Do Recover
Listen to the people you trust and follow their direction.
My addiction started with smoking weed with friends or an occasional party on the weekend, but I quickly became interested in harder drugs, especially pills and psychedelics.
Within a few years, my life had become a living hell. I would do anything to get money for the next high, even putting my life on the line. My actions tore my family and my relationships apart. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t be there for anyone I cared about. I let everyone I knew and loved down for years. The end of my spree resulted in a domestic violence charge and jail. Something had to change.
Eventually, I found myself out of options.
I bounced around from rehab to rehab trying to get better, but sobriety wasn’t sticking. I would make some progress and build things back up just to tear them down again. When things got bad enough, I made the decision to head back to treatment for the last time and do things the right way.
Immediately, something was different. For the first time, I admitted that I didn’t know what was best for me. I immersed myself in the program and took every suggestion that my counselors and my peers gave me. I no longer had a choice. I was desperate to figure out how to manage life without drugs and alcohol as a crutch, and I was willing to do whatever it took to get there. Only then did I start seriously working on myself. Going through the steps and getting in touch with a power greater than myself is the only thing that got me out of the mess I created to where I am now.
I could never have imagined being in the position I am in today.
My life is amazing. I have finally found a purpose and I have solutions to negative feelings other than getting high. Now I’m able to show up for family and friends and be an example. My relationships with my family and friends are completely different now. I’ve been able to right many of the wrongs that I did while I was using. I truly feel like I’m not the same person that did those things in the past.
I have found inner peace.
One of the best things I can do now that I am sober is to help others recover like so many people helped me. It’s the only way I get to keep what I’ve gained along the way. I recently went back to school to become a drug and alcohol counselor so I can pass this knowledge to the next person who needs it.
My goal is to continue down the path of recovery and go back to school for my psychology degree so I can be more effective to others. Today I have real friendships, sponsees and relationships with people that I thought would never speak to me again. I had to fall hard to get back up, but I wouldn’t trade anything where I am today.
Stephanie Morcom
We Do Recover
It’s okay not to know the answers. Keep taking the next step, no matter how small, and before you know it, your life will be better than you could have ever imagined.
In my early 20’s, I was diagnosed with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, and my doctor started me on pain medication. Before I knew it, my life was a train wreck. I hated the person I was. Growing up in church, I believed that addiction was a moral issue, and I loathed the fact that prayer wasn’t taking it away. I was a danger to myself and everyone around me. I began stealing from anyone I could get close to support my habit. I overdosed multiple times, and even after a week in the ICU on a ventilator, I still couldn’t come to terms with the fact I had a problem.
My spirit was gone; I was just a shell of a human trying to survive one day to the next.
I tried and failed at every attempt to get sober. I was alone, isolated and felt like all hope was gone. I couldn’t hold down a job, had no friends and tried as best I could to keep my addiction from everyone.
My marriage fell apart and ended in divorce. I lost custody of my kids, and my daughter (who was about six at the time) asked to live with my parents. I sucked the life out of everyone that loved me and kept them in constant fear that I would die or end up in jail. They couldn’t ever be at peace, because I would not allow that. My daughter witnessed paramedics trying to revive her lifeless mother on more than one occasion. She was so used to the chaos that it felt normal to her.
In May of 2014, I was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of a controlled substance. That same month I overdosed again. My parents were done. They would no longer continue to allow me to live in their home in the condition I was in. I made the decision to get treatment and completed my fifth and final rehab stay. After treatment, I followed up with sober living. I completed the program, got a sponsor, worked the steps and even went on to become the house manager of my sober home.
My life today is one of redemption and hope.
I know I can face whatever comes my way by doing the next right thing. I don’t live in fear or spend my days chasing the next high. I feel free to be myself, and no longer live in the shame I once did. I am surrounded by like-minded people who support me and my recovery.
I have a peace that I can’t explain. The relationships with my children and family have been restored, and I can finally look myself in the mirror and love the person I see. There are hard days, but my worst day sober is always better than my best day high. The most important thing I have accomplished is having my children and family back in my life. They trust me today, and that is a complete turnaround from the life I had five years ago.
Since I got sober, I have been fortunate to work in the substance abuse field, where I can help others find sobriety. It’s a miracle that I can now be an advocate for those who are struggling just like I was. Recently, I started Hope@First, a support group for those that have a loved one struggling with addiction, and I am working towards licensure as a drug and alcohol counselor. I plan to keep fighting and advocating for those suffering from addiction. You never know what kind of impact you might have on someone’s life.
Trust the process! Never give up and stick close to people who are sober, and NEVER, no matter how hard, forget that there is hope!
Jennifer’s Story
We Do Recover
I was drawn to anything and everything that took me out of reality.
I remember laying on an air mattress that didn’t inflate anymore, in 80-degree weather, no air conditioning, empty vodka bottles laying on the floor and feeling absolutely miserable. I watched as my family slowly slipped into hopelessness right along with me. It was the worst ten years of my life. I had nothing and no one left towards the end of my addiction. I drained anybody that cared for me of everything they had.I remember the feeling of just wanting to end it all. I envisioned what it would be like when I finally got the nerve to take my own life. I pictured my father, who had died earlier that year, taking my hand and telling me it was all over. As constructed a plan to take my own life, I heard a voice clear as day that said, “You’re better than this.” I sat straight up and looked around my room, only to find that I was hallucinating. But I couldn’t shake that voice. It sparked something inside me, and I immediately knew what I had to do. I mustered up every ounce of courage, hope and sanity I had left and texted my mother, “I NEED HELP!” That was all she was waiting to hear. I was on a plane heading to treatment within 48 hours.
I knew I had a chance that not a lot of addicts get. I knew I had the will to fight. I knew I had to get sober.
I went to detox and a 90-day program at a treatment center in South Carolina. When I left, I thought I was ready to be on my own. I got an apartment and relapsed a day later. I continued to use for about two weeks until my mother intervened and told me I had to go back to treatment. Something was missing from my recovery. I kicked and screamed, but eventually gave in. Not because I didn’t want to be sober, but because I was so angry at myself for relapsing. I broke down and went to Ambrosia, ready to forgive myself and work harder than ever before.
If you put as much work into your recovery as you did into using, you’ll have a strong foundation.
The best part of being sober is looking in the mirror and being able to say I’m proud of myself. I have the freedom to live life without worrying about my next fix. When I lay my head on my pillow, I can smile because I know I was the best version of myself that day. And, I know that tomorrow I get the chance to be an even better person than I was the day before.
Recovery feels better than I had ever imagined. It’s the most empowering and freeing feeling you’ll ever have. My biggest accomplishment since getting sober is being able to rebuild my relationships. I can pick up the phone and call my mom, my sister or my stepdad and have a genuine conversation, and that’s the best feeling in the world. Even though I don’t have their total trust back, I have much more than I had before. I have friends now who want to spend time with me without any ulterior motives.
I worked hard and didn’t let the tough moments take me down. I kept on keeping on.
My goal is to stay sober by taking baby steps through life. I’ve got to where I am by being patient and letting my higher power lead me to where I’m needed next. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I know that as long as I stay sober and let my higher power lead the way, I’m going to be just fine.
Cris Carter
We Do Recover
What you deny or ignore, you delay. What you accept and face, you conquer.
Fans would be surprised to know how much of a drug culture exists behind the scenes in the pro football.
In the 1980s, it was out of control. Without much thought, I found myself regularly abusing alcohol and cocaine. Despite the partying, I was looking pretty good on the field and my lifestyle was still hidden from the public.However, in the summer of 1990, cocaine caused me to fail my third drug test. Buddy Ryan, the coach of the Eagles at the time, had enough. I was released from the team after just three seasons. To make matters worse, word was starting to get out. I was becoming branded as a problem player before I even wanted to admit the problem to myself. For too many young athletes, this is where their story takes a terrible downward spiral.
If it wasn’t for the Minnesota Vikings, drugs and alcoholism would have ended my career too.
My new team invested so much in me. I owe everything to the Vikings. Though being dropped from the Eagles was a harsh wake-up call, getting and staying sober was hard. I struggled even with plenty of help and motivation to get my life together.Ultimately, the Vikings got me to the right people — like the people at Ambrosia — who taught me how to live the rest of my life. I didn’t have to be a prisoner to the things that held me back before. I could finally tap into my athletic ability and give it 100 percent. My lifestyle completely changed to focus on my workouts and training.
Because of this life-changing shift, I was able to accomplish so many of the dreams that I had ever since I was a little boy.
Being in recovery allowed me to play in the Pro Bowl for eight consecutive seasons, retire with more than 1,000 career catches and, ultimately, make it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I can say with absolute certainty that I would have never achieved any of this without my sobriety.As proud as I am of my accomplishments as a wide receiver, I am even more proud to have been named NFL’s Man of the Year. I feel so passionate about preventing addiction and helping those already struggling. I work with a variety of charities to get underprivileged kids to understand the importance of staying in school and away from the party scene. For those already caught up in drugs and alcohol, there is hope. I know firsthand that everyone possesses the inner strength to escape the iron grip of addiction.
To save lives, we need to take the stigma out of addiction.
Through my active involvement in the recovery community, I see too many people not getting the help they need because of shame. As a society, we need to put to rest the idea that being an alcoholic or a drug addict is something to be embarrassed about. The reality is that addiction is a disease. It is all around us. Addiction is not a crime, and it is not a choice.If my story can inspire even one person to seek help and turn their life around, then I need to keep telling it. I’m partnered with Ambrosia’s drug rehab Florida and drug rehab California Not just for pro players, but for over 10K people across the country and their families. There is hope. You just have to call.
Olivia Kidney
CAP, ICADC, ECP
Family Wellness Counselor
Olivia’s 9+ years of experience are built on both state and international certifications in addiction therapy. Her raw empathy and 15 years in recovery inspire families to stay proactive in positive ways.
“Addiction is the disease that makes you too selfish to see the havoc you created or care about the people whose lives you have shattered.”
Education
Bachelor’s in Fine Arts — Emerson College
Florida Certified Addiction Professional
Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor
E-Therapy Certified Professional
Specialties
Families, E-Therapy
Years in the Field
9 Years
Personal Journey
Addiction is a disease of the family that was also rampant throughout my family. None of us were left untouched. Though I’ve been sober since 2003, many parents, siblings and spouses still feel the helplessness. That is my calling.
Sean Duane
LCSW, CCTSA, CCTSI
Interim Clinical Director
Sean is a masters-level therapist on a mission. He combines his passion with proven methods and promising new-age techniques like adventure-based counseling to promote trust, self-care, and a new way of living.
“By learning self-love and how to care for ourselves on a daily basis, we can confront our disease and start living meaningful, special lives.”
Education
Master’s in Social Work — Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor’s in Business — Loyola University
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for Addictions — Trauma Institute International
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for Individuals — Trauma Institute International
Specialties
Adults
Years in the Field
4 Years
Personal Journey
I work in addiction treatment because I have this crazy idea that my purpose is bigger than just my life.
