Client Highlight: Alex S.
This week, we hear Alex’s story. Since finding recovery, Alex’s mental narrative has shifted to be more open and positive. Find out how below.
Can you describe the moment when you realized you wanted to start your journey of recovery?
“I would like to say it was my own choice but it wasn’t. I think the umpteenth time of ending up in the emergency room with paracentesis and then the last time ending up in the hospital thinking I was just having a flare up and finding out I was in kidney and liver failure opened my eyes. I’m not invincible, I’m just like everyone else and eventually your choices catch up to you. I just got to be really lucky and am one of those people that had this happen to open my eyes. Originally, I got sober for my mom and my family. I’d say about 6-8 months ago, it became for myself because now I see that I can do things without alcohol, I’m able to say that I’m doing it and my family's just to benefit as before thinking any of it was for me was not even in the playbook.”
How did you get connected to Driftless Recovery Services?
“Through my primary care doctor because I have an alcohol dependence.”
If you could tell someone one thing about therapy, what would it be?
“You won’t be judged- there’s no right answer and you can be more open with them than anyone else in your life.”
What are some personal milestones or achievements you feel proud of yourself for?
“Well I would say first and foremost I am 477 days sober! If you would have asked me 460 days ago if I thought I could make it this far I would never believe you. I think another is that I am now more open to criticism and feedback than I used to be. I’m more open and actually listen to it rather than just say “yeah okay whatever”.
What plans/goals do you have for yourself moving forward?
“I would love to see how I will feel at 1,000 days sober and see if I feel different then compared to 500 days.”
What would you like to share with those reading this right now?
I first would want them to know that it doesn't matter what mental state you're in it's okay to not be okay. I’d also want them to know that when you come to therapy it is a safe zone. I feel like I can really relate to both of my therapists and feel very fortunate. I'm able to talk with Todd as far as what is frustrating me and how I'm handling things without any substances. When I’m talking with BethAnn I know that she’s not judging me because of the life that I've chosen and how I've ended up here. I can come 100% honest no matter how ugly it is and they’re not thinking less of me. You know sometimes it's okay to laugh in therapy and it's also okay to cry or be upset. Just being able to talk with both counselors about any topic has been really helpful.”
