Client Highlight: Cindy R.

Can you describe the moment when you realized you wanted to start your journey of recovery?

I started my journey when it began to be too much. I just couldn't do it on my own and I had been here before with Deb so she had recommended Ryan. That's how I was able to come back with Ryan. 

What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered and how have you handled them along the way?

I think my hardest encounters were not quitting the drinking, but quitting and having to learn how to live my life without the drink. Past traumas and childhood traumas; that's kind of what kept me drinking so that's the hardest thing. I have to deal with them instead of drinking. 

Have you discovered new activities or practices that have positively impacted your recovery?

What helped me was I moved, as a 51-year-old woman, back in with my mom and my sister. It wasn’t what I wanted, but it helped me stay grounded. It also helped take me back to my roots of childhood and the simpleness of life. I think that's what's helped me the most. 

What Driftless Recovery services have you/do you participate in? What have you found helpful?

I participate in individual counseling with Ryan. I might go every couple weeks and then I also did the SOP group for ten weeks. I graduated from SOP three weeks ago and since then I've been in Relapse Prevention going on my third week. 

What are some milestones or achievements you feel proud of?

I'm proud that I've been at the same job for 31 years now. I didn't lose that within my addiction. 

What have you learned about yourself during your time in services?
I've learned that I'm stronger than what I think I am. I never give myself enough credit that I can do things if I just get outside of my own head. 

What plans/goals do you have for yourself moving forward?

I'm giving myself until my one year sobriety mark and then I'll be moving out of my mom's [house]. I look forward to staying sober and to start going out and doing things that I couldn't do when I was in active addiction. 

Final message to the readers: 

Vulnerability is amazing. I would recommend Driftless Recovery for mental health and addiction. It's a very, very, family-based place with a lot of support. I've recommended quite a few people to come here because of that reason. Just don't ever give up on yourself.