Client Highlight: Cullyen C.
Cullyen’s gratitude and passion for his recovery are what make him such a standout individual. Hear his story below.
Can you describe the moment when you realized you wanted to start your journey of recovery?
“I first wanted to start my journey of recovery when I got out of treatment. I didn't really know what to expect when I was there but I had a great experience. Someone else at treatment was also going to the Driftless House so I decided that I wanted to give it a shot and try something different.”
What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered and how have you handled them along the way?
“Towards the end of my stay at the Driftless House I was preparing to be a first-time dad. In the process of that, I was also preparing to move out and have my first apartment on my own. I would have to say that balancing my recovery was kind of a struggle at first because I was really focused on working a lot of hours, saving money but at the same time keeping my sanity and my recovery. I went to a lot of meetings, I asked a lot of people a lot of questions (no matter how silly they sounded ). I went and I got vulnerable sharing about what was on my mind and how I was feeling. It made me really uncomfortable at first but at the end of the day it really helped me grow as a person.”
Have you discovered new activities or practices that have positively impacted your recovery?
“I have been going bowling, playing for the Recovery softball team, going to recovery conventions, and kayaking. In the summertime I love to go out and support my brother and watch him at the races along with my father. While at the Driftless House, I also enjoyed going out into the community and giving back. Going to the warming shelter and helping out there, it was all for a good purpose and really opened my eyes up to giving back to the community.”
What Driftless Recovery services have you/do you participate in? What have you found helpful?
“During my stay at the Driftless House, I met friends that will be forever. They help me stay accountable and have taught me things I can do to better myself- like getting rid of bad habits and replacing them with healthy ones. I have also learned to stick up for myself and for what I believe in. I have found more joy in my life than I have ever had. Connecting with other people that I can relate to has helped me tremendously because I learned I'm not the only one who struggles.”
What are some milestones or achievements you feel proud of?
“I’ve been clean off of everything since May of 2021. I was also recently promoted at my job. In the past, I struggled keeping a job and I’ve been able to keep this one for over 2 years! Another joy in my life is my daughter who just turned 5 months old and I couldn’t be any happier to have her in my life.”
What have you learned about yourself during your time in services?
“For the longest time I always looked at myself for who I was in the past. I would let that dictate who I was in the present and I was confused, always struggling in life. I’ve learned that I am not that person today and that I'm a leader, a great father, and a good friend.”
What plans/goals do you have for yourself moving forward?
“One big goal I have for my future is buying my first house in the near future. I’m also looking forward to watching my baby girl grow up into the beautiful woman she's going to be. I'm looking forward to continuing to grow my recovery and help other addicts who struggle with addiction along the way.”
Cullyen’s message to the readers:
“Life is full of adversities and obstacles, it's how you deal with them that matters. Life is always going to throw you curveballs and, honestly, sometimes you might not know how to handle them. I've learned the best way to handle the situation is to have a positive attitude, keep your head held high, and stay connected with the right people. Have an open mind and know that anything is possible.”
