Client Highlight: Michael V.
Michael’s passion for recovery is making waves in the community. Check out his story here.
Can you describe the moment when you realized you wanted to start your journey of recovery?
“It happened in jail. I was doing some self-reflection and I didn't have an answer for why I kept making poor decisions even when I knew what the consequences were so I had to dig deeper. I developed a conscience while I was in jail. It wasn’t in my character to be doing these kinds of things but drugs made me the person I didn’t want to be.”
What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered and how have you handled them along the way?
“I would say the biggest challenges would be finding a support group. At first, I wasn't really big on NA meetings, maybe because I felt uncomfortable being new. But his time around I kept an open mind and it drastically changed my life. I'm more involved in the community. I became a recovery coach which has its challenges because I have to be responsible and hold myself accountable.”
Have you discovered new activities or practices that have positively impacted your recovery?
“Becoming a recovery coach. It's given me more responsibility because people expect things from me. I love being a recovery coach because I’m learning as well. It’s helped me be open to NA and the fellowship. Being active in the sober community and having good connections is so important. These activities have helped me to become a leader.”
What are some milestones or achievements you feel proud of?
“I was given the opportunity to move into the Driftless House, that’s a big one. Also being a recovery coach and running the Hmong to Hmong group. I look forward to doing the next one in January.”
What is Hmong to Hmong?
“I thought of this while I was still in jail. I learned how culture plays a role and how my childhood impacts my adult decisions. The group was created for Hmong people to connect and try to help educate each other on mental health. You can’t really talk about recovery without mental health, so I think in order to be successful in recovery it’s good to understand how mental health plays a role in your addiction.”
What plans/goals do you have for yourself moving forward?
“My plans for the future right now are going back to school in the Spring to finish my graphic design, continue to grow the Hmong to Hmong group, and stay strong in my own sobriety. I also want to help people, I already have three Recoveree’s, so I want to help them be successful as well.”
Michael’s message to the readers:
“If you're struggling, you don't have to do it alone. There are other people out there who struggle just like you and there's a big sober community out there. What I suffered from was not having the courage to reach out and be involved, you kind of have to get past any stigma and just be humble. People get second chances, so get connected.”
