Client Highlight: Ashley G.

This week, we hear from Ashley, a woman who has persevered through years of chronic use and now celebrates over 1 year of sobriety.

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

"When I got my 5th OWI, that was really eye opening. I finally accepted that I do have a problem and I can’t control it. Before then, I would question my drinking like ‘maybe I have a problem’ but I never committed to it. “ 

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

"Staying away from people who are using because that was a big issue for me… I had to disconnect from a lot of people who weren’t good influences. The other thing was managing my boredom. I had to find other things to do with my time. I had to get up and go for a walk, clean the house, do anything to entertain myself instead of just sitting there because that’s when I’d want to use.” 

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

"Going for hikes, being out in nature, just getting out of the house more…. I’ve really enjoyed that since getting sober.”

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

"I did the Structured Outpatient Program and Relapse Prevention. Relapse Prevention was really helpful to me because it gave me alternative ways to managing my thoughts and ideas for what to do instead of use. Driftless has been very helpful; they’ve known what I needed when I didn’t even know what that for myself.” 

What are some milestones or achievements you feel proud of?

“Finally completing OWI court and being 1 year sober, that’s really big for me.” 

What have you learned about yourself during your time in services?

“That I don’t need drugs or alcohol to be able to have fun and enjoy life. I had to find myself outside of substance use and decide who I am.” 

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

“To keep bettering myself in life and in recovery, just everything. Keep doing what I’m doing.” 

Her message to the readers:

“If you work hard and set your mind to it, you can overcome anything.”