Client Highlight: Elizabeth K.
Can you describe the moment when you realized you wanted to start your journey of recovery?
“I decided when I was in a hospital room, in the middle of the morning, and I didn't know where I was. I looked up and I saw my mom and said ‘I have a drinking problem and I need help’ and that was it. That was over 7 years ago.”
What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered and how have you handled them along the way?
“The socialness of drinking. I thought I could never have fun without it but it turns out I can! It just took a while to get into a new way of thinking. I realized that if I had to avoid certain places because there's alcohol then I just had to avoid those places. I have people who support me and they know that it's difficult sometimes so we just go to a place where I don't have to worry about it.”
Have you discovered new activities or practices that have positively impacted your recovery?
“Just coming to see my counselor on a weekly basis and being able to talk about if I had any difficulties. In the past when I had difficulties I would usually just reach for the bottle to forget about them… until the next day, you know. But now I can work through them just talking to someone and through learning what I've learned through my counselors throughout the years.”
What Driftless Recovery services have you/do you participate in? What have you found helpful?
“I have done individual counseling and group counseling. Group counseling was something new for me and it was hard at first, but I enjoyed meeting new people and realizing that other people have difficulties as well. I know I shouldn’t compare but group counseling helped me to see how difficult people’s lives can really be and it helped me to be grateful.”
What are some milestones or achievements you feel proud of?
“February 22nd 2017 is my sober date!”
What have you learned about yourself during your time in services?
“What I've learned about myself is that it can be very difficult for me to be content and that’s what I need to work on. I often compare myself to others and I’ve learned how much happier I can be if I’m grateful and content with what I have.”
What plans/goals do you have for yourself moving forward?
“Now that I’ve made the conscious decision to stop drinking, I’m focused on other healthy things. I care for my mental health by going to counseling, I go to church for my spiritual healing, and I’d also like to work on my physical health by exercising, eating healthier foods, and spending more time outside with my animals.
Liz’s Message to the Readers:
“The message I’d like to leave you is: I know it seems hopeless… impossible really, but your whole world is going to have to flip to change… but it’s worth it, it’s so worth it.”
