Journey of Healing: Story of a recovered addict, now an addiction counselor working at an addiction treatment centre.
As a counselor at New Beginnings Recovery, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of recovery on a daily basis. Being a recovered addict myself, I know the rewards, gifts, and promises that we can earn in recovery. I also know all too well, about the struggles and hardships addiction can bring if left untreated. In this post, I want to share my reflections on the rewarding and challenging aspects of working in an addiction treatment center, where every day brings new opportunities to make a positive impact on someone’s life.
A little about myself:
In 2021 while the world was facing the frightful pandemic, I was also in a different way, facing death on a day to day basis. I had no problem with isolation because that is what my drug use and addiction inevitably became. Using, drinking, and smoking everyday by myself, in a hotel room. I had lost my kids, my wife, my house, and my driver’s license. My bank accounts were all in overdraft. After 15 years of hiding and leading a double life, my addiction finally took full control of me. I was powerless. My life was fully destroyed, shattered, and in pieces. After successfully completing treatment myself, I was able to rehabilitate my life and eventually earned the trust of my loved ones again. Each one of those problems got smaller and smaller, and recovery gave me the tools necessary to deal with life on life’s terms. Recovery was working wonders in my life because I gave it my best shot. After my first year of sobriety, I went back to school to follow what I felt was my calling. Today I am a certified counselor for addiction and mental health, and it was the best thing that could ever happen to me.
- The Heart of Compassion: Working at a treatment center requires more than professional expertise; it demands a heart full of compassion. Numerous times clients have come to me for advice on life’s problems, trials and tribulations. I can feel their pain when they express their concerns and anxieties. I can relate because I have been there myself. It brings joy and gratitude when I am able to help one get out of one’s self. Offering the solution is one thing, but offering the support needed until the solution can be put is action, is one of the best feelings of being of help and being of service to a fellow recovering addict.
- Building Trust and Connection: At New Beginnings Recovery Home we have a Counsellor-Client Confidentiality. We offer a safe and non-judgmental space that enables individuals to open up about their struggles, fostering a strong foundation for the therapeutic process.
- Witnessing Transformations: Another great outcome that recovery brings is the actual proof of success stories. We have had countless clients come back and thank us for working with them and providing them with the tools that they now use on a day to day basis. The joy and fulfillment that comes from witnessing the transformation that clients undergo during their recovery journey is priceless. The resilience and strength individuals discover within themselves as they progress through treatment is why I love working as an addiction counselor.
- Strong and steadily growing team of professionals: At New Beginnings Recovery Home the staff consist of a multidisciplinary team, including therapists, medical professionals, and support staff, to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of a person’s well-being and recovery. With consistent staff meetings, we are constantly exploring new resources, reviewing our material, and building relationships in the community. We address on-going and possible future issues, along wi th solutions and suggestions on how to make our resident’s stay at New Beginnings Recovery a more enjoyable one.
Today I can confidently say that I am appreciative of all the ups and downs life has thrown my way. I am extremely grateful for the outcome of my life which ultimately led me to working with, and helping fellow recovering addicts. I am thankful for the opportunity New Beginnings Recovery Home has given me to be a part of individuals’ recovery journeys. I hope this post aspires whoever needs it, to consider the help treatment can bring. Also I hope this post assists with spreading the message; that there is a solution! And it works!
