Read Personal Stories

Review the personal stories of people recovering from mental and/or substance use disorders.

These personal stories share strategies individuals have used to overcome obstacles and achieve success with their recovery efforts.

Tina: Recovery Gave Me Freedom from Shame and Guilt

“The freedom from guilt, shame, and hurt is the biggest gift my recovery has given me.”

Mrs. D: Blogging Helped Me Stop Using Alcohol

“I was the classic high-functioning boozer. Fine on the outside, but in reality not fine at all. In reality drinking far too much wine all the time.”

Deborah: My Spiritual Journey of Recovery From Alcohol Use

“Until we feel we can be with ourselves and know our own worth we will constantly be giving our power to others to validate us or heal us.”

Larry: Recovering From Substance Dependency and Depression

“The seeds of personal responsibility were planted by beginning to focus on what he could control and, more importantly, let go of what he could not.”

Brandon: Overcoming Challenges Through Hard Work and Determination

“I could have easily just given up and allowed others to take care of me for the rest of my life… I made the decision that I WOULD RECOVER.”

Karen: Managing Depression and Learning to Live Again

“I started to feel the beginnings of healing! I had thought for the longest time that my mental illness would not allow me to do anything constructive ever again.”

Deborah: If I Can Beat Alcohol, Anyone Can

“My addiction got me in a lot of trouble, with more than 30 arrests and three prison terms.”

Pilar: Recovery Is One Day at a Time

“‘One Day at a Time’ is used in all 12-step programs and even though it may be an old and dusty bumper sticker slogan, I noticed this really works for me....”

Sherry: Coming Clean About My Alcohol Use

“But the most important thing is that I put down my wine glass on January 7, 2010. And I'm grateful every day that I did.”

Stephen: Celebrating 4 Years of Recovery From Methamphetamines

“I was as deep into meth as anyone could possibly be for about 3 years. I lost everything, and ended up doing almost 4 years in jail and prison.”