What is your sober/clean date?
January 19th, 2009.

What was your drug of choice?
I am a recovering addict and alcoholic.

What made you decide to come to SSCR for inpatient treatment?
My situation started as a medical issue which turned into a full blown addiction to pills. October 8th of 2005, I quit drinking, with the help of meetings and a good support system at home. But then I after a back injury in May of 2007, I became addicted to pain medication and stayed that way.

Did you make the decision on your own, or did your family, work, courts, church help you with the decision?
My wife and I had the dreaded conversation of getting help or getting a divorce lawyer. I knew I needed help, but the ultimatum was not very welcomed.

What did you learn about yourself and your disease while you were at SSCR?
The best thing that I learned at Stepping Stone was to love myself and be comfortable in my own skin. I also learned that I had left a path of destruction in my wake. I learned that serious attention was needed to mend things, and that just because I got sober, I had a lot of hard work ahead.

While in treatment you were introduced to the idea of changing people, places and things. What changes have you had to make on your journey of recovery?
It is an absolutely necessity for me to change people, places and things. I had to remove myself from the atmosphere that I had become used to. And, I have to remember that change is a good thing, but it is not always easy. But I only get one life, and I have to fight to make it the best life for me and the people around me.

How do you maintain your sobriety today?
My wife and kids are my strongest support as well as meetings. I also need to take time for myself periodically. My wife is definitely my rock though.

What would you say to someone to help them make the decision to go to in-patient treatment?
I would definitely encourage anyone who needs help to get the in-patient help that is provided at Stepping Stone. They will give you the tools you need to start the journey of recovery, but you also have to remember that it doesn't just happen. You have to put the work into it and keep in mind that it is a fight for your life. And once you let yourself open up to the suggested plans, things will start to get better. One day at a time. Some say, "I can't go because of this or that", but that's just a cop out. You can't do any of the things on that list productively without a clear mind.

Give an example of a situation you have done differently since maintaining your recovery.
I can't tell you just how fulfilling it is going to the ball field with my kids or volunteering at their school, or just hanging out with the family and having a good time.

Overall how would you describe your experience of inpatient treatment helped you to transition into the real world as a sober productive adult free from alcohol and drugs? Would you recommend inpatient treatment to someone?
There will surely be obstacles, but you can make a rational choice with a clear head. Life is not always going to be easy, but you have to do the best you can and everything will fall into place. If I can do this, anybody can. I haven't been able to say I've been sober for 2 yrs. since 1st grade. Find something that you love more than the buzz and your journey has begun. Always love yourself and remember that you can't take back or change the past, but you can surely make the future better. It works if you work it.

Why do you do this type of work considering the challenges that you must face?

I have served as an addictions therapist, mental health counselor or administrator for the past 35 years in non-profit and for-profit agencies and schools. Why do I do it? It is all about motivating the patient to seek quality in life.

When initially admitted to the treatment program, the patient usually experiences physical discomfort, mental anguish, behavioral resistance, low self-esteem and spiritual emptiness. Family, friends and employers are tired of the problems caused by the patient's addiction. The patient may also feel like giving up. And then the patient settles in and the magic begins.

The doctors treat the discomfort; nurses medicate and nurture; therapists educate on addiction. Other staff provides support and consultation. This team approach surrounds the patient with encouragement to want recovery, to try one more time. The patient is given the tools for success.

The patient laughs, cries, delights in childhood games, without the drugs. The patient experiences a renaissance of feelings; a renewal of self. Purpose returns. Meaning of life renews. Hopes and dreams reveal. The desire to put quality back in life is refreshed.

Though certainly not a smooth process, this six-week program serves as a beginning framework for the patient's recovery process. I am truly blessed to be a part of this human service profession. Whether serving as an active or passive participant in the patient's journey, it is exhilarating, mystical and rewarding. Watching the patient grow spiritually is joyful and precious. And when I help others, I add quality to my life.

Roxanne Castleberry,
Director of Patient Support Services

Alcoholism and drug addiction are at an all-time high and many people are finding themselves, family, and friends in need of help. Helping someone in need may require overcoming obstacles. The disease of addiction, unlike other diseases, allows people to believe that there is not a problem. Alcoholism and drug addiction affects every area of a person’s mental, physical, and emotional life. It defines one’s behaviors and attitudes.

Denial and rationalization are the coping mechanisms that allow the alcoholic or addict to continue destructive behaviors. Unfortunately, this reality can lead an alcoholic or addict toward relapse further complicating life. Oftentimes an alcoholic or addict may quit using his or her drug of choice and unknowingly switch addictions from substance abuse to sex, gambling, shopping, video games, or even Internet abuse.

Switching addictions is a dangerous and can lead to self destructive behaviors which may indeed lead to a relapse. Help is available and treatment is necessary to arrest the cycle of addiction. Supporting a friend or family member to seek treatment is important. The support received in a treatment program offers the addict with professional support as well as the support of those struggling with addiction and perhaps similar mental health issues. The sense of community provides one with courage and strength during a scary and uncertain time. The disease of alcoholism and drug addiction does not go away; but like cancer, with proper attention and the right approach addiction can be arrested.

As we continue to grow, we need our alumni to help spread the word about what we offer-a place for people looking to recover from drugs and alcohol. This is a great opportunity to give back and help another find recovery while strengthening your own.

Keeping treatment options available benefits ourselves, our families, our friends and the larger community. Finding a way to live a calm, productive, fulfilling life is needed now more than ever. Times may be troubled, but that does not mean we give up on ourselves or others. Doing service builds self esteem and may help save a life. Reach out and spread the word.

If you have any questions or perhaps suggestions on how we can help spread the word of recovery please contact Joanna Painton-Hathaway at 1-800-833-9057, or e-mail her at jpainton@steppingstonecfr.com.

We are in the process of building a buddy program and need alumni to help. This program is designed to connect newly discharged patients with recovering alumni. The buddy system will help those just out of treatment stay focused while they build their local support group. If you are interested in becoming a buddy volunteer, you must have at least a year clean and sober, be attending meetings, and working the 12-step program.

If you are interested, please contact Joanna Painton-Hathaway at 1-800-833-9057, or e-mail her at jpainton@steppingstonecfr.com.

Your participation will help you and others stay clean and sober. “You have to give it away to keep it.”