Sobriety is possible – if they can do it, so can you. In this series, Avenues Recovery presents true accounts of everyday heroes in recovery.
Hi! I’m Joe, and this is my recovery story.
My recovery journey began shortly after I finished my Navy active duty in the mid ‘80’s. I attended my first Twelfth Step meeting and bounced in and out because of the reservations that I held onto. I believed that I could control my addiction through willpower alone. I relocated from Long Island to Virginia because of my federal job, thinking that a new environment would be the answer. I was unaware that my addiction had climbed into the back of the moving van and cofound me in a downward spiral physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I was convinced that if I could just find the “right” substance, then my problem would be solved. I had no idea that it was not about which particular drug I used, but the allergic reaction – the obsession and compulsion - I experienced whenever I used. The true “beginning of the end” came after I attempted suicide in July of 2000. I was not the man I wanted to be nor the father of my daughter that I so desperately knew I could be, so why not just end it all? I entered the first of my three rehabs after I physically recovered from the attempt on my life.
I recommitted to a different Twelve Step program that was centered on the “disease of addiction” rather than just one substance. I attended multiple meetings daily, and more importantly, made connections with people that I still have in my life today. I relapsed four more times within a nine-month timespan, with each relapse becoming increasingly worse. I then experienced a true ‘moment of clarity’ and realized that the only possible way for me to survive was by becoming and remaining clean of ALL mind-altering and mood-changing substances (except those that are prescribed by a well-informed physician) and staying committed to my Twelve Step program. My sober date is May 28th, 2001. I still attend my Twelve Step meetings, have a Home Group and sponsor, and continue to work the Steps and sponsor other men.
Once I retired from my federal job, I worked at a local rehab for 2 years out of a desire to help those still in the grip of addiction. My former co-worker from that first rehab reached out and asked me to come “take a look around” at Avenues in Norfolk. I reluctantly agreed. I use the term reluctantly because, at times, I still experience fear of breaking out of my comfort zone. I am so grateful that I did. I began working at Avenues on August 13th, 2024, as a Client Engagement Specialist, and I genuinely love what I do. Working at Avenues, we each have the chance to positively impact the lives of our residents, as every single staff member makes a difference. I reach out and welcome everyone that walks through our doors. I am given the opportunity to try and talk a new resident ‘down from the ledge’ when they have no hope and are contemplating leaving AMA and relapsing. I do this simply by sitting down one-on-one and listening to them. I do not hold back from sharing the struggles that I myself have experienced in my rehab stays or in early recovery. I let them know that they are not alone in their battle, and that they don’t have to give up and return to the self-destructive thinking and behaviors that brought them here. It is the connections between us, as residents and staff, that I believe are our most important strengths.
The entire Avenues mission of not giving up on anyone is a breath of fresh air. I am proud to work with and have such profound respect for everyone on our team. We are all centered on our residents, going to every length to support, encourage and help them understand and realize that they are of value. So long as there is breath in their lungs, they too can begin their journey to recovery here at Avenues.