ADDICTION STOPS HERE.
Recovery Stories.
Riley's Journey:
From Rock Bottom to Recovery and Giving Back at JourneyPure
A Life in Crisis
Riley’s journey to recovery is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of professional treatment and ongoing support. Her story, which began at JourneyPure, illustrates how one can move from the depths of addiction to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Riley’s struggle with substance abuse began in college with alcohol, eventually progressing to drugs.
“I’d been using for the better part of 20 years and my drug of choice was methamphetamine,” she shares. Her addiction led to severe consequences, including a relapse, divorce, and homelessness.
At her lowest point, Riley found herself bargaining with God.
“I remember sitting there praying to God, bargaining with Him. If He would only do this and that, then I would get sober,” she recalls. “But the fact is, I really just wanted my life back.”
It was a phone call from her sister that set Riley on the path to recovery. When confronted about her drug use, Riley initially denied it. Her sister’s offer of support, coupled with the freedom to choose any rehab, became a turning point.
A New Beginning
After a recommendation from a hospital in Memphis, Riley reached out to JourneyPure. Within days, she was on a plane to Bowling Green, Kentucky, embarking on a journey that would change her life.
Initially, the concept of lifelong sobriety seemed overwhelming to Riley.
“When I got here, I wasn’t too sure about not using for the rest of my life. That seemed very daunting and overwhelming,” she admits. It was a staff member at JourneyPure who provided a perspective that resonated with her: “You don’t have to worry about the rest of your life. You just have to worry about today.”
This day-at-a-time approach became the foundation of Riley’s recovery. At JourneyPure, she gained invaluable tools and insights.
“Some of the tools that JourneyPure gave me that I had never heard before is that addiction is a disease,” Riley explained. “They gave me the tools to treat it like going to meetings, helping other people, and calling my sponsor.”
One particularly effective strategy Riley learned was “playing the tape” – thinking through the consequences before relapsing, as part of relapse prevention. These tools and strategies have been crucial in maintaining her sobriety since May 31st, 2019
The Road to Recovery
Today, Riley’s life has been transformed. She has regained custody of her two children, and her entire family has moved across the country to support her recovery. The recovery community in Bowling Green has become a cornerstone of her new life.
Perhaps most remarkably, Riley now works at JourneyPure, giving back to the community that supported her.
“I was fortunate enough a couple years ago to get a job at JourneyPure so I could give back what was so freely given to me,” she shares with pride.
Riley’s journey from addiction to recovery and now to helping others is a powerful illustration of the ripple effect of effective treatment. Her story demonstrates that with the right support and personal commitment, not only is recovery possible, but a life beyond one’s wildest dreams is achievable.
“I love my life today,” Riley concludes. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
A Message of Hope
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, remember that a new life is possible. JourneyPure offers compassionate, evidence-based care that can help you reclaim your life, just as it did for Riley. Don’t wait to start your journey to recovery. Call us at 615-410-9260 today, and take the first step towards a brighter future.
