Recovery Leads to Renewed Happiness for Former Patient

Chris Goodwyn knows firsthand how damaging drug addiction can be. After nearly losing everything, he made an important decision that led him down a path that where he found happiness, forgiveness, and a renewed connection to his family and spirituality.

“My breaking point was when my wife wanted to test me just before Christmas and I told her there was no reason because I was still using which led to me leaving the house. I was isolated, pissed at everyone and everything. My sister talked me into getting treatment, which I wanted no part of but I was tired of living the life I was living. As for the best part of my recovery…man where do I start? The 1st NA Meeting I attended? Learning what forgiveness was all about? Getting re-baptized? My alumni friends or the new friends I’ve made here? All I know is I’m happy and though it took time, my family is happy with me.”

As for the best part of my recovery…man where do I start?

Chris is now 22 months sober and is looking forward to spending many more years in recovery. Recovery First treatment center helped him detox safely and taught him the necessary skills to remain sober and unlearn the thought patterns that threatened his sobriety.

Every story like Chris’s is both unique and familiar—millions of Americans suffer from addiction, yet only a fraction of them get the specialized treatment they need. There are many reasons why people don’t seek treatment, several of them related to the social stigma and guilt surrounding drug and alcohol abuse.

People with substance use disorder frequently feel ashamed of their problem; however, addiction is actually a chronic disease. While there is no cure, with the right treatment people like Chris are able to live happily in recovery.

Addiction treatment has also come a long way: Rehabilitation facilities like Recovery First now practice a variety of evidence-based therapies and have multiple levels of care to address patient’s specific needs.

In addition to the basic evidence-based therapies provided at most rehab centers, Recovery First also offers several supplemental, optional forms of therapy and amenities to make patients’ stays more comfortable. This includes:

• A gym.
• Apartment style bedrooms furnished with all the essentials, such as a stove, television, refrigerator, etc.
• Catered meals during detox.
• Outdoor barbecues.
• Recreational therapy.
• Art therapy.
• Mediation/mindfulness therapy.
• Writing and recovery.
• Spirituality group therapy.

One vital part of recovery that is often overlooked is the need for a support system that is conducive to long-term sobriety. That’s why an aftercare system like Recovery First’s alumni program is so helpful. It makes it easy for people who complete treatment at Recovery First to remain in contact with each other and hear about special alumni events and meetings. It’s important for people like Chris to stay connected with people that have a personal understanding of what he’s going through and have become invested in his sobriety.

Just like Chris, you too can turn your life around when you’ve reached a breaking point—you may just need some help and support. Reach out to an American Addiction Centers’ (AAC) admissions navigator at .