Hi! My name is Kathi, and this is my recovery story.
There was a time in my life when I never thought I would be able to say this, but on June 28th, I will celebrate 15 years substance free.
For over 30 years, addiction controlled my life. Like many others who struggle with substance use, I had countless attempts at trying to “get it together.” There were moments of hope, setbacks, restarts, and times when I questioned whether lasting recovery was even possible for me. Looking back now, I realize recovery was never about becoming perfect overnight. It was about continuing to get back up, even after falling.
Today, my life looks completely different than it once did. I now work as a case manager for discharge planning at Avenues Recovery Center at Prince Frederick, helping other people continue their own sobriety journeys. It is incredibly humbling to sit across from people who are where I once was — scared, uncertain, and trying to figure out how to live life without substances. While I cannot walk their journey for them, I can offer understanding, compassion, and proof that long-term recovery is possible.
Working in this field has truly brought me full circle. That does not mean life has always been easy. Living substance free does not remove life’s challenges, heartbreaks, or difficult seasons. There have been days that tested me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But through it all, I have learned how to face life instead of escape from it. I have learned how to be present. And being present has become one of the greatest gifts of recovery.
Today, I am able to fully show up for my daughters and my grandsons. I get to experience the moments I once missed or numbed away. I get to create memories, share laughter, offer support, and simply be there. Those everyday moments that many people take for granted mean everything to me now. Recovery gave me more than sobriety. It gave me purpose, clarity, gratitude, and a second chance at life. Every day is a new day. I do not take that for granted anymore.
If sharing my story helps even one person believe that change is possible, then it is worth telling. No matter how long the struggle has been, recovery can happen. Sometimes the journey is messy, difficult, and far from perfect — but it is still possible.
Fifteen years later, I can honestly say I could not be happier with the life I have today.