Day Job:
Case manager at Hawaii Island Recovery

At the height of my addiction:  
I became a slave to the bottle.  I gave up everything because the obsession to drink was constant.  I lost my friends and family . . . lost many jobs, my morals, values, sense of worth, dignity and hope in myself to even live.

My rock bottom moment:  
The realization that I could not manage my life anymore.

What worked for me:  
SURRENDER.  I tried outpatient and a 12-step program for a few years.  I was in and out of sobriety.  Once I finally surrendered and was completely open and willing, I went to Hazelden in Springbrook, Oregon.  I detoxed for a few days, then chose to stay for a 90-day residential program.  After I returned home to Hawaii, I went to at least one AA meeting a day and continued with outpatient treatment.  I never stopped working on my recovery program.

Advice to my younger self:  
Don’t be so hard on yourself.  Be who you are.  Accept all the flaws and imperfections, and do the best that you can.  Speak up.

Rules I live by:  
Today, there are many rules I live by, but what has worked for me in most situations, and that I use almost daily, is “let it go.”

Favorite recovery quote:  
“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

When cravings come:  
All I need to do is think about how my life was, and where drinking got me.  I also think about how far I have come in recovery, and how much I have to lose.  I now have a three-year-old daughter and a fiancé.  If I take a sip, I know I will lose all of it.  I don’t give myself the option to drink.

On my schedule today:  
I work with people in every recovery at least five days a week, as a case manager at a residential treatment facility.  Everyone needs balance, so when I get home, I spend time with my family.  I am so grateful every night that I can go to bed sober, one more day, and reap the benefits of being sober.

Best advice for newbies:  
Do not ever give up, no matter how hard it gets. A hard day in recovery beats a good day “out there”.

What I value most in recovery:  
I value my sobriety the most. I need to put my recovery first, if I don’t everything else I have today will be gone.

How I get through the holidays:  
I get through the holidays with a grateful attitude. Although many people drink and celebrate, I celebrate being sober, and am proud of it! I think about the holidays as now being able to remember the memorable times I shared, instead of memories of destroying holidays.

I get inspired by:  
Helping others. When I see people succeed, I feel great! It’s a win, win situation.

What saves me from myself:  
Self-forgiveness is a big part of my daily routine.  Sine I have learned that I am not perfect, I am constantly making mistakes, but I tell myself that it’s ok.  As long as I learned my lesson, keep moving forward, and try not to make the same mistake twice.

SHED THE STIGMA:   
If you’re a person in long-term recovery who wants to share your insights, please contact us at [email protected].