Category: success stories

“I am here to rebuild my life”

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At the George Rosenfeld Center for Recovery dedication ceremony, Amy, a 29-year-old Family Center client spoke about her experience at Odyssey House. Below is the text of her speech.

Mother opioid recoveryGood morning, my name is Amy. I am 29 years of age. I am the mother of a beautiful 1-year-old girl. I am here to rebuild my life for both of us.

At 22 I didn’t see my life being taken down by a medication that was supposed to help me. I had just graduated from an excellent college with a degree in psychology and sociology. My future was ahead of me and it looked bright.

Soon after I graduated college, I developed some health issues that needed surgery.  The procedures were routine and I expected to make a full recovery. Little did I know then, this would be a turning point in my life.

While I was recovering from surgery, I was given opiates to manage the pain and help me recover.  They did that and I definitely needed them.  What happened next was so fast I didn’t see it coming – soon I was dependent on opioids for more than just physical pain – they had become my emotional support. I was addicted.

Life quickly became a wild ride of juggling jobs, losing jobs, going into short-term rehab, getting out and doing the same thing again. Each time my addiction got more serious and more damaging. I lost sight of myself, of my values, and I hurt and disappointed my family.

Within a few short painful years, I started using heroin. Heroin took over my life completely. Everything I did, every day, was to support my growing habit. Eventually, this led to an arrest and I was sitting in jail in full withdrawal. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. It was also a life-changer.

I was fortunate that my family was still willing to help me get treatment – and I needed it more than ever. Shortly after I left, I found out I was pregnant.

After speaking to countless medical professionals, I understood the only way I was going to have a healthy baby and get off heroin safely was with medication. That medication is methadone. My daughter was born with methadone in her system but she was also born 7lbs and healthy. She stayed in the hospital for a month while they weaned her off. It wasn’t easy watching her go through the pain of withdrawal, but the doctors and nurses got both of us through it. I am so grateful to them.

I am also grateful to Odyssey House and its program for women with children. It is saving my life and giving us a future. For the first time in a long time, I am incredibly hopeful, and that is because of this program. I am so thankful to be talking to all of you today on this important occasion. Thank you for supporting me, for supporting Odyssey House, and caring about the young mothers who are here now and those who will be here after me.

Thank you.

“It was here I realized I was not alone”

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At the George Rosenfeld Center for Recovery dedication ceremony, Alfred, a 61-year-old ElderCare client spoke about his experience at Odyssey House. Below is the text of his speech.

Senior recovery centerGood morning. My name is Alfred, I am 61 years old, and a client in the ElderCare program. Fifteen months ago I came to Odyssey House as a longtime addict facing, in what time I had left, a life of loneliness and poor health. In two days, I will complete treatment and begin my new life in recovery, a healthier, happier, and more humble man.

It wasn’t easy to get here. I arrived determined to do things my way, even though “my way” had led to a near-fatal heart attack. The health effects of a lifetime of addiction had caught up with me and I was going to die if I didn’t get help. But still, I was arrogant and selfish. I thought I had all the answers, but I was only fooling myself.

Now, thanks to Odyssey House, I have the tools I need to live a successful life in recovery. My counselors challenged my thinking patterns and helped me see that I was using drugs to avoid the pain of confronting the damage I’ve done, to myself and to others, through my behaviors and actions. I have new coping skills – there will be bumps in the road, but now I know how to overcome them, and not use them as an excuse to use drugs again.

They also taught me to take care of myself – both physically and mentally. I live a healthier life now and the pain I had been living with for so long – it’s gone. And I know that I can’t help anybody unless I help myself first.

Being in treatment with people my own age made a big difference. Sitting in groups, talking to my peers, I realized that even though we come from different places, we all have the same underlying problem. Addiction is isolating – it makes you feel like you’re the only one going through this, especially at my age – but it was here I realized I was not alone.

I’ve come a long way from where I was. It’s tough to look back, but I won’t forget where I came from. I’m focused on the future, one filled with joy from being reunited with my supportive wife, and my relationships with children and grandchildren.

For far too long, I took life for granted. I’ll never do that again. You don’t get too many opportunities at my age, and because of the ElderCare program, I’m ready and able to make the most of this one. Odyssey House will always be a part of me. Thank you for restoring color, and sobriety, to my life.

“I am very happy, and I owe it to Odyssey House.”

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In celebration of our 50th anniversary, each month we will be sharing a story that highlights one of our programs or treatment populations. This month we had a moment to catch up with former ElderCare client Sheryl, who is now two years sober and still works closely with our Outpatient program.

Elder addict recoveryIn 2014, Sheryl, 53, was early in her recovery. She had recently completed a rehabilitation program and, though she felt good about her new life, she knew from past experiences that she needed the support of peers who understand the complexities that come from struggling with an addiction for over 30 years. As an older adult who had been addicted to crack cocaine for so long, Sheryl felt that the challenges she faced were unique and needed to be treated as such.

The Odyssey House ElderCare program gave her the hope and push she needed to stay on track to continue her recovery. Today, Sheryl is two years clean and “feels wonderful.” She credits much of her success to the counselors who were with her “every step of the way.” As someone who typically kept to herself, her counselors encouraged her to open up and speak during her group therapy sessions. Sheryl took this opportunity to challenge herself and found engaging with her peers made her feel comfortable and understood. “I want to be able to tell my story, and show others that living clean and sober is a wonderful way to live life.”

Sheryl is committed to spreading positive messages. She is an integral member of our Odyssey House community and helps facilitate the Women’s Group at our Outpatient program in the Bronx. She also reaches out to others in her community that have the same struggles she has. “I just want to give back and help the organization that helped me become who I am today.”

Sheryl is job seeking and will begin night school in the upcoming month to secure her high school equivalency.  She attends regular group therapies through Odyssey House and hopes to become a Recovery Coach through the program. “I am very happy, and I owe it to Odyssey House.”

Reaching recovery goals through running

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In celebration of our 50th anniversary, each month we will be sharing a story that highlights one of our programs or treatment populations. This month, we are profiling Ryan, who is training for the New York City Marathon as a member of our Run for Your Life Team.

 

woman recovery runner rehab
Ryan on a training run with team leader Andre Matthews (left) and her teammates.

After a two-decade struggle with a crack cocaine addiction, Ryan, 34, is ready to live the healthiest life she can. Since returning to Odyssey House last year, Ryan has been working to make better choices for herself and make this time in treatment her last.

During her first time at Odyssey House in 2013, Ryan admits that she wasn’t as committed as she needed to be to maintain her recovery. After leaving the program, she found herself returning to her old habits and she relapsed. Today, she has strengthened her resolve: “I know now that I have to change every aspect of my life, to focus on becoming a better me.”

With her new mindset, Ryan quit smoking, is eating healthier, and training to run the New York City Marathon for a second time. “The first time was to see if I could complete it, but this year it is about setting a personal best.” She credits much of this motivation to the Run for Your Life team, the Odyssey House-sponsored running group that promotes healthy living habits and keeps in contact with a network of recovery peers through twice-weekly training runs in Central Park.

“This is more than a team, it’s my second family,” Ryan says, something that is particularly important to her as her family resides in New England. The team keeps her dedicated to her sobriety and healthy lifestyle. “We help push each other towards success.” As a returning marathoner, she has taken on a leadership role within the team, mentoring the new runners and encouraging them to stick with it.

In addition, the therapeutic effects of running have helped Ryan with her anxiety and given her confidence to apply herself to bigger opportunities. She is in the process of becoming a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor: “I want a career in helping people who have gone through similar situations to my own,” Ryan explains. “I know I can do anything I put my mind to, especially with the support of my team.”

From client to counselor

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In celebration of our 50th anniversary, each month we will be sharing a story that highlights one of our programs or treatment populations. Here is Gilbert Bell’s story, who completed our staff-in-training program as a client and now works as a senior counselor for young men in our East Village facility.

Counselor rehab nycWhen Gilbert, 38, first came to Odyssey House as a client in February 2010, he never thought he’d still be here six years later. But today he is a senior counselor for young men in residential treatment. Referred by an alternative to incarceration program, Gilbert says he was what he would call a typical client – resistant to treatment, with an “I can do whatever I want” mentality.

But a few months in, something clicked. Listening to the experiences of his peers, he saw he had a lot more in common with them than he’d thought. “I realized that I had an attitude and behavioral problem that was creating conflicts in several areas of my life, and I needed to make a drastic change,” he says. He also discovered he had an aptitude for helping his peers through their struggles.

Newly motivated, Gilbert learned about a staff-in-training program that would send him to school for counseling, allow him to do a paid internship, and possibly lead to employment. “It was the perfect opportunity to turn my life around. I met with my vocational counselor who helped me apply to the program, and I haven’t looked back since.”

Now a licensed Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, Gilbert finds working for Odyssey House to be the most rewarding thing he’s ever done. “I feel like every day I work here, I’m giving back to the community by helping young men stay out of the justice system and guiding them towards a better future.

“Having been through the program gives me a unique perspective on the client experience. I can relate to what they’re going through – I know how frustrating living in a structured treatment environment can be, but I also know how gratifying it is to complete the program and improve your life.”

 

“I can find joy in life again.”

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In celebration of our 50th anniversary, each month we will be sharing a story that highlights one of our programs or treatment populations. Below is Kenneth’s story, who found creating art helped keep him focused on his recovery.

Kenneth eldercare profileArt has been a part of Kenneth’s life for more than 40 years. Growing up, the comfort of creation helped distract Kenneth, 55, from the stresses of growing up in the projects with a single mom raising him and his siblings. As Kenneth reached his teenage years, art gave way to drugs and alcohol as a means of escape. For the next twenty-five years, Kenneth struggled with his addiction to cocaine and alcohol and found himself in and out of treatment programs.

A few years ago, Kenneth became homeless after he lost his job, and he had no money to pay his rent. Feeling hopeless about his future, Kenneth isolated himself. He relapsed, and knowing he needed to make a change, he entered residential treatment at Odyssey House.

In treatment, Kenneth found sanctuary by participating in workshops at the Odyssey House expressive arts studio. Kenneth says creating art allows him to express himself in ways he cannot verbally, and supports his recovery in a safe and sober environment. “The Odyssey House Art Project helped me find myself. I can find joy in life again.” This July, Kenneth celebrated one year of sobriety, giving him a more hopeful outlook on his life: “Now that I’ve reached this milestone, it’s going to be a brighter future for me.”

For more than a decade, our expressive arts studio has been a therapeutic oasis for clients of our residential treatment and housing programs, enabling them to find new ways to exercise their creativity and communicate their feelings. Art helps clients to open up, which also opens doors to improved treatment and healing.

“Focus and persistence is a powerful tool”

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In celebration of our 50th anniversary, each month we will be sharing a story that highlights one of our programs or treatment populations. With high school graduations happening throughout June, we are highlighting one of our very own graduates this month. Chane, a resident of the Leadership Center for transitional-age men, recently passed his Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) and is now looking forward to a brighter future.

Recovery GED graduateFrom a very young age, Chane let his opioid addiction dictate his actions, leading to expulsion from high school and involvement in the judicial system. After being arrested for stealing to fund his drug habit, he was offered treatment at Odyssey House as an alternative to incarceration. Seeing an opportunity, Chane knew it was time to take control of his future.

When Chane, 29, entered the Leadership Center in June 2015, he struggled with the structure of the program. “When I came in, I was bitter and angry, and I wasn’t ready to change.”

But he quickly realized that this was his last chance to turn his life around, and he began to trust the process and found the support he needed through the staff. “The counselors care and want to see you do something productive for your life,” he says.

While in treatment, he dedicated himself to finishing his high school education and passing the TASC. Chane was nervous about how he would do, as he hadn’t been in a classroom in more than 10 years and had always struggled with math. Discussing his concerns with his vocational counselor gave Chane the confidence he needed to succeed as long as he worked hard and applied himself.

The breakthrough came from his math teacher. Chane says, “My teacher’s unique way of looking at math problems made problems that looked difficult become really simple.”

Chane not only passed the TASC but received the second highest score among his peers.

Since then, he has proven that his focus and persistence is a powerful tool that he can use for both his recovery and his career.

Chane is now training to be a plumber and plans to continue advancing his skills by working towards additional certificates.

Taking the first step to putting her family back together

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In celebration of our 50th anniversary, each month we will be sharing a story that highlights one of our programs or treatment populations. Here is Joi’s story, who recently completed residential treatment at our Family Center of Excellence in East Harlem.

Mother in recoveryWhen Joi entered the Manor Family Center in August 2015, she was lost. Struggling with depression, low self-esteem, and alcoholism, she needed a “new beginning” – an opportunity to turn her life around and regain custody of her children.

The 31-year-old mother of four had experienced a number of difficulties, including domestic violence and homelessness, but it took the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) removing custody of her baby to underscore the urgency of her situation.

Though ACS recommended an outpatient program, Joi chose residential treatment. She knew the more intensive therapy would get her on track to get her baby back faster. With Joi’s father taking care of her older three children, there were no more excuses. “I knew I had to turn my life around and set an example for my children,” she says.

“Since being here at Odyssey House, I’m responsible, independent, motivated, and a role model in my community.” While in treatment, Joi regained custody of her youngest child in only four months, and with the support of their grandfather, repaired her relationship with her older children. Joi also successfully completed vocational training and earned a security guard license.

Joi completed treatment in early May and is continuing to work on her recovery at our Outpatient Services in the Bronx. With help from her counselors, she found an apartment to move into after treatment and now lives with her youngest child, with regular visits from her older children.

“I accomplished all the goals I set out to achieve. Odyssey House will help you every step of the way, but you have to take the first step. If you don’t take the initiative, you won’t accomplish anything.”

“Every minute I spent at Odyssey House was worth it.”

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In celebration of our 50th anniversary, each month we will be sharing a story that highlights one of our programs or treatment populations. Below is Ashley’s story, who recently completed residential treatment at Lafayette Avenue, our young women’s program in the Bronx.

Ashley 50th anniversaryAshley, 28, started using drugs and alcohol after graduating high school in Long Island. It started with the occasional use of marijuana and alcohol, mostly as a means of fitting in with her friends and dealing with low self-esteem. It also made it easier to ignore that she was directionless, in and out of college, unable to decide what to study or do with her life.

Her drug use developed into a full-fledged problem when she was 23. By then she was a new mother. To manage the trauma of escaping an abusive relationship with her daughter’s father and the stress of single parenthood Ashley, turned to cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol.

Her life became chaotic. She regularly left her daughter with her parents to go out with friends and started selling drugs. At various points, Ashley realized she had a problem and struggled to get help: she tried three different outpatient clinics over two years, but she never stayed clean for long.

Recognizing the dangers of her lifestyle, she sent her daughter to South Carolina to live with her grandmother for a little while. Shortly after, events took a serious turn. She was arrested for selling drugs. Because it was her first offense, the judge recommended Ashley get residential treatment and referred her to Odyssey House.

Ashley was admitted to the young adult women’s program in the Bronx last October. It took time, but once she adjusted to the structured environment, she began to feel herself change. Being in treatment “helped me open up to others, understand that the way I was living was wrong, and bridge the gap between me and my family,” she says. The groups were particularly beneficial in helping Ashley find peace. “The more I talked to my peers, the lighter my burden felt.”

Ashley says she now has better coping and communication skills and, thanks to vocational training, has a clearly defined career track she is passionate about. She was always interested in cooking – as a child, she could often be found helping her mom in the kitchen – so when it came time to choose a vocational training track, the culinary arts program was a natural fit. “My mom and I used to talk about opening a family-run Italian restaurant, so that’s what I’m working towards.”

Though she’s nervous about leaving treatment, Ashley has a few strategies to help ease the transition, by continuing treatment at a local outpatient program and finishing her culinary training. “I really benefited from the structure of the program, so I’m going to incorporate that into my day,” she says. Mostly, she’s motivated by the prospect of seeing her daughter again, and finally being the mother she deserves.

“I wish I could go back in time and tell my 18-year-old self ‘Slow down! There’s nothing but trouble ahead if you keep living like this.’ But all I can do is keep working on my recovery, and focus on my daughter. I can’t let her down again.

“If you have a problem, it’s okay to come to treatment. It gives you hope. Once you address certain issues, the pain goes away. You’ll come out a better person. I know I’m coming out a better person, a better mother. Every minute I spent at Odyssey House was worth it.”

Celebrating 50 years of service

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This spring, Odyssey House celebrates 50 years of service to New Yorkers in need of substance abuse and mental health treatment. In 1967, Odyssey House opened its doors as a drug-free Therapeutic Community (TC). The first Odyssey House program was located at Metropolitan Hospital in East Harlem and provided treatment for 17 ex-addicts; it quickly grew into one of the country’s preeminent therapeutic communities – catching the attention of public policy and medical experts.

Today, our programs span a range of populations and services for parents and families, youth and young adults, senior citizens, people with mental health and/or medical disabilities, the formerly homeless, and parolees transitioning back into society. We offer 24/7 intensive residential treatment, outpatient services, supportive housing, educational and vocational support, medical and dental care, health and wellness programs, and arts and recreation opportunities.

In 50 years, Odyssey House has grown into a multi-service behavioral health care organization recognized for its evidence-based, comprehensive services for New York’s most vulnerable individuals and families, advocacy in fighting the stigma of addiction, and leadership in securing on-going support for the recovery field.

As the year unfolds, we will be celebrating our 50th birthday in various ways, including our signature “Run for Your Life” recovery event on Saturday, September 24th and sharing monthly stories that highlight one of our special populations or programs. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this significant milestone. Stay tuned for more!