Resident's Story

I would like to first begin by giving God the credit for my recovery.

I came to GraceWay on September 16, 2003, because I was sick and tired of living my life the way I was living.  My addiction to drugs and alcohol began at the age of 15 and rapidly progressed. I managed to graduate from high school and began attempting college, but soon found out that my addiction was more important than anything else.
My addiction overruled my family, my values, and almost destroyed my life.  I was in a hopeless state.  My addiction turned me away from a God I once knew. My addiction lied to me so that I would feel better about myself  because I knew the way I was living was wrong.

   DESPERATION… HOPELESSNESS… DISCONTENT…
              FEAR…             GUILT…. These were my companions

I came to GraceWay after my only experience with treatment…time I spent in a detox center.  I was 22 years old when I first stepped into GraceWay.  I was frightened by a sense of God’s presence and felt lost and unsure about the direction of my life.  I was desperate enough to listen and began to follow the suggestions of the 12 Steps of recovery.  I began to learn how to apply the principles of the 12 Steps to my everyday life. By applying these principles, I grew in honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness.  These principles of the steps provided me with direction so I could obtain acceptance, change, and spiritual growth.  I also learned that I cannot keep what I have unless I give it away.

As a result of living my life by these principles, I am happy, joyous and free today.  God has entered my life and opened many doors for me.  I started back to college and I am successfully working toward a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am also actively involved in AA and am now a senior resident here at GraceWay.  I realize today that to whom much is given, much is expected.  My relationship with my family has changed for the better.  I have learned how to place my recovery first before anything else.

I know that this is a journey not a destination.  I am responsible for the daily effort and God is in charge of the results.

Allison F.