Tucker J.
Sobriety date: January 31, 2008 at age 38"After multiple suicide attempts and jail, I can tell you how lucky I was in coming to Harris House. I am in recovery and can deal with issues without becoming violent."
How it was: I was desperate, miserable, and often out of control, and couldn't even take kids to see Santa Claus without getting high first. I had made several serious suicide attempts over the years and had failed an outpatient addition treatment program ten years before. My "bottom" came after I had been drinking all day. I was whacked out of my mind. I had pulled a knife on the woman I was living with, and then she called police who came in with tazers. I was arrested for a felony, and spent New Year's in jail handcuffed to a bench, wearing a paper suit. My family would not come get me--I had been estranged from them for seven years. But a friend told them I really wanted help, and my sister got me to Harris House the day after I was released from jail.
At Harris House: I was scared and I cried all day the next day. But the staff was kind to me. Then I started to open up. Everybody is expected to be honest in group, and talk about what is driving their drinking. My sister came to family meetings, my mom came to visit.
The long-term program: I moved next door to the long-term program for three months, went to four or five 12-step meetings a week, and unemployment gave me an opportunity to find a good job. I also went through the RAVEN anger management program, where I am now a mentor. I eventually moved in order to live with a lifelong friend.
How it is now: I actually have relationships with people, and they are not based on grams or fluid ounces. I found out in recovery what friends and family are. Being vulnerable helps you heal. Harris House was a golden opportunity that permanently changed how I think. If you are coming to Harris House, I can tell you how lucky you are about to be.
