Bill W.
Sobriety date: November 20, 2007, at age 29"Harris House helped me gain recovery and go from disability to full time law student."
How things were before I came to Harris House: I was at the lowest point in my life. I had been through two other treatment facilities, and my insurance had run out for additional treatment. My father had died earlier in the year as a consequence of a long period of alcoholism. Then my older sister found Harris House.
Individualized program at Harris House: Harris House gave me a more individualized approach to sobriety than other programs I had gone through. Our groups were smaller, and I had more opportunities for one-on-one therapy. The family sessions on Tuesday nights were important for us - both of my sisters and my mom came weekly. My counselor was both understanding and encouraging.
Harris House aftercare, then a good job and law school: I would have moved into long term care at Harris House, but I had the opportunity for a safe and sober environment living with my mother. I also returned to Harris House routinely for aftercare, and just to be around others in recovery. This aftercare sets Harris House apart from other options, and I came to every follow up meeting. My friends and the counselors knew what it was like to have bad days and cravings, and they provided a support system. I continue to attend AA meetings, including one at Harris House.
I got off disability and went back to work after leaving 28-day treatment, but resigned soon after and then found a good position with Edward Jones. I entered St. Louis University law school part time, and now I am a full time law student there and expect to graduate in May, 2012.
