By: Jared, Transformations Alumnus
Hello fellow Alumni,
My name is Jared, and I too am an alcoholic and addict. I grew up in a divorced family living in Wichita, KS. I had my first drink when I was about 12. My grandma had let us all get drunk on Christmas. That is when I fell in love with alcohol.
In high-school, I had every opportunity to succeed, but the priority was partying. I was the guy you’d call when you needed a party thrown or needed to know where a party was. This early on path had led me into further substance abuse and tormented my life till I was 25.
I, unfortunately, am not a “one-chip wonder”. I had originally attended Transformations for help with my mental health. It took me going home, and relapsing to admit to myself that I had a problem with drugs and alcohol too. I had then returned 9 months later. At this point, I had the gift of desperation. I had moved back down to Florida in October 2020 to get my life back in order.
I have been living down here since treatment and moved into a 3/4 house. This time around, my higher power was put first, and that’s where he stays. I had to rebuild that relationship, as I did most relationships. I kept my higher power first and surrendered to this program. I wouldn’t change the life I have today for anything.
Let this be an inspiration that you can stay here in this community and rebuild your life. I couldn’t do that back home in the toxic environment there. The reality is that not many do. Don’t be scared to stick around to change your life. The saying goes “don’t give up before the miracle.”