A patient's story - giving something back
Former addiction treatment client at Life Works discusses the support he received and how he’s using his experience to help others.
“I owe the beginning of my journey to Life Works, and them setting me out on the path to recovery.
“Something inside me snapped. I was in such a state. So I called; called for help. What stood out with Life Works, for me, is the absolute care from the staff. I didn’t know anything about recovery and it wasn’t until I was out of Life Works that I realised all of the assignments were based on the steps. Now I look back and go “oh they’re smart there, I see what they’re doing!”
“But the thing was, I felt so comfortable here with Life Works. But life carries on, so I’m outside of Life Works; I’m now experiencing life. My sponsor basically continued what Life Works set up. He handed me tools, but it was up to me to use them, and I still use those tools every single day.
“Now, one of the points of going through the 12 steps is service and that’s taking someone else through the 12 steps; somebody who’s just like me. Now I’m armed with facts about myself and my disease, and I’m very proud I have a ‘sponsee’ here, at Life Works. It’s my honour and privilege to take another person through.”