The following was written by Chris, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. My drinking career was a slow-growing process, which took many years to turn me into the ‘blackout artist’ whose spouse walked out on. I went from weekend partying and wearing being the last one standing as a […]
Category: Alumni
Sean’s Addiction Recovery Story: Six Years of Sobriety
The following was written by Sean, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. A Decade of Struggle Before Treatment I got sober on March 13th, 2019. I finally took my mom’s advice and went to treatment for the first, and God willing, hopefully only time. The offer had been there […]
Chaz’s Story: Addiction Recovery, Sobriety and Service
The following was written by Chaz, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. As a child, I was raised in an environment plagued by alcohol, drugs, mental illness, abuse, and death. At the age of 18, I believed escaping my trauma by leaving the United Kingdom and relocating to the […]
The Joy on the Other Side: Lindsey’s Story of Recovery and Self-discovery
The following was written by Lindsey, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. My sobriety date is August 1, 2021. My life was upside down due to being an alcoholic and having bipolar disorder. I was making poor decisions left and right. My friends and family deserted me due to […]
Three Years Sober and Moving Forward: Matt’s Recovery Journey
The following was written by Matt, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. Hey everyone! My name is Matt, and I’m an alcoholic. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and am the youngest of five children. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always drank alcoholically, but […]
Celebrating National Prevention Week: Stories of Hope and Healing
Every year, National Prevention Week reminds us of the power of prevention, recovery, and community. Organized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this nationwide event encourages individuals and organizations to share stories that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and celebrate recovery journeys. At Riverside Recovery, we believe every story of […]
“One Day at a Time”: Nina’s Journey Back to Sobriety
The following was written by Nina, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. My name is Nina and I’m an alcoholic. I’ve been sober since January 3, 2020. Recovery and staying sober has not been easy, but it’s attainable if you are open and receptive. Using all the tools and resources […]
How To Enjoy Summer Vacation in Recovery
Summer is the perfect time to focus on your recovery journey, offering countless opportunities to make new friends, try new activities, and plan for the future. The longer days and warmer weather provide a chance to lift your mood and stay committed to your long-term recovery goals. Although there may be some challenges along the […]
Navigating Recovery – Creating a Daily Routine That Works
Emerging from the fog of a difficult period in life can feel like being reborn into chaos. Recovery, whether from substance abuse, illness, or injury, demands more than just healing the body; it requires rebuilding a life. A well-structured daily routine is often the foundation for a successful recovery, providing predictability and a sense of […]
Shannon Moore’s Transformation: From WWE Stardom to Championing Recovery
In the high-stakes world of professional wrestling, where physical prowess and charismatic personas capture global audiences, few stories resonate with the transformative power of redemption and recovery quite like that of Shannon Moore. Once a celebrated WWE star, Moore’s journey from the brink of personal despair to becoming a beacon of hope for those struggling […]