Life After Treatment: What I Learned About Real Recovery

Recovery Is About Finding Connection and Strength to Move Forward

The first time I entered treatment, all I wanted was to quit drinking. That was it. But by the second time, I realized I needed more than just sobriety—I needed answers. I needed to understand how I had been able to put everything I loved—my family, my pride, my success, and the trust of friends—on the back burner in favor of one more three-day binge.

Having spent time in two of BC’s most well-known treatment centers—one private and one nonprofit—and later working for six years as a clinical support worker in one of them, I’ve experienced both the incredible benefits and critical gaps in these programs. In this post, I’ll share my journey through treatment, the lessons I learned, and how those experiences shape the way I help others today.

A Glimpse of Connection

One moment from my second treatment stay stands out more than any other.

It was the end of a long, exhausting day filled with lectures and rigid schedules. I had just returned from a smoke break—standing outside in a designated area—and when I stepped into the common room, I was greeted by something unexpected. There were 15–20 people gathered around a large fireplace, sitting on couches and chairs, talking and laughing. Outside, it was dark and cold; inside, the room was alive, warm, and inviting. For the first time in a long time, I felt safe—like I belonged.

That feeling caught me off guard. It made me realize just how disconnected I had been for so long. The warmth and lightness of that room were in sharp contrast to the distrust I had developed—of others, of myself, and even of my own worth.

The Struggle After Treatment

I completed the program and left with a token engraved with the center’s logo. But when I returned home, I faced a harsh reality.

It was a disaster. I was separated from my children—a devastating experience for any parent. I had no income, no home, and no plan. Fear consumed me: How would I stay sober? Each day brought encounters with shame, disappointment, and a growing sense of loneliness.

But despite all of this, I left treatment with one powerful gift: a true connection.

I met a man who shared my sense of humor. What started as a simple joke quickly grew into a deep friendship. Over the years, he became someone I could talk to about anything—no matter how difficult or personal. This friendship offered me the support and understanding I had never experienced before.

Even with that connection, two years of sobriety went by in a flash. I was still grappling with everything I had lost—family, income, friendships. The sadness never lifted.

Then, in a moment of despair, I decided to try crack cocaine. I had heard people in treatment talk about it, and I was fascinated. That choice unraveled everything. Addiction took hold fast. Over the next three years, I watched my life burn down again—this time, from behind a dumpster on the Downtown Eastside.

How My Experience Sets Me Apart as a Recovery Coach

As a recovery coach, I bring more than just knowledge—I bring lived experience. Here's how I help my clients:

• Navigate Treatment: I know what it feels like to go through treatment and what it takes to build a meaningful life afterward.

• Access Resources: Vancouver offers countless support systems, from harm reduction programs to recovery-specific housing and peer-led groups.

• Find What Fits: My role is to guide clients in identifying what works best for their unique needs.

  
  

Many people feel lost after treatment, unsure of how to apply what they learned to everyday life. I specialize in helping clients through this transition, guiding them as they reconnect with their families, rebuild their routines, and avoid risks like isolation or returning to old environments. For many, it’s this phase—the post-treatment journey—that makes the difference between relapse and lasting recovery.

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Ready to Redefine Recovery?

If you’re considering treatment or have recently completed a program, you don’t have to navigate the next steps alone.

I offer personalized coaching to help you transition into a sustainable, meaningful recovery—one that fits your life. Whether you’re exploring alternatives to treatment, working through early recovery, or supporting a loved one, I’m here to help.

If you’re looking for personalized support beyond treatment, Recovery Coaching offers flexible guidance.

Visit my Contact Page to learn more, access resources, or schedule a free consultation.