Sara

I am originally from a small town in Western Kentucky, and I never would have thought I would end up relocating to Northern Kentucky. About two years ago I was involved in a wreck. I was under the influence of meth, fell asleep at the wheel, and flipped my vehicle over a guard rail and into a creek.  

I was taken to the hospital but wasn’t taken to jail right away, because I was honest with the police and told them I was a drug court client who relapsed after two years of being clean. I made the decision right then, that I needed help. When I was released from the hospital I called Hopkins County Drug Court and told them the truth. I asked if I could go back to Women’s Addiction Recovery Manor (WARM), the place where I had graduated from in 2014. When I went to their office though, they said they had come up with a different plan for me. “Great. I’m going back to jail” I thought. Well, that’s when they asked me to be open-minded. They said I should get help in a larger city with more opportunities. I agreed. 

When I saw the Cincinnati sign on the way to Brighton Recovery Center (BRC) I couldn’t help but wonder “where are we?” I even had someone show me on a map because I just couldn’t believe it. In the end, though, I think coming all the way here was confirmation for me that there is hope out there.  

I felt like I was doing well in drug court, I had an awesome job at Tyson, but as soon as I started hanging around all the same old people in my life it was like my fear of relapse, prison, and thoughts of losing my family vanished because drugs made me numb to all of those fears. 

Waking up in the hospital after that car wreck was my “God moment”.  I did not want to live like this anymore. I am a very self-reliant person who doesn’t really ask for help. But that day, I surrendered, and at Brighton I saw myself become part of a community. At BRC, I learned what a fellowship was supposed to be like, and how it can be rough dealing with day-to-day obstacles when you finally leave your comfort bubble. I also learned if you really honestly want a different life, you will do what it takes to become successful.

I have gained a lot through my time with BRC. In addition to working the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous model, I also participated in life skills workshops provided by Financial Wellness and the Kentucky Career Center. 

I also got back my relationship with my sister. I found out she was living nearby in Hebron. I wrote her a letter telling her I was at the Recovery Center, how I would love to have a sister again, told her she chose to better herself and to continue her career and family while I chose Meth. She came and picked me up one weekend, and it was like everything went back to the way it used to be. 

Since graduating, I became the House Manager of the Brighton Center’s Sober Living house in Covington. I graduated Kenton County Drug Court in February of 2020, and am working for the City of Covington Solid Waste and Recycling. I have proven to myself that if I am determined to build a new life, then anything is possible. Today, I have a great sponsor, supportive family, close roommates, and a great boyfriend who is now four years sober. You really do have to change to get different results and as of June 9, 2020, I am two years clean.