Supporting Women in Recovery for Nearly 50 Years

Walking through the doors at Alcove took more courage than I ever imagined. I arrived carrying pain, shame, fear, and trauma, but I found something here that changed my life forever. Recovery was not about becoming a completely new person. It was about learning how to be myself again with strength, honesty, and hope. At Alcove, I found a community of women who supported each other without judgment. I learned that healing happens when we are honest, vulnerable, and willing to ask for help. The staff and women here reminded me that I was never alone and that my past does not define my future. Alcove gave me more than sobriety. It gave me connection, confidence, and the belief that I am worthy of a better life. I will always be grateful for the compassion, patience, and unwavering support I received here.

Coming to treatment is a big decision. I know for myself I had no life that my addiction consumed me, and I needed a change. I was so sick that if I didn’t seek out help, I would be dead. I made lots of bad choices, but the best decision besides my son was to get treatment. It’s hard in a new place, a bed you don’t like, sharing a room, but that person can turn into a confidant when you are down, and unable to talk to others. It takes time and you should adjust as long as you want a sober life, you can have fun without using, and you only have to be in the NOW, one day at a time. In the beginning at Alcove, I did roll my eyes at some things we have to do, but after a couple of months I found I actually enjoy them some. I started to look into myself, letting go of the intense shame and guilt I was holding. The time here at Alcove has made me realize I will ALWAYS be in Recovery and that’s okay with me. I have lots to learn and many years to go about it. Acknowledging my feelings is hard, asking for help is hard. But being sober isn’t. Hiding, suppressing was unhealthy for me and I made poor choices. I’m glad I took this time for me. I believe my path forward will have MANY joys or sad times, but I will learn and remember you all as I stay on this Recovery Journey. I wish you all the best, Tracy

My name is M, and I’m an addict. I’m 30 years old and I have a 9-year-old daughter. I arrived at Alcove in April, 2021. Making the decision to clean up my life and being my road to recovery was one of the most terrifying decisions I’ve ever made. With that being said, it has also been the most rewarding. Alcove has taught me more in the last 6 weeks that I ever thought possible! To be completely honest, I didn’t think I would still be standing if I lived another day in addiction. I want to go into Alcove’s Phase 2 program for a number of reasons. Firstly, I believe Phase 2 would be very beneficial for my recovery. Through 6 years of addiction my life completely fell apart. My relationship with my daughter took the greatest hit. My little girl deserves the world and without my recovery it would be impossible for me to giver her that. Secondly, I want to go into Phase 2 because I told myself prior to coming in here that if I wanted to get 100% out of the program, I had to give 100% and I believe the opportunity to do that would make it that much more possible. Finally, I want to go into Phase 2 in hopes that I can learn more about myself and work towards my life dream of being able to help others. I’ve always told myself if I could maintain my recovery I would love to pay it forward and help those still suffering. Working the steps, maintaining my recovery, Alcove staff support and housing surrounded by like-minded women are all part of my journey and I know it!

Dear Addiction, I would like to start off by thanking you. Thank you for the years of Good times and the years of bad times. Through the years of addiction you have taught me who friends, family, and loved ones really are. You have taught me how important my role as a mother is; how I should always listen to my children and how important it is for me to be their role model; you made me realize how important it is for me to just continue being alive. However, I'm writing this letter to say goodbye. I remember when we first met. I was 19. I never suspected how bad you would be for me or the devastation our future would hold. I was blinded by your beauty. You took me into your arms and enveloped me in numbness and warmth. I was floating, everything was beautiful and nothing hurt. I thought that I could control you, but soon you came to control me. The first couple months were good but the months after that you started to take me over. I gave myself to you completely, almost reveling in the darkness and destruction. Indulging in the lovely ritual, I was completely ready to die for you. It was sad and terrible - beautiful oblivion. I have done everything for you, given you everything and all you did was take. I have lied, cheated, manipulated and stolen. I have caused my family and friends unimaginable pain and ruined our relationships. I have lost jobs, wreaked cars, ruined my college education and put myself in many dangerous situations. I even spent some of my life incarcerated because of you. . I've degraded myself and sold my body. I hardly know who I am anymore. I was so detached from myself and life. I feel lost. And I am finally ready to say enough. I am through with all the pain, bullshit and degradation. It was fun at first, but mostly it was just horrible. So it's time to say goodbye. It's been real but it's over. You will no longer have control over me. I am taking back my life.