My Experience

“I cannot thank Lincoln Recovery enough! They provided me with everything I needed to start my life back. Even today, I miss the staff that helped me during my recovery journey. I utilize the techniques and tools I learned there everyday. Lincoln Recovery saved my life.”

Emily was interviewed about her recovery journey and experience at Lincoln Recovery, and here is what she had to say:

When did you attend Lincoln Recovery?

October 18th, 2023 – December 3rd, 2023

What is your sobriety date?

October 18th, 2023

Why did you choose our program?

I chose this program for many reasons. First, they were able to take my insurance; United Healthcare. Secondly, I was allowed to bring a cellphone and laptop with me. Thirdly, they had private rooms. To be able to call and facetime my husband and children while I was there was crucial in my sobriety. Also, being able to work after the groups was amazing. My job is remote, so I am grateful that I was able to have my laptop. Being able to have a private room boosted my sobriety. There is just something about your own private space while being so open about your addiction. It helps to unwind and really be able to take a mental break from all the hard work that was done during the day.

What part of treatment was the most helpful?

The biggest part about treatment, specifically at Lincoln, is that the programs in which they were delivered were easily understood. Being able to learn about the actual scientific part about the disease is crucial in your sobriety, which in turn allows for you to be able to explain it to your support system at home. There is much more to it than just needing a drink. The science behind “the why” is most important. Lincoln allowed me to be able to test the tools and techniques that I learned in group and with my counselors.

Who at Lincoln Recovery made the biggest impact in your journey?

The facilitators, the BHTs, the nurses, and other clients had the biggest impact on my recovery. All of the facilitators played a vital role in delivering the curriculum in a positive way. I still look at my notes from treatment that was given to me during groups. I learn something new every day that I may have missed during treatment. The Bht and nursing staff were crucial to my health, physically and mentally. There was always someone available if I needed something or was not feeling right. They would check to make sure I had what I needed and made sure that I was ok. Going through detox is tough, but by having such a great staff that understand each level of your recovery is important. From the time you walk in, through detox, through treatment. They are with you every step of the way at every stage of the day. The other clients played a huge role as well. You know, it is so important for someone that is going through addiction to be around other people that understand what they are going through. It can be hard to relate to people in the real world that may not be dealing with addiction. However, I finally felt like I was around people that understood that way that I was feeling about my addiction. They were going through the same thing. You do not feel alone in the process of your sobriety. It was even important for me to see that some of our facilitators and staff members were in long term sobriety themselves. So they understood each client as well. Being around that type of environment can mean all the difference in the success of a client.

How has life changed since attending our program?

First, I am alive! Lincoln saved my life physically and mentally. If I would have never gone there I would not be here today no doubt. I became so much healthier, my liver functions are almost normal. ( my eyes were starting to turn yellow), I am at a healthy weight, I can remember more things. But most of all I am present. I am a better mom, wife, sister, daughter and friend. I have been able to set up boundaries, use the techniques and tools that I have learned, and also been able to guide other addicts into seeking treatment. After being very transparent online and on social media about my sobriety, I have since then had so many people reach out to me about their own addictions. We as a community of recovering alcoholics and addicts need to help others in need. There are many out there and many resources that one can turn to. But, may just need to be shown how to. Lincoln did this for me.

What advice do you have for someone considering treatment?

Do it. Plain and simple. Honestly, I think everyone needs a reset, regardless if you have a substance problem or not, everyone needs a break. But, specifically if someone is thinking about treatment, get off the fence. This will be a very short time period in your life, that can change your entire life. I was one that thought that there would be no way that I could figure out how to be away from my kids and husband for 45 days in a different state. I traveled from North Carolina to go to Lincoln. Who was going to carpool? Who was going to make dinner? What would my job say? So many things that were stopping me. But, I finally stood up and said I am going. I need to go or I am going to die this way. I thought I would much rather see my kids graduate high school and plan their weddings, than plan my funeral. While I was in treatment I heard a lot about how people had a horrible childhood and how that contributed a bit to their addiction. Guess what, you are living your child’s childhood right now. It can change, they can look back on this and see how strong you have become. Maybe you do not have kids, maybe you do not have support at all. DO this for yourself. Be the best you possible. You only get one life, use it and live it.