Jennifer’s Story
CRASH was the last place I ever expected to spend my 50th birthday but I thank God every day that I was there. When I finally admitted to my family that I had overdosed and needed some type of residential treatment they gave me a list of three local programs including CRASH. I clearly remember saying “I will go anywhere but I am not going to CRASH.” I had heard the stories about it, heard the rumors about how hard it was, and met people who said being in jail was easier. What I hadn’t heard were stories from people who had completed the program and had thrived. What I didn’t know was that the love that the staff has for the clients is a love I couldn’t give myself and that I desperately needed. What I found at CRASH was a whole new family and a whole new way of life. I was broken and hopeless and could not imagine a life without drugs but could no longer live a life with them.
I had been able to stay clean for short periods of time throughout my 20+ years of active addiction but I always ended up using again. What I had always been missing was the reasoning as to why I was using and the tools that I needed to live without drugs. The staff at CRASH helped me look at the reasons why I used and gave me the love and hope I needed to change my entire life. I learned responsibly, honesty, kindness and boundaries. I learned unconditional love and that if you just follow the suggestions of people who want nothing but the best for you, it is possible to have a beautiful life in recovery.
Although the program now is different from when I attended, the core values remain the same and the love and support of the staff has never wavered. The life I have today is one that I never could have imagined during my addiction. I am blessed and grateful beyond measure to the CRASH program and the staff. It truly saved my life.