RECOVERY STORIES:
LISA | JOSE |
MARY | CHRIS
The only child of alcoholic parents and a binge drinker for
25 years...
Mary did not believe she needed a program when she was court-ordered
to enter recovery. "I chose El Centro," she explained, "because
I liked the idea behind their program: recovery with dignity. They respect
you until you learn to respect yourself."
"There's an energy at El Centro, a real sense that people have been
helped and healed here. The counselors are totally grateful for what they've
been given - they know the pain, they've been down that lane - and they want
to share the gift. El Centro has an open door policy. Even when you're
out of the program, if you have a problem or a bad day, they make time for
you. As an alcoholic," Mary continued, "I had shut myself off,
but I can speak freely at El Centro because I know everyone can understand."
Mary's husband was also an alcoholic, but after observing
the changes in his wife's behavior, he too decided to join AA. Now the
Friday evening AA meeting is family night for Mary, her husband and their five children. "El
Centro healed our whole family," Mary explained. "I'm totally committed
to the place. When I think of how I can repay them, my only answer is to
remain a success."
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