When I got a frantic phone call from one of my sons friends saying that my son had overdosed and died I dropped the phone. I knew that this phone call would come eventually, I tried to prepare for it. Nothing can prepare you for something like that. The phone call that followed saying that he had been brought back to life was equally as painful. I thought to myself, thank god. My next thought was, I can not go through this again. But I would, over and over. And then it stopped.
Jared was a great kid, happy, always smiling, decent student, but above all, he always loved me, his mom. We live on the Upper East Side of New York, I am a lawyer at a large firm in Midtown, my husband is an Executive at a firm on Wall St. We had a great life, two beautiful children, the dream home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and we have money. We have two children, Jared is the oldest at 29, his younger sister Dana is 27. Dana is happily married and lives in DC, she has never been a worry for us. Jared on the other hand, has been in and out of rehab for years.
I guess Jared started using when he was around 15. He would come home high on pot, we found it on him numerous times. He hung out with kids from all over New York City. He would be in the East Village, Tribeca or the Park late at night. We tried to keep tabs on him, but it wasnt easy. When he was in high school we found pills on him a few times and just chalked it up to kids being kids. But by the time he was 19 things had changed. He was supposed to be taking classes at NYU, but he dropped out. He said he needed some time off from school to get some life experience and figure out what he wanted to do. We could tell something was wrong, but he wouldnt let us in. He constantly relied on us for money. He would manipulate any way he could, he needed money for this, or that. Finally he had to move back in with us and it wasnt long before we found out what he was really up to. He was just a shell of himself, he was either nodded off in his room or out and about in the city. When we finally cut him off from the money he ran off. Showed up days later sick as can be from withdrawals. This happened over and over.
We put him in rehab multiple times. He would get out, stay clean for a few days, weeks or months, than slip back into that world. He tried 12 step programs over and over, but it just wasnt for him. We had to get him a small studio apartment just to keep him from the house and the neighborhood. We were mortified when friends and acquaintances would say they saw him looking like death. He overdosed and ended up in the hospital so many times. I thought he was going to die. We spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on trying to get him clean. Nothing worked, I was ready to give up, I was drained, my husband was drained. We were done.
Not long after that my husband and I were at a gala dinner in the city for a client of his. We were seated at a table with a bunch of well-to-do strangers. I was bored out of my mind, however I couldnt help but overhear a woman at our table telling another couple about what their son went through. The stories sounded so similar to ours and they were being so open about it. I realized why after eavesdropping longer than I should have; their son was doing well now. When the woman got up to go to the restroom I followed, I wanted to ask her how her son got it together. I usually would never approach someone like that, but I was desperate to know. So I tapped her on the shoulder and asked. She told me that after years of trying this rehab and that and all these different programs, that they finally contacted a sober coach. I didnt even know what that was, but she proceeded to tell me a bit about the coach and how he helped her son do a complete 180. She texted him on the spot and asked if she could pass along his number to me. He agreed, his name is Richard.
I texted him right away something like Hi Jen just gave me your number, my name is Rachel, can we set up a time to talk. He wrote back right away and said lets get coffee this week. We met in Central Park that week. Right away I could tell this guy had an energy to him, he was in his early 30s, looked respectable. He understood everything I was talking about. He had been through a lot of it himself. He told me all about what a sober coach does and how it differs from typical treatment, he wanted to meet Jared. By this time Jared was desperate, he agreed to meet with Richard. The two met in Central Park just as we had. They talked for an hour, than met back up with my husband and I. It looked like Jared had been crying, Im still not sure, but Jared said yes, lets give this a try.
That was July 2016, Jared is about to celebrate one year clean this October. I never thought I would see my boy recover like this, I never thought I would see him this happy again. The transformation has been unreal. It took a few months for them to figure out how to get him stable and there was some work to be done, but Jared got clean with Richards help. More importantly, Jared got his smile back, his hope, his life. Richard worked with him everyday, they spent almost every day together, they walked, they biked, Jared adopted a dog (which is his baby), relationships were formed with healthy people, good people. Richard worked with him on different ways to deal with all kinds of situations. Jared got a small apartment on the Upper West Side, right near Richards. Things have never been better, but the one thing that makes this different than the other times Jared has gotten clean, is the fact that I can tell he is happy, he is not dwelling on the drugs. If he has a bad day, its just a bad day, he can laugh it off now. His mindset is so different.
We owe a lot to Richard, he really did become part of our family. I had never heard of a sober coach before this, my only regret is that I didnt find him sooner. If your child or family member has been through the rehab thing and the 12 step thing, and you are looking for something different. I would recommend seeking out a sober coach. He saved our sons life, we are forever grateful.
Thanks for posting!! It is so wonderful to hear of a story with a happy ending. So glad that your son is in remission & doing well. So happy that you got off the roller coaster of addiction.
I wish you had posted this beacon of hope about 2 years ago. It was then that I first heard about a sober coach . . . at the beginning of my daughter's journey. I was skeptical of the concept and the fact that the suggested coach was rather sketchy with details re his background and vague re the costs. I was new to this site; I asked for opinions and input; no one had heard of one. So, after a lot of soul searching, hubby & I decided against it. What are the costs of such a coach? Is this covered (in part or otherwise) by insurance?
Sending hugs,
Lynn
xoxo
I wish you had posted this beacon of hope about 2 years ago. It was then that I first heard about a sober coach . . . at the beginning of my daughter's journey. I was skeptical of the concept and the fact that the suggested coach was rather sketchy with details re his background and vague re the costs. I was new to this site; I asked for opinions and input; no one had heard of one. So, after a lot of soul searching, hubby & I decided against it. What are the costs of such a coach? Is this covered (in part or otherwise) by insurance?
Sending hugs,
Lynn
xoxo
Lynn,
I must be honest, it was not cheap. We live in New York City, where everything is expensive, and this was no different. However, after talking to him and the references, we felt comfortable. We had spent $30,000 on rehab multiple times for 28 day stays. When all was said and done it cost about $50,000 for 6 months, but he was with our son every single day pretty much. I am grateful we could afford this, and would do it again in a heartbeat.
I must be honest, it was not cheap. We live in New York City, where everything is expensive, and this was no different. However, after talking to him and the references, we felt comfortable. We had spent $30,000 on rehab multiple times for 28 day stays. When all was said and done it cost about $50,000 for 6 months, but he was with our son every single day pretty much. I am grateful we could afford this, and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Thanks Grateful..... Thank God for your son's coach. Two more questions....
When it was explained to me it sounded like the coach was a combo of a personal paid-for babysitter, the physical embodiment of their conscious and Iyanla (the Fix My Life lady.... Oprahs friend). Besides the fact that the coach works one-on- one with your baby, why did the coach work and rehab didnt? Is your son receiving any follow-up care or support?
My vision of this coaching thing is: as an addict, the coach is my 24/7 buddy/ bodyguard/
companion/moral gauge/therapist/bff/nanny. It is kind of hard to get the dope, get high and enjoy it if I have Richard constantly with me . . . following me. I might even feel that the coach is stuck to me like gum. If that wasn't enough to deter me. Then, as my coach, he would be shouting in my ear, "Just Say No!" . . . "Lighting it up/Snorting it/Swallowing it/Injecting it isn't a good idea. Why are you doing this?" . . . "Wouldn't you rather go to Bible Study than get high?" . . . "How about we go bowling/play tennis/go to the movies?" . . . or anything else to keep from . . . distract me . . .divert me . . . make me think about the "why" of getting to my high or engaging in any "bad" behaviors. (I'm not trying to be funny, rude or judgmental, here . . . I assume the coach personalizes his approach. I'm a preachers' kid . . . so bible study would be a good way to distract me.) I also envision that over time, sort of like Pavlovian training, to avoid the nagging and the following . . .or because I have started to look within . . . my interest for dope decreases. And, relapse due to boredom is not possible bc I've got Richard there to keep me occupied. Or suggest people, places or things to occupy me. I guess you see why hubby & I decided against it. Can you set the record straight for me? (Oh . . . this was not my second question, Grateful. LOL)
$50k/yr, or $8.5k/month . . . oooooooohh Betty!!! Sounds expensive.... yes..... even to folks we live less than 25 miles away from Manhattan. Then again... if we added everything weve spent on copays, deductibles, food, rent, spending money, etc for our addict daughter over time Im sure it would add to well over $250k. Hell . . . We almost went bankrupt before we stopped enabling. So.... in the scheme of things I guess $50k is not expensive. Then again.... I am using hindsight. My baby girls life is worth far far more than $50k. But ... lets be realistic...not everyone has the means to plunk down $50k. Is there something in between rehab and a sober coach?
I'm serious . . . if we can figure out what makes the coach special . . . can we make it more affordable to the masses (so to speak)? I don't know . . . a sober "girl/boyfriend" where 2 or 3 people share a "coach" and live together. I'm not laughing, y'all. I'm dead-up serious. Rehabs usually don't work. Sober livings are often just drug dens. AA doesn't work for some. Folks might find $2.5k/month more do-able than $8.5k/month . . . even those who live in NJ and pay property taxes of almost $20-30k a year. Would anyone be interested in this idea of a shared sober coach ? (Yes . . . I know . . . NOTHING will "work" unless and until our addicts are ready to work.)
Thanks again for the great info, Grateful. This is brand new territory. Can't wait to get your insights and analysis of rehab vs the coach. Also can't wait to hear input from other loved ones re whether this is something you would do? Also . . . from our addicts: would having this kind of companion be welcomed and helpful . . . . is this something you would agree to?
Be blessed,
Lynn
When it was explained to me it sounded like the coach was a combo of a personal paid-for babysitter, the physical embodiment of their conscious and Iyanla (the Fix My Life lady.... Oprahs friend). Besides the fact that the coach works one-on- one with your baby, why did the coach work and rehab didnt? Is your son receiving any follow-up care or support?
My vision of this coaching thing is: as an addict, the coach is my 24/7 buddy/ bodyguard/
companion/moral gauge/therapist/bff/nanny. It is kind of hard to get the dope, get high and enjoy it if I have Richard constantly with me . . . following me. I might even feel that the coach is stuck to me like gum. If that wasn't enough to deter me. Then, as my coach, he would be shouting in my ear, "Just Say No!" . . . "Lighting it up/Snorting it/Swallowing it/Injecting it isn't a good idea. Why are you doing this?" . . . "Wouldn't you rather go to Bible Study than get high?" . . . "How about we go bowling/play tennis/go to the movies?" . . . or anything else to keep from . . . distract me . . .divert me . . . make me think about the "why" of getting to my high or engaging in any "bad" behaviors. (I'm not trying to be funny, rude or judgmental, here . . . I assume the coach personalizes his approach. I'm a preachers' kid . . . so bible study would be a good way to distract me.) I also envision that over time, sort of like Pavlovian training, to avoid the nagging and the following . . .or because I have started to look within . . . my interest for dope decreases. And, relapse due to boredom is not possible bc I've got Richard there to keep me occupied. Or suggest people, places or things to occupy me. I guess you see why hubby & I decided against it. Can you set the record straight for me? (Oh . . . this was not my second question, Grateful. LOL)
$50k/yr, or $8.5k/month . . . oooooooohh Betty!!! Sounds expensive.... yes..... even to folks we live less than 25 miles away from Manhattan. Then again... if we added everything weve spent on copays, deductibles, food, rent, spending money, etc for our addict daughter over time Im sure it would add to well over $250k. Hell . . . We almost went bankrupt before we stopped enabling. So.... in the scheme of things I guess $50k is not expensive. Then again.... I am using hindsight. My baby girls life is worth far far more than $50k. But ... lets be realistic...not everyone has the means to plunk down $50k. Is there something in between rehab and a sober coach?
I'm serious . . . if we can figure out what makes the coach special . . . can we make it more affordable to the masses (so to speak)? I don't know . . . a sober "girl/boyfriend" where 2 or 3 people share a "coach" and live together. I'm not laughing, y'all. I'm dead-up serious. Rehabs usually don't work. Sober livings are often just drug dens. AA doesn't work for some. Folks might find $2.5k/month more do-able than $8.5k/month . . . even those who live in NJ and pay property taxes of almost $20-30k a year. Would anyone be interested in this idea of a shared sober coach ? (Yes . . . I know . . . NOTHING will "work" unless and until our addicts are ready to work.)
Thanks again for the great info, Grateful. This is brand new territory. Can't wait to get your insights and analysis of rehab vs the coach. Also can't wait to hear input from other loved ones re whether this is something you would do? Also . . . from our addicts: would having this kind of companion be welcomed and helpful . . . . is this something you would agree to?
Be blessed,
Lynn
I think the child has to have at least a minimal desire. My son would ditch this person almost instantly, in his current state of mind. I could see it working for kids who are more passive/less rebellious/ready to change. It is just not an option for most people's budgets. But, yes, worth the money if it works!
A friend of mine was telling me about this fantastic place that saved her son's life. I was so excited! When I checked it out, it was 250,000/year!! YES. Kind of like a country club place for kids who are really struggling. Kids want to go there because it is so nice and offers so much to do. But, wow!! I would think a very small percentage of people could afford this.
A friend of mine was telling me about this fantastic place that saved her son's life. I was so excited! When I checked it out, it was 250,000/year!! YES. Kind of like a country club place for kids who are really struggling. Kids want to go there because it is so nice and offers so much to do. But, wow!! I would think a very small percentage of people could afford this.
All relevant questions Lynn.
There was certainly some desire from our son to get sober, he was miserable, but just kept doing it. I know he wanted a normal life. When he first met Richard he didn't get and stay clean right away. He used behind Richard's back for the first two months. The truth is Richard knew, and called him out on it all the time. He never judged him for doing it, addicts use, it's what they do. But I felt better knowing that Richard was there and could help if need be. Richard sat in his apartment with Jared nodded out, making sure he was breathing. This happened a few times for sure.
But about two months in something clicked and Jared just stopped using. I think the vibe and mindset Richard has became infective on Jared. Richard had been through the ringer when he was younger, but you would never know it. Richard was always happy and laughing and just one of those people you gravitate towards. And Richard doesn't do the 12 step thing himself. He always says he believes that AA is an amazing program, and has saved countless lives. However, it is not for everyone, and if it is not for you, than what? He always would take clients to meetings and get them in a network if that was the best option, but if it wasn't for the client, he never pushed it on them.
Richard is also a big supporter of Suboxone, Methadone etc. His view on this was, if your addict can have an amazing life and be happy, free and be a pleasure to be around, and for all of these gifts they have to take some medicine every day, wouldn't you support that. The alternative is that they stay a drug addict and be miserable until they die.
As far as Richard being a bodyguard/babysitter, well almost everyday at the beginning it worked like this: Jared and Richard met early around 8:00 am in Central Park and they walked, every day. It became their routine. Richard always brought his dog, Jared loves that pup too. They would walk and talk. Talk about family, life, using, sobriety, politics, travel, dogs... anything. Some days when it was nice they would walk from Central Park to the World Trade Center. They rode bikes, they sat at cafes, they worked out sometimes. They went to movies they, went on daytrips.
Richard opened Jared eyes to life and all the amazing things within it. At first Richard would come with Jared to our home and spend time with us. We have eaten together with him so many times, it's almost like he is a member of the family.
When Jared was in the early stages and Richard needed a day off to himself or with his friends, he would drop Jared off with us for the day, usually weekend days. In the evenings Richard made sure Jared got to the apartment okay and was in a safe place. There were times Jared was having a bad day, Richard could tell and would call me and Jared stayed at our house. It worked well. As time went on Jared got more and more space. Did the two of them bicker sometimes, yes. Argue sometimes, yes. But they became friends and it was amazing to watch Jared change.
Why was this different from rehab? When someone goes to rehab they are in a space that is like a bubble for 30 days. They are pushed over and over to get a sponsor and work the steps, find god, etc.. When they get out it is a major shock. Yes, they can go to a halfway house or something, but so many times these kids are not supervised, they decide to use together sometimes, or talk each other into it. This was totally different, Jared and Rick were in NYC, a huge city with real life happening all around. We had done the rehab thing so many time, we were desperate to find something new. This was a godsend.
You asked about insurance covering it. No. Not even a chance of reimbursement. However, like I said, we had spent so much money on rehabs etc.. We are fortunate enough to have had the money to do this for Jared. It was around 50k for the 6 months. However, we actually gave Richard a bonus as well. Kind of a thank you. If you think about it, this is his full time job, he didn't take on multiple clients, so I felt that it was money well spent, but more importantly, that Richard deserved it. He went above and beyond.
I don't think people are well informed about sober coaches. I think that rehabs are not quick to tell people about them either because they always push halfway houses, and there is a lot of pass back and forth relationships there.
Hope this helps answer your questions.
There was certainly some desire from our son to get sober, he was miserable, but just kept doing it. I know he wanted a normal life. When he first met Richard he didn't get and stay clean right away. He used behind Richard's back for the first two months. The truth is Richard knew, and called him out on it all the time. He never judged him for doing it, addicts use, it's what they do. But I felt better knowing that Richard was there and could help if need be. Richard sat in his apartment with Jared nodded out, making sure he was breathing. This happened a few times for sure.
But about two months in something clicked and Jared just stopped using. I think the vibe and mindset Richard has became infective on Jared. Richard had been through the ringer when he was younger, but you would never know it. Richard was always happy and laughing and just one of those people you gravitate towards. And Richard doesn't do the 12 step thing himself. He always says he believes that AA is an amazing program, and has saved countless lives. However, it is not for everyone, and if it is not for you, than what? He always would take clients to meetings and get them in a network if that was the best option, but if it wasn't for the client, he never pushed it on them.
Richard is also a big supporter of Suboxone, Methadone etc. His view on this was, if your addict can have an amazing life and be happy, free and be a pleasure to be around, and for all of these gifts they have to take some medicine every day, wouldn't you support that. The alternative is that they stay a drug addict and be miserable until they die.
As far as Richard being a bodyguard/babysitter, well almost everyday at the beginning it worked like this: Jared and Richard met early around 8:00 am in Central Park and they walked, every day. It became their routine. Richard always brought his dog, Jared loves that pup too. They would walk and talk. Talk about family, life, using, sobriety, politics, travel, dogs... anything. Some days when it was nice they would walk from Central Park to the World Trade Center. They rode bikes, they sat at cafes, they worked out sometimes. They went to movies they, went on daytrips.
Richard opened Jared eyes to life and all the amazing things within it. At first Richard would come with Jared to our home and spend time with us. We have eaten together with him so many times, it's almost like he is a member of the family.
When Jared was in the early stages and Richard needed a day off to himself or with his friends, he would drop Jared off with us for the day, usually weekend days. In the evenings Richard made sure Jared got to the apartment okay and was in a safe place. There were times Jared was having a bad day, Richard could tell and would call me and Jared stayed at our house. It worked well. As time went on Jared got more and more space. Did the two of them bicker sometimes, yes. Argue sometimes, yes. But they became friends and it was amazing to watch Jared change.
Why was this different from rehab? When someone goes to rehab they are in a space that is like a bubble for 30 days. They are pushed over and over to get a sponsor and work the steps, find god, etc.. When they get out it is a major shock. Yes, they can go to a halfway house or something, but so many times these kids are not supervised, they decide to use together sometimes, or talk each other into it. This was totally different, Jared and Rick were in NYC, a huge city with real life happening all around. We had done the rehab thing so many time, we were desperate to find something new. This was a godsend.
You asked about insurance covering it. No. Not even a chance of reimbursement. However, like I said, we had spent so much money on rehabs etc.. We are fortunate enough to have had the money to do this for Jared. It was around 50k for the 6 months. However, we actually gave Richard a bonus as well. Kind of a thank you. If you think about it, this is his full time job, he didn't take on multiple clients, so I felt that it was money well spent, but more importantly, that Richard deserved it. He went above and beyond.
I don't think people are well informed about sober coaches. I think that rehabs are not quick to tell people about them either because they always push halfway houses, and there is a lot of pass back and forth relationships there.
Hope this helps answer your questions.
Thank you all for sharing.
Lynn - I have also spent lots of time thinking of 'how to build a better mouse trap' many times - as far as sober living - place for addicts who are trying to be clean can go for the day and live in. A place that is supportive to getting healthy, learning a healthy lifestyle, computers for them to find work, transportation to work, bring in an assortment of alternative healers.... kind of a one stop has all. I just don't know how to get it started. And my husband would not be on-board. My son would probably also tell me I'm crazy!
My son is still on the fence. I feel the wind can blow him in one direction or the other. He definitely could use a 'Richard'. my son's outlook has be 'miserable' for so long, he cant imagine how to feel happy. he never has felt content with himself. life seems impossible to him.
I feel like I have to be his coach... He got laid off from his job for the winter. And I lost my job due to a non-profit company restructuring their funds.
Now is a good time for us to work on stuff, but I am not qualified. I am trying. but I also want to regain employment soon.
Thanks for listening. Maybe grants and funding and parents paying would support a place for addicts trying to help themselves. I picture kind of an addiction day care. A safe place where they can grow at their own pace, without a 7-28 day time limit.
And then there's the reality of security issues, insurance, hiring therapists, coaches, paying for a building. I think the situation would be like a group home for disabled. which is also like a sober living home situation. so there I am chasing my tail...
humm - If Planet Fitness can support itself on $10 per month membership......
Lynn - I have also spent lots of time thinking of 'how to build a better mouse trap' many times - as far as sober living - place for addicts who are trying to be clean can go for the day and live in. A place that is supportive to getting healthy, learning a healthy lifestyle, computers for them to find work, transportation to work, bring in an assortment of alternative healers.... kind of a one stop has all. I just don't know how to get it started. And my husband would not be on-board. My son would probably also tell me I'm crazy!
My son is still on the fence. I feel the wind can blow him in one direction or the other. He definitely could use a 'Richard'. my son's outlook has be 'miserable' for so long, he cant imagine how to feel happy. he never has felt content with himself. life seems impossible to him.
I feel like I have to be his coach... He got laid off from his job for the winter. And I lost my job due to a non-profit company restructuring their funds.
Now is a good time for us to work on stuff, but I am not qualified. I am trying. but I also want to regain employment soon.
Thanks for listening. Maybe grants and funding and parents paying would support a place for addicts trying to help themselves. I picture kind of an addiction day care. A safe place where they can grow at their own pace, without a 7-28 day time limit.
And then there's the reality of security issues, insurance, hiring therapists, coaches, paying for a building. I think the situation would be like a group home for disabled. which is also like a sober living home situation. so there I am chasing my tail...
humm - If Planet Fitness can support itself on $10 per month membership......
PS - Last week I went to Staples to fax documents to nys unemployment for my son. It cost $30 to send 16 pages! I saw two computers that people can use with their debit card - idk what the cost was per hour of usage... probably just as high...
When someone has nothing but their clothes in a duffel bag, how do they pay for transportation to go to Staples, and pay for computer time and necessities needed to gain employment and housing? It is too overwhelming for the depressed, addicted person to do.
When someone has nothing but their clothes in a duffel bag, how do they pay for transportation to go to Staples, and pay for computer time and necessities needed to gain employment and housing? It is too overwhelming for the depressed, addicted person to do.
I would like to hear lolleedee's view on the "coach". She always gives a great perspective from the other side.
We aren't and never were in a position to pay that amount of money for a sober coach and most people probably aren't. Sounds great if you can afford it. I think it takes the addict to be at a point in his life where he/she is ready to make a change and wants to get sober. Not for everyone--
We are older parents and we have spent a lot of money over the years to "fix" our son. Nothing worked or was short lived! He has mental issues, as well, and I don't think a sober coach is qualified for that.
Our son is 46 now and I am sure has damaged his brain as well as his overall health. With no employment history or money paid into medicare or social security, he doesn't qualify for medicare or help when he gets ill as he ages or if he gets sick. We are retired and on a fixed income so we cannot help him anymore.
I feel like he will fall between the cracks and probably die of some illness, drug related or OD.
It is really hard with that facing us in the future! He is still our son and we love him--just can't save him!
Lori
We aren't and never were in a position to pay that amount of money for a sober coach and most people probably aren't. Sounds great if you can afford it. I think it takes the addict to be at a point in his life where he/she is ready to make a change and wants to get sober. Not for everyone--
We are older parents and we have spent a lot of money over the years to "fix" our son. Nothing worked or was short lived! He has mental issues, as well, and I don't think a sober coach is qualified for that.
Our son is 46 now and I am sure has damaged his brain as well as his overall health. With no employment history or money paid into medicare or social security, he doesn't qualify for medicare or help when he gets ill as he ages or if he gets sick. We are retired and on a fixed income so we cannot help him anymore.
I feel like he will fall between the cracks and probably die of some illness, drug related or OD.
It is really hard with that facing us in the future! He is still our son and we love him--just can't save him!
Lori
So many reasons to love this site, despite the reason it was created!! It seems that we are all looking for the "secret" to beating the monster of addiction. It could be that the reason in-patient treatment does not work for all is because it is 28-90 days of being secluded from the world. Upon being sent on their way, people struggling with addiction and more than likely depression and anxiety find that the world is still waiting out there....big and scary. A sober coach is a great idea, but unreachable for most due to financial restraints. So, to me the idea of a place where the struggling go, and help one another navigate makes perfect sense...but, the addicts are also required to reach out and help someone who needs them. Not just a cloister of people suffering from the same affliction. Maybe then they could see that they are more than their struggle. They matter. They are needed. Someone is relying on them. I know i feel hopeless when I feel like I have nothing to offer, and I am only seen as my mistakes. Libby
