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While in active addiction, I had lost all hope. I was suicidal, depressed, fearful, angry, spiritually lost and had no desire to live. All that and bad decisions landed me in jail. As I started to sober up and come out of my self-destructive ways, I had read about a new program opening up called Bridge to Shore.
I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Three months pass and I'm about to be released from jail to a rehab. A week from completing rehab I called Tia Hughes, Program Director of Bridge to Shore. She told me, "We would love to have you."
This program has restored my will to live, gave me hope, made me realize life is worth living, valuable coping skills, restored my faith, and I can proudly say I'm five months sober. Bridge to Shore is my family and they care so much about each and everyone of us. From day one I've felt welcomed and genuinely cared for. The new comers are the most important ones and will feel right at home. There's a certain comrade about females trying to do the next right thing and living a sober life.
Sonya
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2
In active addiction I caused so much harm to my family, my daughter, and well honestly anyone who came into contact with me! I used to live and lived to use!.
One day after my last of many jail stays, I had finally had enough pain to try to change. I moved to Tennessee, got a good job, was in sober living and doing good, but I was still sick and miserable. I relapsed after a year of trying to do recovery my way. I had the opportunity to get some real help from the Day Reporting Center in Johnson City. What's really mind blowing is, I just recently graduated the program. I honestly couldn't have completed it without the help of Bridge to Shore Recovery!!
My life is so much different today even from a year ago! I would not be the woman I am today without both of these programs. Bridge to Shore has impacted me so strongly in just a short year. I was one of the first girls in our first recovery home! Wow, what an honor it has been to be able to help love and support other girls with the same problems, same fears, and same resentments as me! It truly shows you that you are not alone! Tia Hughes has guided me like a big sister would her little sister, but has loved me as if I was her own child and I will forever be grateful for this relationship!
My advise to anyone out there struggling with addiction in any form and /or questioning if they have a problem. Reach out and ask questions, ask for help because you do not have to suffer in silence or alone. Reach out before it's too late! If your a woman who needs help or wants to learn a different way to live please, please reach out and try Bridge to Shore Recovery. All the people involved with this program will love, support, and hold you accountable until you can do these things for yourself!
Sarah
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3
Today I get to live a whole new life and it's all because of Bridge to Shore and the tools they continue to teach me. For the past 20 years, my life as fallen apart because of my addiction. In the beginning, it was my voice that I lost. Then my home, my children and any self-respect I ever had. In and out of jails all the time and the last time I was in there for 8 months. I lost my boyfriend, my best friend, to the "dope game". I had been locked up for days when he got murdered and I never thought that I could get through it.
While I set in jail I got offered Tenn Rocks Program and a chance to go to Willow Ridge Rehab. This is where everything started to change. I was supposed to go to an Oxford House from Willow Ridge, but the case manager at Willow suggested that I go to Bridge to Shore. I couldn't have been fore thankful for Willow and Bridge to Shore for almost four months now and my life has changed so much. The structure and all around support and love that they give us is the most beautiful thing ever. I get to learn how to get back out in the world again, work a job, have healthy relationships and be a mother again.
Part of the requirements to live here are to work and live by the 12 steps. To live by the principles and by doing this I have gained a relationship with my Higher Power which is God. For me to be here today, not using and not waking up every single morning using a substance is a miracle. I am so very thankful to Bridge to Shore and this new way of life "Recovery" that I have been shown. Today, I have six months clean and sober. I am gaining a relationship back with my children, about to have my driver's license back and people that love me. It has given me another family and I love them so much. So today instead of getting high, instead of causing harm to people and myself, I am learning how to live again. I am learning that there is hope and a solution. I am so very thankful to Bridge to Shore and my Higher Power for everything. Recovery is the most beautiful thing not only for me, but each and every woman that gets the chance to go through it. There is so much love and hope in my life today.
Kalista
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