Joe's Sober Living Success Story Joe's Sober Living Success Story Sobriety Date: 09/24/2018Age: 37Drug(s) of Choice: Alcohol/OpioidsAlumni Interview Date: 05/01/2022 Now I have peace of mind and quality relationships with people that I never had before. Personal Background I was born and raised in the Tampa Bay Area and spent my childhood years playing sports, hanging out with my friends, and enjoying the outdoors. Alcoholism was prevalent in my family, and my grandfather passed away from the disease before I was born. Both of my parents were heavy drinkers and drug use was not uncommon in my house growing up. They divorced when I was 12, and I found myself with a lot more independence. Recovery Background By age 13, I was drinking and smoking marijuana. My substance abuse escalated when I was in high school, and I started experimenting with any other drug available. At the age of 18, I discovered opioid painkillers, and quickly became dependent. In addition, I used alcohol daily.My alcoholism progressed through my 20’s until I was constantly drinking to avoid withdrawal. By 30, I was having liver problems, hallucinations, and could barely function. My health problems motivated me to seek treatment, but multiple detoxes and two residential stays proved inadequate, and I kept relapsing. When I turned 32, I lost my career, my relationship, my home, and my family had cut off communication. How were you introduced to the 12-step program and recovery? I was familiar with AA because of the alcoholism in my family and attended my first meeting at age 25. Joe's Journey at Real Recovery How was your experience at Real Recovery? It exceeded my expectations. It was my first time in sober living, and it provided a safe place for me to recover. The sense of community and fellowship was a built-in support system for me when I had nothing. Was there anything that you did while you were in sober living that you think made a difference this time? The difference was, I became willing to go to any lengths to stay sober, worked the program thoroughly and had the support of other alcoholics in recovery. What was the hardest or most challenging step for you? Step 2 was a challenge for me, because I struggled with accepting that I couldn’t fix this myself. It wasn’t until I fully understood what powerlessness meant, through Step 1 work, that I could believe that something outside myself could help me. Was there a step or a point where you felt that things shifted or that you got the most relief from? Step 4 and 5 because they allowed me to put down the baggage of my past and focus on the present. After Real Recovery & Life In Sobriety Today How’s life now? Now I have peace of mind and quality relationships with people that I never had before. What three things/tips would you tell your past self or share with someone considering sober living/recovery? Don’t put a timeline on recoveryUse the support of the communityEnjoy your time there Do you have a daily routine that helps you stay sober? Talk to other people in recovery, pray, go to meetings, and do service work. Get Inspired With More Success Stories Terryle H. Terryle struggled with binge drinking as a “functioning alcoholic” for nearly 30 years. Today, he's three years sober, happily pursuing his dreams, and an up-and-coming artist. View Terryle's Story Dom M. Dom’s drinking was abnormal starting at 14 years old. It took nearly dying to accept recovery. Today, Dom has more than two years sober, he’s acing college, helping others, and loving life. View Dom's Story Find The Best Sober Home Each of our locations the same level of support but amenities may differ, we can help you identify the best property for your goals in sobriety. My loved one is looking for sober living...Find a sober home for my loved one I’m looking for sober living...Help me find the right sober home