Choice magazine_Final
The battle begins in our minds. A lot of those battles are driven by emotions. So having mental health services and someone you can confide in provides a safe haven I believe is number one in terms of recovery. Holding in traumas and other experiences just makes the problem root itself deeper and later show itself in other ways. WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S SO IMPORTANT FOR A TREATMENT PROGRAM TO ADDRESS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION? IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU WITNESSED PERSONAL GROWTH SINCE BEING A PART OF CHOICES? I have patience. I can humble myself. I’ve learned to think before I speak and assess possible outcomes of my actions. I’ve grown a lot, and that’s made me want to work in the field. My caseworker now is working with me to get through classes to get my license in counseling so I can give back. I’d love to even be a CHOICES counselor one day. I didn’t see the full potential in a counselor’s work until I saw what the ones here do and how much they impact people’s lives. HOW DO YOU BELIEVE CHOICES IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TREATMENT PROGRAMS? They do a lot differently here. We’re treated like people and not like addicts. If we need to go to court, they’ll help us get there.They get in there with us.They show us how things are done.They don’t just tell us.
-Angie Tuttle “We’re treated like people and not like addicts .”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS PROGRAM TO PEOPLE CURRENTLY STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION?
I’d tell them it’s a place that makes you feel at home.They give you a haven to come to and express what’s going on in your life.They know sobriety is a journey, not a destination.The staff here is like a family, so it’s not you alone. You’re with a team. As I said, they don’t just tell you how to do things here.They will help you along the way.
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