What possesses a 16-year-old kid to join the fire service in Orangeburg, South Carolina? “I wanted to help people and was drawn to the lights, sirens, and equipment,” Jeff M. said, in an interview for our No More Shame series. He also wanted to know “what people were running away from—to go into the burning building ... Read More
Alumni
At FHE we are very proud and supportive of our Alumni community. They are the proof of our clinical program and when they come to us with a desire to share their story of hope, we love to recognize them. We regularly reach out to alumni and ask them to share their perspective on: what they wish they knew before rehab, their treatment experience, and their thoughts on life in recovery. There is power in relatable experiences, and through their stories we hope you will identifiy with their messages.
No More Shame: Jeff M.
No More Shame: Kara W.
Kara W. had her first drink at the age of 14. It was the summer of 2006: My mom had gone out of town, and my dad was home but not very present. We took his beer, my brother and my friends, and I got drunk for the first time. The second time that she got drunk, Kara drank to the point of blacking out and falling in a ... Read More
The Modern Man’s Guide to Spiritual Health
I tend to cringe a little when I hear people use the word ‘spirituality.’ That’s not at all a knock against the practice, I believe I am a very spiritual person, but I found in early recovery it was a term used so much for way too many things. I include myself in that statement. I used it too much. When I got out of ... Read More
Overcoming Codependency in Relationships and Finding Independence
Codependency. This subject, in particular, invokes painful memories from not only my childhood but even well into my recovery. Long before I ever picked up a drink or a drug, codependency in relationships was a significant part of my story. In fact, codependent, toxic relationships were my solution - until they weren't ... Read More
No More Shame: Marlee B.
Marlee was 18 when her mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. “My mom was my best friend,” Marlee said in an interview. “We did everything together.” Not long after her diagnosis, Marlee’s mother moved in with Marlee’s grandparents and Marlee left for college. Journeying Through Grief and Anxiety as a ... Read More
Finding Your New Routine in Early Recovery
Before venturing down the road to recovery, my daily routine consisted of one primary focus: consuming the next drink. I was submissive to one master, and I had no real sense of stability, discipline or structure. My drinking and drugging led to a life filled with chaos and no real sense of identity. Fortunately, my ... Read More
No More Shame: John C.
“It started in my late 20s. In hindsight, I can see blips on the radar during my teenage years.” 47-year-old John C. was talking about when he first developed a substance use disorder. What Triggered the Substance Use Issues Was there one event that triggered it or multiple causes? “I believe I was born an ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: Do Men “Cry for Help?” How to Spot The Signs
Growing up, I always heard about ‘what a man should be.’ My dad would talk about it, TV and movies would preach it, and other kids in school would talk about it. Generally, a man should be the strong, silent type who never complains and takes care of their own personal problems. This was an ideal that was widespread ... Read More
