Now in its 32nd year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.

Each September, Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible. When we share our story with others we help to reduce the stigma and we inspire others on the road to recovery.

Sobriety Date: 08/19/2021– 1 Year

Over the last twelve months I have committed to a life of positivity and productive living. In doing so I have taken a position working in recovery, but the journey has not been easy. There have been many hurdles I have had to jump thus far. A year ago, I was sitting at rock bottom without any hope of recovering from my disease. I had been battling untreated mental illness my entire life. This was compounded by the crippling weight of traumatic events that tainted my life up until that point.

Scottsdale Recovery Center, my saving grace, truly gave me a new life. A life I could be proud of. I have since learned the tools needed to continue my success and journey through life. Over the past year, I have been able to spread my wings, live a happy life, and truly understand what freedom is. After finding out what was causing my weakness and peril, I was able to tackle my demons. This led to me finding the perfect position at the treatment center that saved my life. This helps me stay sober and continue bettering myself via helping others find their grace and personal value. Being of service to others has helped me further my own recovery as well as process many of the traumatic events of my past, make amends, and regain a place in my family. Overall, I hope my story helps someone else get the help they need whether it be mental health or drug addiction.

Lindsay Colamussi

Sobriety Date: 8/14/2018– 4 Years

In August 2018, I made the decision to get help by enrolling in a substance use treatment program. I had to make a change in my life, and it was the best decision. It was not easy, and I worked hard to ensure I would be successful in recovery. I am grateful for everyone that supported me during that challenging times in my life and it gave me a new positive outlook on life.

After completing treatment, I made a career change into behavioral health, working for Scottsdale Recovery Center in January 2019. It is a career path that allows me to share my story and help others on their road of recovery. My new recovery lifestyle consists of eating healthy, exercising regularly, dedicating more time for self-care, setting realistic goals, and staying connected to the community. These changes have reduced the my stress, improved my self-esteem and has encouraged me to be a role model for others. These are the keys to my success.

Recovery is my top priority; I surround myself with good people and healthy habits. I created a new healthy routine that keeps me from falling back into old habits. I’ve built a new life around recovery that provides me with opportunities to help others succeed. I do not let my past mistakes interfere with my future and I live a life that is happy, joyous, and free.

Andrea Dermott

Sobriety Date: 5/10/2021  –1 Year

When I thought that I had no chance of gaining my full potential in life, I found my way into the rooms. My recovery journey began in treatment at Scottsdale Recovery Center two and a half years ago, and continues with a relapse that set me back another year of kicking rocks on the streets, but, when I least expected it, God had a better plan for me. Through no will of my own, I began a new life of recovery. Though it may be easy to get clean and sober, staying clean and sober through all the challenges of life is the true journey. At this point, I realized I could not face defeat and disappointment alone, and by remaining willing, God has granted me healing through unity and spiritual fulfillment.

For the first time in my adult life, I have made a commitment to myself and to the world in which we live. In this commitment, I have accepted and learned to clear the wreckage of my past I have caused, that has haunted me and held me back from rebuilding my life, repairing my relationships, and, most importantly, restoring my sanity.

In this commitment to living a life on principles, sobriety has provided me with the security I only once thought could
be achieved through isolation and the delusions of active addiction. I now know there is no pain in life I cannot face with a clean mind and a clear conscience. Thank you, God, for this daily reprieve.

Chris Carabajal