By: A Former Client
Let’s just say that last year wasn’t a banner year. Like others, my life got turned completely upside down from drugs and alcohol. Both had been the center of my life for more years than I can count and took priority over all other relationships. My life became beyond unmanageable. I started losing myself mentally and physically. Socially? Forget it, no one wanted to be around me anymore, not friends, not family. I was left sitting alone in isolation and drowning. I needed more… counseling, community, accountability, and support. I needed big-time help.
It was September. My pug and I just completed our 3rd rehab, and I knew for both of our sakes it was time to say goodbye to institutions. I have always done extremely well at institutions; I was an A+ client just like I was a rockstar student and worker. But trust me, this does not matter if you cannot manage your life when you are not in control.
“I needed more… counseling, community, accountability, and support.”
I needed a good transition program after rehab where I could continue to heal mentally, have accountability, and feel safe & supported. Sober living was the only thing I had not tried yet so I started to ask around. Williamsburg House in Brooklyn, NYC came highly recommended by family friends and my rehab. After interviewing many sober livings, Williamsburg House seemed to be the best fit for me, plus it was dog friendly, which was crucial.
When I got to the house, life felt great. Brooklyn was booming, and every client in the house either worked, volunteered, or was in school. It was an amazing group of us living in a gorgeous loft. Such great amenities, super supportive staff, gym and yoga, and best of all, an unbelievable chef. I finally felt like things were in place for me to succeed.
By the end of my 2nd week, I started to settle in, and the daily structure at Williamsburg House and being with others in recovery started kicking in. Joining the house for game nights, zoom meetings, great discussions, and feeling like we can get through this together, helped me start to change my mindset.
I started creating a new normal. I made a daily schedule and worked with staff to help me stick to it. I started finding new activities and hobbies and taking advantage of the neighborhood. And ultimately, my housemates and I began to accept this new life and move forward. We realized we were making great progress, both in sobriety and as individuals, and had really bonded with each other.
“Williamsburg House gave me the environment and support I needed to work thru my problems and early recovery.”
I stayed at Williamsburg House for six months. In hindsight, I know how different things would have been had I gone home alone after treatment; how the end result would have most likely been the same thing as the last few times, and how looking at it now, it makes me wish I had gone to sober living the first time around.
This is and was a great place to learn how to cope and grow during a tough time. It has certainly given me hope, which is not something I had before. And although sometimes it feels like a bubble, it is the bubble I needed to get my life on track. When I first got here, I was told this was my “last and best chance”. I still believe no matter what life throws at me the Williamsburg House has given me my best chance.
Yours Truly,
A Former Client
