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Progress and Appreciation: A Letter From Holland

rredick February 20, 2024
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Photo credit: Ron Lach

Danielle and her son have gone through a lot, individually and together. At Allies, we remember their years of struggle relating to his SUD. What joy, then, to receive this letter updating us on their situation. It’s the best news imaginable: Danielle’s son is clean and stable, and Danielle herself has widened the circle of support to others in need. Have a look at Danielle’s letter for yourself:

I have no question but would like to let you know, with joy and confidence, that my son has now been clean for two years. After the necessary relapses, three clinics, and finally one year internally, he can now say that he is stable.

And I? I owe a large part of my recovery as a loved one of a child in addiction to Allies in Recovery. I was completely alone and just wanted to save him and keep him with me. I was terrified of losing my child. I have gone through many hell scenarios and have gone through the program again several times.

Nowadays I am also stable and can share my gratitude and knowledge with loved ones of addicts. I managed to organize a weekly meeting in a nearby addiction clinic where help for loved ones was still hard to find. There are now well-attended meetings twice a week, where people feel safely supported and seen. With today’s knowledge and the help of this program, a lot has changed here.

Thank you. I hope that we can remain strong and live a nice healthy life together. And when needed, I will pick up the program. I wish everyone here in the program and beyond the strength and confidence and the support needed to remain standing.

Danielle from Holland

Thank you, Danielle, for checking back in with us and sharing your story! We’re overjoyed that your son has made such remarkable progress! And we’re so pleased that Allies has made a difference in your lives. Thank you for the good work you’re doing with those support groups, passing on your CRAFT-related skills and discoveries to others in need.

Whatever the future brings, you and your son have made great choices and overcome huge obstacles already. Three cheers, and full speed ahead!

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is actively seeking new recovery resources that could offer a hand. Allies’
Laurie MacDougall did some digging. What she found underscores just
how much is out there—much of it independent of Zip code.

Laurie MacDougall April 26, 2022
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the recovery process and relapse

Learning Our Way Out of the Cycle of Recurrence

Even when a lot’s going right in our lives, the recovery process can be tough and painful. Outwardly, Bimba’s son’s life seems wonderful: good job, good relationship, education, financial security. Still, he only manages to remain abstinent for about 90 days at a time. While this stage of the recovery process is often brutal, there are resources and people ready to help. Sustained reinforcement —“getting the message about recovery”— is a vital piece of the puzzle.

Dominique Simon April 18, 2022
1 Comment

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