RECOVERY STORY OF THE MONTH

My name is Andrea C., and my sobriety date is December 16, 2023. I have a sponsor and a higher power of my understanding.

I am the mother of five beautiful daughters. Two of my daughters came through the Jean Marie House and are sober today. They inspired me to enter this program. I am also a proud nana to ten grandchildren whom I dearly love, cherish, and hold close to my heart.

I was raised in Garfield Heights and grew up in an amazing, loving family. We went camping, played hockey, and I did well in school. I even made homecoming court. My father was a recovered alcoholic, and growing up, I never imagined addiction would become part of my own story.

I began using at the age of 37. I have been married for 43 years, and my husband and I started using together, believing we were in control. Over time, that illusion faded. What began as substance use turned into physical abuse, then verbal abuse. We lost our homes, and eventually, I went to prison.

We lost our homes, and eventually, I went to prison.

By that point, my daughters were old enough to move out. I then experienced the loss of my granddaughter, followed by the loss of my father. I became incredibly lonely and remained trapped in an abusive, codependent relationship. I stayed because he controlled all the money. At that point, I was only numbing myself—living in darkness, broken and lost.

Eventually, I cried out for help to my daughters and told them I couldn’t do this anymore, that I would die if nothing changed. That moment led me to make a phone call to the Jean Marie House—a call that saved my life.

I am deeply grateful for the Jean Marie House and for all the women I have met during the last two years of my journey here. Recovery has given me purpose. I give back by driving women to meetings, making myself available to sponsor, and helping facilitate groups at the Jean Marie House. I will be there for whatever the Jean Marie House needs.

Today, I am finally sparkling. I am truly happy, grateful, and blessed to have a beautiful and supportive family.