27 Jan You’re going to eat a big slice of humble pie and do things our way by Jason D’Abrosca
On January 5th, 2015, I stumbled into the lobby of CRI-Help, again for the fifth time.
I held a small grocery bag in my hand – it contained all of my belongings. I was begging for another chance at recovery.
That morning, feeling completely hopeless, I had injected my last shot of heroin. I was admitted into CRI-Help’s Detox. I hoped that something would actually be different this time.
I had spent the last 15 years in and out of treatment centers, jails, and psychiatric units – living on the streets felt normal and comfortable.
I will never forget Fina Arellano for her kindness and love. Fina grabbed me by the hand and told me I was going to be OK. Fina walked me to Detox, and my journey began. Diane Baker and some other treatment team members came to Detox to visit me.
The staff assessed, oriented, and gave me strict direction, telling me, “you’re going to eat a big slice of humble pie and do things our way.” At that moment, I surrendered to the recovery process. I said to myself, “Jason, if you know what’s best for you, then why do you keep ending back up in treatment centers?”
Life without the use of heroin seemed impossible. I needed a solution, desperately, and I knew it.
For me, the solution is the 12-Steps and helping others with substance use disorders. Finally, I feel like I have something to contribute to society: I have a purpose, and it’s all due to living a life without the use of drugs. This life that I’ve been given isn’t perfect, but it’s mine. Recovery is hard work, and it’s worth every second of it.
I’ve gone back to school, endured heartbreak, walked through fear, strengthened relationships, built self-worth…, and the list goes on. No matter what curve balls life throws at you, you don’t have to get loaded.
When I was using, I was powerless. In recovery, I am powerful and, just for today, I get to help others rediscover their power.
When I was a technician at Pfleger Center, I used to do the evening time silence and introduce new clients to the house. I would scream out in excitement, “You are at the right place at the right time. Welcome to CRI-Help because this is where the magic happens.”, and see hope light up in their eyes.
It’s an honor and privilege to work in the substance use field.