Michelle was the first person in her family with a substance abuse disorder. Her addiction manifested when she moved from Missouri to Las Vegas. She began smoking pot with friends which led to cocaine. The next thing she knew she was in a hotel room trying methamphetamines. Her addiction took everything away from her — her house, job and kids. Her normal life was gone in four months.

Treatment was extremely overwhelming and scary for Michelle. Years of untreated mental health were finally addressed and recognized.  Michelle was finally able to be honest with herself.  Since treatment Michelle has dived 100% into her recovery by sharing her experience and guiding other people through the process of recovery. She currently holds a license with the state of New Hampshire as a certified recovery support worker. Her work in recovery has been beneficial piece towards maintaining her recovery because it's a constant reminder every day of what she never wants to go back to.

Her children have also been a huge part of her recovery. They attend walks with her. They are avid recovery advocates like their mother. They know they were a part of the process with Michelle. When she was healing, they healed with her. When she was hurting, they hurt with her.  That dynamic, that relationship has been huge for her.