Stories

TOGETHER, we can face addiction better. We're humbled and grateful for the stories our members are willing to share about their wellness journeys. Read them here and find hope and strength for your own journey.

Photo of family standing arm-in-arm in front of sunset

Faced with her son’s addiction, Paula embraced new tools

Last November, Paula was lost. Her 14-year-old son was sneaking out at night. He was distant and angry, and he wasn’t connecting with his dad or brothers.
Photo of Dan Penn, addiction wellness coaching member in Indiana

Fighting for recovery after a 15-year addiction: Dan’s story

Recovery has brought happiness, peace and joy to Dan's life. He also gets to experience more negative emotions now that he’s not using drugs for the “false happiness.”
Photo of sunrise over rural field

Alex’s sobriety journey in rural South Dakota

Alcohol addiction came into Alex’s life after three people close to him died within one year.
Photo of Terri, peer coach of 15 years, in her custom Converse

Terri's 15-year anniversary video

We can't imagine where we'd be at Face It TOGETHER without the heart and unwavering commitment of Terri.
Photo of Michael in nature

Michael’s experience and recovery in the military community

Michael joined the Navy right out of high school and was deployed to Bosnia, Spain, Guam and Hawaii. In the military, he learned to keep to himself and didn’t communicate with others when he was struggling.
Photo of addiction peer coaching room in Sioux Falls, SD

‘I’m a good person and I can do this’

“I had nobody three years ago but my meth pipe and my lighter. I’ve yelled to God, I’ve cried, I’ve worked hard to build credibility. I could’ve never done this by myself; I needed somebody to show me the way.”
Photo of Erik and his wife, Jenni

As Erik embraced addiction wellness, he found freedom

The number 11 has always had a special place in Erik’s family. When he decided to start treatment for alcohol and marijuana on his 11th wedding anniversary, it marked a significant turning point.
Photo of Jeremy and his family, who were instrumental in his alcohol addiction recovery

Stopping a 25-year drinking cycle: Jeremy’s story

Jeremy had already told his wife he wanted to quit drinking when he survived a day that could’ve cost him everything.
Photo of Lacey, peer coach in Sioux Falls, SD

Video: Support after a relapse

We're so proud of Lacey for sharing her story and for how far she's come in her wellness. Watch our latest video to hear how she overcame a difficult time in her life and what it meant to have a supportive team behind her.
Photo of Timberli Stone, coaching member in recovery from alcohol addiction, with her family

Connection, reflection and a tattoo: Timberli’s alcohol recovery

Timberli Stone felt like she was drinking her life away. She drank every night after work and went out every weekend. Her liver function was at 30 percent. The hangovers, the fighting with her husband, the sorrow – everything finally came to a head.
Photo of Todd Lindsay, coaching member in Sioux Falls, SD

‘The shame is what kept me drunk’

Todd Lindsay went from never considering he had a problem with alcohol to knowing without question he needed help. He wanted to get better, but he wanted to do it without having to tell anyone.
Photo of Shannon, peer addiction coach in Sioux Falls, SD

From numbness to purpose: Shannon’s recovery story

From the very start of her life, Shannon (she/her) was surrounded by addiction and its consequences. She was born in prison, where her mom had been extradited.