Chris’s recovery story begins with an addiction to heroin. He explains that the substance abuse extended beyond a heroin addiction to alcohol and a few other drugs. Chris’s recovery wasn’t simple, he didn’t just attend a treatment center one time and then live happily ever after. That’s not how it is for most people that are learning about recovery after suffering from addiction. At 17, Chris thought he could overcome substance abuse and still have the life he’s always dreamed of. He thought he was just a teenager with a drug problem and he’d “get over it”.  After realizing that this was not the reality of his current path, he decided to commit to treatment and put real work into his recovery.

After going through a wilderness program, Chris’s recovery took a turn to Utah. He realized that in order for recovery to take a permanent role in his life after the treatment center and wilderness, he needed to learn more skills. He met Eric Schmidt at New Roads Behavioral Health and came to the residential treatment program. It was at that point that he learned about how to manage stress, cravings and develop the skills to live on his own. Transitional treatment centers at New Roads also teach money management, how to cook, clean and take care of yourself in a real world application. He describes his first treatment center experience as just an introduction into what recovery could be. He realizes that he wasn’t ready at that point to accept that he was a drug addict or alcoholic. He explains that the key to his recovery was willingness. The acceptance that he had a real addiction, that he needed more skills to have a successful, happy life helped his recovery process really gain some foundation.

“You can have a happy life and not do drugs and party… it’s this entire picture that you learn in treatment and if you’re willing, [the key to success] is willingness. If you are willing to do all those things, then it just works out for you.”

Voices of Hope :  We will share recovery stories from time to time that emphasize the hope that recovery can give those struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse and addiction. The New Roads mission statement is: “We hold hope and the fundemental belief that everybody can get better.” With each recovery story, we hope to share the voice of hope to those who may need the support along the path to recovery.

To learn more about the residential treatment facility, transitional treatment center or more about our outpatient programs, please call New Roads Behavioral Health today: 888-358-8998.