Caitlin’s Story

I entered Wayside as a frail, shattered, lost soul. I was 25 and had been using drugs and alcohol for 15 years. Wayside was my tenth treatment program.

I had no hope left and was full of shame and guilt. I faced many challenges during my stay. The most difficult of those being my son moving to Washington to live with my uncle. With the support and compassion of the staff, I began to find myself.

For the first time in my life I became honest with myself and in turn was able to be honest with others as well. I learned how to show myself compassion and began chipping away at the walls I had built around me. I allowed other women into my life and we shared our pain and suffering as well as our joy and happiness. I made amazing friends that have continued to be a part of my life in recovery and have become the best friendships I have ever experienced in my life.

I left Wayside and entered sober housing, which in the past had been a step I had refused to take. My three-month stay in sober housing was where the real test began. I was forced to make a choice. Every woman that came through my sober house relapsed and I began to comprehend the multitude of emotions that the outside world feels when a recovering addict goes back out. I stood strong and continued on. I upped my meetings when times were hard and followed advice and got a sponsor.

“My life isn’t perfect and because of the support and compassion of Wayside, I have found a way to manage my life without the use of drugs and alcohol. I can handle anything life throws at me as long as I don’t pick up that first drink or drug. Today, I am a worthwhile woman and I deserve to be loved, and respected, and sober!”

– Caitlin F.