In honor of National Recovery Month, ECO is celebrating some of the amazing individuals we’ve met through our work. People who have faced obstacles head-on and are now building lives in recovery. Each story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, and that with support, resilience, and hope, change can happen.
By sharing these voices, we honor the courage it takes to begin the journey, the strength it takes to continue, and the inspiration these individuals bring to our entire community. Recovery is not just about overcoming the past. It’s about creating a brighter, healthier future.
This month, and every month, we stand alongside those who are walking the path of recovery, reminding them and ourselves that we do recover. Below is a Q&A with Kristina D, a client who worked with our coaches and CIU partners at Salem Police Department.
Opening & Background
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I was an only child raised by a hard-working mom. Unfortunately, some childhood trauma caused my already inherited mental health issues to flourish. My mom needed extra help in the form of DCF/DMH. I ended up placed in group homes because she was out of options.
How long have you been in recovery?
I was an active addict for 17 years. I had 2.5 years sober before this time around. My current date is 01/07/2025. I have 8 months.
What does recovery mean to you personally?
Recovery means filling that void inside myself with stuff like NA meetings, a support network, lots of recovery-based activities, meditation, my higher power.
The Journey
What was the turning point that made you decide to seek help?
My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy. It scared me. I started trying to clean my act up.
What challenges did you face early in your recovery journey?
The detox. That was the worst. That and maintaining my determination to keep going. My disease wanted me to leave treatment and go get high. But I wanted better.
What resources or people were most helpful to you during that time?
My support network, including Nike, Steve P, Mike K. They believed in me when I didn’t.
How did your recovery program or support system impact your life?
It opened my eyes to other forms of recovery services. Not just the basics, like meetings There is so much out there to keep busy and help stay clean.
Daily Life & Growth
What does a typical day in recovery look like for you now?
Wake up, meditate, coffee, get ready for the day, go to my PHP at Aftermath, come home, hit a meeting.
What tools or practices help you stay on track?
Routine, consistency, maintaining regular patterns. NA meetings and constantly reading literature.
How do you cope with triggers, difficult moments, or slips?
I have to breathe, call my recovery coach, call my outreach worker, or communicate with my therapist.
New Opportunities in Recovery
How has recovery changed your relationships with family and friends?
I’ve learned who really wants what’s best for me. I had to cut out all old acquaintances and friends. It’s just me and my family.
What opportunities or positive changes have come from your recovery?
Well, first, this opportunity. This is amazing. I never could have imagined this. Secondly, I am starting to be able to communicate with my family better, the way I need to. Things are falling into place.
What do you feel most proud of since starting this journey?
That I did this on my own. No one, no judge, no probation officer, no cop forced me. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Experience with Impact Units & Jail Diversion
What was your initial reaction when law enforcement offered you help instead of arrest?
I wasn’t sure it was true (that they wanted to help). I don’t usually get along with cops. I always find a reason to have issues with them.
Did the Salem Community Impact Unit treat you differently than you expected police would? How so?
Absolutely. They were amazing. We still laugh about the time an officer showed up to a call for me. I was running from him because I had stolen some food due to my low blood sugar levels. Once the officer realized it was me, he was super helpful and treated me like a person.
How did being given the option of treatment over jail impact your decision to seek recovery?
To be honest, I was given probation. And at that point, before it came down to being forced to do something, I jumped in voluntarily.
Were there any officers or team members who made a big difference for you? What did they do that helped?
Yes, but I am terrible with names. They know who they are.
How did the support from the Impact Unit or diversion program change your view of law enforcement?
I can honestly say that they flipped my opinion 1 million percent. I never have anything bad to say about Salem PD.
Inspiration & Hope
What message would you share with someone who is struggling and thinking about recovery?
You can do it. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. I went 8 years without talking to my family and just getting high. If I can do this, you can.
If you could tell your past self one thing when you first started, what would it be?
STOP. This is not what you want. It’s not worth what you will lose.
What does the future look like for you now?
Brighter than ever!
Why is it important to celebrate recovery and share stories like yours?
Because these are the stories that create the building blocks someone may use in the future to get help.