01.31.12
Toward the end of my active addiction, I had a momentary journey into reality and became aware of what my life had become. Each day was filled with complete and utter loneliness that would not subside under any condition. I had a full-time job in a large city, a place of my own, and could pay my bills. Unfortunately, I was also in the grip of my substance addiction. When I wasn’t using, I was constantly preoccupied with when I could use again and how much.
During my moment of clarity, I called the Pride Institute and arranged to be admitted 1 month from the day I made the initial call for help. This was to be my first experience receiving drug/alcohol treatment. I remember waiting in the airport, completely alone, wondering if there was anything that could be done to help me. I feared that I would not be accepted into the center—that I would just have to deal with my addiction alone.
It’s hard to put into words everything that happened while I was in treatment and the things I learned about myself. Pride gave me the space and opportunity to identify core issues about why I used and of what I was afraid. To this day, I will never forget the compassion and insight provided by the staff—whether they were counselor, nurse, or mental health technician. All of them, together, helped put me on a solid path of recovery.
Did the Pride Institute fix everything about me and make my life easy at all times? No; however, what I learned from Pride was how to connect with other members of the sober community and to open myself to the possibility that things could be good in my life. I wish I could say I never have thoughts of using or that my interactions with others are always positive—they aren’t, but with the help of Pride I learned how to face the challenges head on and have some happiness in my life.
Doug R.
01.20.11
“Pride Institute allowed me to live and feel again. Gave me the tools to survive without alcohol. I am very thankful for all the professional help and concern that Pride gave me. I am not cured, just living sober day to day and sometimes hour to hour. I am okay with that, actually I am very Happy about that. I no longer live in a world of HELL. Thank You and Love you all at Pride.” - Mark
01.10.11
“When I checked myself into Pride Institute I was a sad, selfish, and unemotional person. The professional and caring staff at Pride, along with their effective and thorough program gave me the respite and introspection that I needed to get my life back on track and to end the cycle of self medication through alcohol. Pride showed me that I truly can navigate life and its challenges in a sober and healthy way. I am definitely a better parent and partner since being at Pride. I have over 17 months of sobriety and know that it wouldn’t be possible without the skills that I learned at Pride. Going there was the best decision I have ever made. Not only was it life changing, but frankly, it was life saving.” - JoJo
01.03.11
“The Pride Institute helped me understand that addiction is a disease, that while I cannot cure it, I am responsible for my behavior and for seeking recovery. I remember the Pride Institute more like an intensive internship to learn how to cope with addiction than “rehab” as the staff really understands what you’re going through and know how to practice tough love. I feel that the Pride Institute gave me the tools I needed to go home and work on my recovery.” – Angel
12.13.10
“The fact that Pride is LGBT made it so comfortable for me to be comfortable being me.” – Jaz.
“PRIDE Institute changed my life. I went into Pride a bitter, uninspired, 18 year old, and walked out a confident, open minded 19 year old. The experience, though hard at times, helped me become the better woman I am today. I made a family at Pride, if i never had one before. It taught me so many things about value, it helped my self confidence hugely, and reminded me that I had self worth. I am greatful that I experienced Pride at such a young age because I met so many wise and troubled people just like myself at the time, which helped me see where I didn’t want to be 10 years later . The fact that Pride is LGBT made it so comfortable for me to be comfortable being me. I would hope to never have to go to treatment again, but I would attend a Pride meeting on any day . Thanks Pride !
” – Jaz
02.26.10
“Thanks to PRIDE Institute, I am still clean today. I am blessed to celebrate 22 years in recovery.” – Debbie
“Before I came to PRIDE I could barely whisper ‘I love myself.’ Today, I can say that out loud.” – Debbie
02.26.10
“PRIDE helped me realize that there are many healthy ways to build my sense of self as a gay man, without the use of drugs or alcohol.” – Jason E
Other comments from Jason:
“I would recommend PRIDE to anyone in the LGBT community seeking recovery from addiction. The program is comprehensive and well executed…About a week into the program at PRIDE, I realized that I was the happiest I had been in years.”
“In order for me to begin the journey of recovery, I had to be able to talk about my use of drugs and alcohol as an openly gay man. The only place I could do that was PRIDE Institute.”
“Today, I am getting a master’s degree in Social Work and plan to pursue a career in community-based recovery programs for mental illness and substance abuse. This accomplishment is entirely due to my sobriety, and my sobriety is heavily due to the amazing experience I had at PRIDE.”
02.25.10
“PRIDE Institute is an extremely safe environment to be able to express being gay. I left with the tools I needed in order to pursue a healthier, happier life free from drugs and alcohol.” -Sam C.
Other comments from Sam:
“The Sexual Health Program was the most powerful component of my care at PRIDE. It helped me connect the dots between my sexual behavior and my drug use.”
“PRIDE helped me rediscover joy.”
