John's Story

My addiction took everything from me.

The constant feelings of being lost and depressed, haunted by my own demons, made the simplest of tasks like getting out of bed a daily challenge, and another obstacle I dreaded facing. Self-medicating with alcohol was the easiest way to escape reality, cognizant that with each passing day I was slowly killing another piece of myself. It had become apparent to me the slowest form of suicide was the best option and yet it didn’t matter enough to change it.

Consequently, reality had kicked in and decided to teach me a lesson. The day my addiction resulted in me losing my job and my relationship with a woman whom I loved, I could not fathom living in despair and that was not going to be my life’s story. A change needed to be made.

After 18 years of self-destruction, I did what most people would think is an effortless task; I picked up the phone and called Simon House where my name was added on the intake list. While waiting for my acceptance into Simon House I went through the agony of detoxing at home; a vivid memory that continues to haunt me and yet a successful tactic as a reminder of where I do not want to go back to. I will never forget my initial interview with the Intake Coordinator; he asked me one question “Are you willing to change everything?” That question resonates with me frequently and I realized I am here at Simon House because I hit that breaking point. Primarily focusing on ‘how’ to deal with mental health concerns and coping mechanism required to aid in that understanding was a way to see the light at the end of a dark tunnel. Simon House provided me with the tools I needed to heal and to deal with life on life’s terms, and for that I am forever grateful.

Fast forward 4 years and I am now the Chef at Simon House, cooking for those who call this place home while each take their own journey to recovery. Now I can care for my loved ones and maintain a steady healthy lifestyle.

This was the best decision I ever made!

- Chef John