Ron first came to Amoskeag Health’s MAT program with a clear mission: he needed heart surgery, and to qualify, he had to stop drinking and using cocaine. Determined to get the surgery, Ron managed to hold onto his sobriety just long enough to make it through the operation. However, once he recovered, he found himself in a tough spot. He couldn't return to his previous job and was struggling with his housing situation. What started as a short-term goal of sobriety for medical reasons turned into a long-term journey.
Throughout the summer of 2023, Ron continued to attend his Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) provider appointments, but his struggle with sobriety persisted. He intermittently used cocaine and alcohol, feeling ambivalent about the whole process. He now admits he often lied about his substance use and his true intentions during those months. By the end of the summer, Ron found himself homeless and without work. Despite having applied for Social Security Disability Insurance with the help of Case Management back in March 2023, the application hadn't come through yet, leaving him in a precarious position.
Ron’s turning point came during a routine meeting with his MAT CRSW. They discussed his motivation for sobriety and his overall quality of life. The CRSW challenged Ron to reflect on his motivations for sobriety and his overall quality of life. They asked him to consider who he truly wanted to be. Did he want to become the gruff, angry old man he was on track to become? Deep down, both Ron and the CRSW knew that wasn't who he was meant to be.
That conversation sparked something in Ron. He took a long, hard look in the mirror and decided to make a change. Ron has made a tremendous effort to address his feelings of anger, stress, and frustration. He built a support network and embraced the benefits of meetings, support groups, hobbies, and self-care. The man who had walked into Amoskeag Health a year earlier, ambivalent and unmotivated, is now eight months sober. He's receiving disability benefits, living independently in a rent-controlled apartment in downtown Manchester, and continuing his journey of growth and healing.
We are incredibly proud of Ron and can't wait to see what the future holds for him!
Ron's story shows how support and care can change lives. Your donations to Amoskeag Health can help more people like Ron find their way to recovery and stability.
With your help, we can provide the resources and support they need. Donate today and be a part of changing lives.