Phoenix House > Drug Help > True Stories > Chris
 
Phoenix House changed my life. Before I entered the Keene Center in New Hampshire, I had burned every single bridge I had. My life was utter chaos and my family wanted nothing to do with me.

I had been successful. Growing up on the coast of Massachusetts, I earned a B.S. in Marine Management and for 15 years I captained big fishing boats in Alaska. I never drank on the job because of the regular drug testing, but I was a binge drinker on the down time. For 285 days of the year I was sober, and for the other 80 I was drunk. Finally, after a tragic accident, I lost control as well as everything that was important to me.

I returned to the East Coast and was sober for a year and a half. But I felt I needed additional support and entered the Keene program, where I found the tools to help me truly find myself. After completing the program I moved to RISE (a sober living program) in Brattleboro, Vermont. The community I found there has changed my life. After leaving RISE in 2002 I kept in touch, frequently visiting the program. While at Keene I had volunteered, with other residents, at a local farm educational center, mentoring young people. I was hired as their Director of Facilities while living at RISE. I enjoyed the work but when the position of case manager opened up at RISE in November of 2005, I lost no time in applying. I got the job and have been helping others grow in sobriety, just as RISE helped me.

I have a great partner, a two year old son, and a dog. I've traded the sea for the green hills of Vermont. I am content with the present and confident in my future.


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