For Stephen Houghton, “recovery” is more than just a word in a title, a term found in “Recovery and Resource Center.” Rather, it’s symbolic of what he’s gained back, a return to the man he used to be.
“[I have] my life [now],” Stephen said. “[I have] the caring, loving person that would get out and help anybody. I didn’t have that for the longest time. And once I got it back, I could remember, you know, I actually cared and I actually loved. And I didn’t want that to disappear again. [Optimae] brought it back. And I’m so thankful for it.”
On a recent visit to Optimae Behavioral Health’s Recovery and Resource Center in Burlington (one of four centers administered by Optimae), Stephen shared a journal entry with Optimae’s marketing communications team.
When asked what Stephen would want to share with those who read his story, he said, “Never give up on your dreams, never give up on staying sober, never give up on new friends or the search for a better life.”
Here is Stephen’s story, in his own words:
I want to tell a very short story about a certain place and some certain people who have saved my life because if it wasn’t with their welcoming, caring, and advice I literally would not be here today.
I’m praying that maybe this possibly be put on the website for everyone to read, maybe even people that haven’t been able or haven’t had the chance to even find out anything about it and make it there after they by chance come acrossed it.
Off and on for a total of 12 long, long, hard and crazy years, one night I didn’t want that life and a certain thing that could’ve took all that pain away fast was on my mind, but it never happened.
Through a person and a friend who picked up her phone when I called at 1:30 AM, I found out about this place I’ll just call “The Center” for now until I can talk to them and see what they say.
The very first day, the next morning I went to the center and was welcomed in which felt like with loving and caring arms and realized that it was with loving and caring arms.
Also that morning was the very first day that I began a fight and war that became the best part of my entire life.
For the next 4 years THANKS to The Center and the caring people my life has changed so much, through heart aches, my worst days, my good days, etc. they have helped me and truthfully saved my life because if it wasn’t for them like I said ‘I wouldn’t be here today.’
THANK YOU!!!!!
for everything and I literally and seriously mean everything that you have done, given me, taught me and being there.
For everyone who just needs someone to talk to or just a place to hangout, come join the fun, it will change your life.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) is a free, confidential resource for people wanting to talk. Take care of a friend, a loved one or yourself. Call, text, or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor for assistance during difficult moments anytime, day or night.