Becoming Whole Again

In 2023, 12% of Americans 18 or older reported at some point in their lives, they had experienced a substance use disorder (SUD). Without a doubt, SUDs present a number of challenges, but one of the most heart-breaking difficulties is the loss of self that many face. Ralph experienced this firsthand. As his SUD enveloped his life, he transformed into a completely different person and needed help finding himself again. 

ECS CERRC helps Ralph reclaim his life and reconnect with the things that bring him joy. October 2024.

Ralph dealt with an SUD for many years. He attended rehab in the past but had been unsuccessful in maintaining sobriety. “I didn’t really think I had a problem then,” he explained.  

The problem escalated when his brother passed away in December of 2023. “It kind of took me over the edge,” Ralph said. He leaned even more heavily into drugs and alcohol. Eventually, he felt as if he was “running around in a haze.” He lost the person he was and began to get into all kinds of trouble. “Life is so much better than going down that road, but I was stealing, I was a bad person, I was angry, I was cursing people out,” he said. “When I saw myself at the end there, I couldn’t believe it was me. It was like a different person.” 

The moment of realization about his situation came after a confrontation with the police. Under the influence, Ralph was tampering with a bus, so the police were called. He resisted arrest and the police broke his leg in an attempt to stop him. As awful as the situation was, Ralph commented “if that hadn’t happened, where would I be... I would’ve probably been dead by now.” 

The court instructed him to go to an SUD treatment program, so Ralph ended up at ECS Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC). “God intervened; I really believe that,” he said.  

While he sees the experience as a blessing now, Ralph was hesitant at first. “I didn’t want to be here,” he said, but as he heard the stories of other CERRC clients and began to soak in the information the counselors shared, his perspective began to shift. “I felt good about coming,” Ralph said. “I was eager.” He leapt into recovery and learned tools to prevent relapse. 

As Ralph went through the program and moved further along the path to recovery, he also reconnected with himself. “I see the light. Just doing the right thing,” he said. “I feel great, I mean I’m doing basic life things. I get up and brush my teeth every day, wash my hands every day, work out every day, walk my dog.” At one point, even those everyday tasks were impossible. Now, Ralph is making music, looking for a job, and planning on returning to school to finish his degree. “I made that happen,” he said proudly. 

Ralph graduated from the program in August. He is now attending aftercare and getting involved with different opportunities through ECS such as a grief support system. “ECS has given me a purpose,” he said. 

It can be difficult to make the effort to achieve sobriety and find yourself again, but with the support of a program like CERRC and a leap of faith, anything is possible. “Just walk through the doors. Just go,” Ralph urged. “Participate and listen. It might seem like a long journey over three or four months, but it will go just like that. Get involved. Listen. Try to practice what they’re teaching.” 

To learn more about the work of ECS CERRC visit ecscalifornia.org/central-east-regional-recovery-center.  

The Best is Yet to Come

Matthew found support and compassion at CERRC which helped him achieve his goals. October 2023.

Matthew, a 2023 graduate of the Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC) Outpatient Treatment Program, recently celebrated two years of sobriety since starting his recovery journey in October 2022.

Fresh out of a divorce, Matthew shared that he chose the wrong path, “running from my problems, then things continued to downfall.” Before he knew it, he was “going from that perfect imperfect life of owning a house and having a kid to being homeless on the street to getting in trouble with the police.” Matthew explained that he was charged with carjacking and robbery. “The carjacking was for breaking somebody’s window, and the robbery was for a salad,” he said. 

After being released from jail, Matthew was directed to CERRC for outpatient treatment services and support. In the beginning, he had difficulty committing himself to the program. Matthew recalled that he “kind of ran from the sober living,” at first. He said he remained without shelter for two more weeks, “but I would come here [CERRC] and check in. I wasn’t able to put together clean time… especially being on the street,” Matthew said. Even amid the harsh conditions of homelessness, he continued to push forward.   

But then, on Thanksgiving of 2022, about a month into the program, Matthew tried to *commit suicide. “It was a really hard day for me; it was my first Thanksgiving without family, without my daughter. And I just wanted to leave the world silently,” Matthew said. His attempt failed, and he miraculously received a second chance. “I didn’t pass away; I just ended up going to the hospital, breathing like Darth Vader for a long time.”  

After that, Matthew reached a turning point and spent some time healing from the traumatic experience. “I had established some clean time and had done some minor work on myself… that’s when ECS brought me in again. I stayed clean through the whole program,” Matthew said. 

The path to recovery is not easy, but with hard work and a program like CERRC to guide you, the joy of sobriety is possible. **October 2023.

Matthew shared that he has taken many steps in his journey to recovery, “but coming here [CERRC] and getting dedicated to a program and living in a sober living [home] for a long time...  has just changed my thinking, my dynamic.” Matthew said he learned to change his mindset to “keep fighting; I am good enough… I do recovery for myself today because it feels good.”  

Now, Matthew is completely sober, has a job he enjoys, has continuous support from his friends and the CERRC staff, and is currently seeing a therapist. “It’s fun being sober today,” he said. “I’ve never felt this good about myself.” 

CERRC would not have the healing effect it does without its dedicated staff. According to Matthew, “One of the most important things that I can hold on to is the compassion from the staff.” In returning to CERRC for this interview, Matthew shared how welcomed he still felt by all the friendly faces at the program. He explained how much the staff does for clients, ensuring they have the necessities they need. “I feel like my counselor Summer was very understanding of my situation, as far as just being broken at the time for many reasons,” Matthew said. “She has impacted my life forever. And I’ll never forget what she gave me.” 

“There’s a lot of people that want it, that want to get better,” he said. “But it makes it very hard when you can’t even provide for yourself due to circumstances that are sometimes so hard to move through financially, mentally, physically. A program like this really helps you get your foundation going and also brings you back to life mentally.” The work to help those struggling with addiction may not always be easy, but “I think the ones that want it are worth it,” Matthew said. Thanks to CERRC’s programming and the additional services, Matthew regained control of his life and now envisions his future with optimism. “I feel like my 40s are going to be the best years of my life,” he expressed. 

CERRC offers outpatient treatment for adults and transitional aged youth with substance use disorders, focusing on individual counseling, group therapy, and strategic planning. The multidisciplinary team specializes in co-occurring disorders, homelessness, and employment challenges, ensuring connection to additional community services. To learn more, please visit https://www.ecscalifornia.org/central-east-regional-recovery-center. 

*If you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts or suicide ideations, call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 1-888-724-7240 to reach The San Diego Access & Crisis Line (ACL). The hotline is a free and confidential support system available 24/7. 

**Caption dates may not be exact.

From Addiction to Empowerment

Stephanie, former CERRC client. April 2023.

SAN DIEGO — Once living in a tent and estranged from her family, Stephanie struggled with substance abuse. Seeking help from CERRC, she embarked on a journey of healing and growth through their comprehensive outpatient treatment services. Battling her inner turmoil, Stephanie persevered with support from her dedicated counselor, Summer Kahoonei. Now, after 20 months clean, she has reconnected with her family, secured a job, and is determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

As she shared her progress, Stephanie expressed her thankfulness, saying, "Miss Summer, I called to let you know I am still doing good and remember everything you said in [the] group. I'm starting school to be a drug and alcohol counselor!"

ECS’ Central East Recovery Center (CERRC) provides treatment and services to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. CERRC’s multifaceted and dedicated team assists with services such as individual counseling, group treatment, assessments, and discharge planning. Clients who are facing other difficulties, such as homelessness or unemployment, will also be provided connections to related community resources.

According to the California Health Care Foundation, in 2021, nine percent of Californians qualified for a substance use disorder, yet only ten percent of those individuals sought help for their illness. Programs like CERRC are essential now more than ever.

With a high success rate, the CERRC program changes lives like Stephanie's daily. Her story highlights the power of determination and support; anyone can overcome challenges and create a brighter future. Please help us continue making an impact by donating today!

Redemption: From 30-Year Prison Term to Recovery at CERRC

Eladio, CERRC client. April 2023.

Eladio arrived in the United States from Cuba in the 1980s and spent over 30 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. After his release, Eladio faced significant challenges in adapting to life on the outside; he battled with alcohol abuse to cope with the loss of his ex-wife and struggled with the difficulties of societal reentry.

Despite these challenges, Eladio remained determined to turn his life around. He contacted CERRC, which provided him with the support and resources to address his addiction and rebuild his life.

Eladio recalls, “I prayed every day [for] a second chance at life. God heard my prayers, and I was awakened one day and told it was time to go. I can’t express what it feels like to have spent 30-plus years in prison and walk free.”

With the help of CERRC, Eladio was able to obtain a state ID, secure funding through the cash assistance program for immigrants, acquire a work permit, and begin the lengthy process of obtaining his U.S. citizenship, which has given him a newfound sense of hope for the future.

Eladio’s story highlights the many challenges former inmates face when reintegrating into society, especially those with a history of addiction. However, it also demonstrates the transformative power of second chances and the importance of compassionate and dedicated support in helping individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration.