My name is Max and I was in Alpha 180 for a little over a year and it was quite a journey. I was forced into residential treatment in Mississippi when I was 17 years old and it was there I found out that I would be going to aftercare. I was anything but thrilled, but my parents gave me an ultimatum, so I quickly realized I would need to get open-minded about my future.
Truth be told, I had a rough start at Alpha 180 because I wasn’t willing to give it a chance. I was angry all the time, discontent, and walked around with untreated trauma. For a few months, I was just existing, having outbursts at people that were just trying to help me. Alpha 180 made the decision to therapeutically discharge me from the program and explained that this is a place for people that want to be here. They supported me moving into another sober living environment and stayed in touch.
It was here that I finally realized I needed to change. I realized when I got ‘kicked out’ that my life WAS getting better and my head was flooded with memories of using and it scared me. I didn’t want to lose Alpha 180 and the brotherhood I had built.
I decided to do everything I was told from that point on and I was accepted back into Alpha 180. It wasn’t easy work, but I pushed through my struggles. I had a sense of accomplishment, maybe for the first time in my life. Perhaps most importantly, I had a community around me to help me keep my commitment. I was feeling better and getting inspired about my recovery.
I learned how to feel like a kid while behaving like an adult. We went to paintball, played sports, went to movies, took trips, and even jumped off cliffs. Through these experiences, I made lifelong friends, some of which I still live with today. We continuously use the skills that Alpha has given us and live as successful, sober students. Alpha 180 will always have a special place in my heart and to all the staff members and clients that have supported me throughout my journey, I love you!
