“I refer to myself today as a recovered alcoholic addict, meaning I've recovered from a hopeless state of mind and body.”
Meet Cory. He got sober October 6th, 2014. The road to recovery wasn’t smooth or straight, but Cory’s story is raw, real, and it’s proof that recovery from addiction is possible.
Let’s rewind and walk through what it took for Cory to get here.
Most people don’t start out chasing the destruction of their lives. Cory, like most people who wind up in the cycle of addiction, was chasing fun, connecting, and good times.
“It all started out as fun and games—being cool, hanging out with friends, having a good time. I was the life of the party.”
And while the party didn’t end, it sure got a lot darker.
“My life became one big party for years of constant habitual use. I found myself sliding further and further down the scale.”
Ultimately addiction stripped Cory of everything that mattered. Broken relationships, job loss, feeling hopeless and isolated. He no longer had friends or family to turn to.
“The disease of addiction and alcoholism is a disease of isolation. All the people who used to be my friends—they were gone. And it was by my choice.”
Cory first got sober in 2012. But recovery takes work, and Cory wasn’t quite ready to give up his old life. He relapsed after six months.
“This is a daily reprieve contingent upon the maintenance of my spiritual condition. I let up on the spiritual program of action. I got high again.”
For two and half years, Cory continued to live in active addiction. Eventually though, he hit the point many of us in recovery know all too well: he got sick and tired of being sick and tired.
“I was beaten to a state of reasonableness by this disease.”
On October 6, 2014, Cory decided he was done. Really done.
“I didn’t do it because I had to. I did it because I wanted to—because I wanted to live. Because I wanted to survive.”
Recovery isn’t magic. It’s work. But for Cory, it was absolutely worth it.
“Today, my life is exponentially different as a result of doing the work. If I had not done the work, I would not be sober.”
He committed 100% this time—and it paid off.
“Not only do I have sobriety, I am a father. I have a career. I’m accountable. People can rely on me.”
He’s not just sober. He’s thriving. He shows up. He’s dependable. He lives life on life’s terms.
“This program has given me the tools I need to succeed in life.”
Cory’s not a unicorn. He’s not some rare success story. He’s a person who made a decision and followed through with action. That’s it. And if you’re struggling, or if someone you love is struggling, his story is a reminder that real change is possible.
“I was the type of person who couldn’t go more than a few hours without drinking or doing drugs. Now I’ve been sober for years.”
At The Owls’ Nest, stories like Cory’s happen every day. Not because recovery is easy—but because it’s worth it. If Cory’s words hit home, maybe it’s time to write your own beginning.
Reach out. We’re here when you’re ready.