I am writing in regards to my recent experiences with Dawn Farms of Ann Arbor. As an alcoholic I have struggled in sobriety for about two years now. My first attempt to stop drinking was in House of Commons' detox facility in Mason, MI. When I arrived there I didn't know much about addiction. I just knew that I couldn't continue living life the way I was, and I couldn't seem to stop drinking on my own. During my stay at the facility I learned nothing whatsoever about addiction or recovery. It was a lonely , scary seventy-two hours. I was treated like an inmate, and I left with no more hope than I walked with. Needless to say, my struggles continued, I got an OWI less than a month after my detox experience, was put on probation and eventually ended up in jail for numerous probation violations. I was recently released for the Ingham County Jail only to continue on my downward spiral of self destruction. I reached out to some acquaintances at Joe & Shirley's Place of Lansing, not wanting to drink anymore but unable to stop on my own. These individuals were able to make arrangements to admit me to Dawn Farms' detox facility and provide me with a safe ride back to Lansing upon completion.  I honestly don't know where I would be right now if it wasn't for all of their help and support.

Upon my initial arrival at Dawn Farms I felt scared, ashamed, and completely hopeless. The staff saw to it that all my needs were met, and showed me enough understanding and encouragement to help make it through the detoxification process. They shard their support and their knowledge of addiction with all their patients, and helped us realize we are capable of building healthy, successful, SOBER lives for ourselves. Not only did they help me get sober, they taught me about staying  sober. They gave me hope, and hope is very hard to come by in early recovery.

Because of Dawn Farms' active involvement in each patient's aftercare plans, I am now living in transitional housing in Ann Arbor. I have got just over three weeks sober at this point and feel optimistic about my future for the first time in longer than I can remember. Joe and Shirley's Place affiliates continue to keep in close contact and offer their support in my sobriety, reminding me that if I stick with the AA program and others involved in it, I never have to feel alone and hopeless again. For this I will always remain grateful.

I do appreciate y our time in reading my experiences. I can only hope that maybe someday, in some way, sharing these experiences will help another suffering addict who is in need of a safe place to find help.

Sincerely,

Kristen Horning