May 2016

Rather than outward conformity to a new set of behaviors, UGM LIFE Recovery is about transformation from the inside out. From building healthy relationships to dealing with unwanted thoughts and feelings to finding meaningful employment, recovery that lasts addresses the whole person.

The four men and women featured here want more than sobriety. They recognize the importance of addressing recovery in every area of their lives and plan to continue doing just that.

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January 2016

“I was in a constant cycle of me, me, me, and that’s all it consisted of. I didn’t care who I hurt, who I stole from in order to get high.”

Tim O’Neil had two priorities – himself and his addiction.

He used drugs to deal with feelings of shame; shame from believing he was never enough and, ironically, shame from his addiction.

“I was on the streets, lost in a lot of shame and guilt, lost in my addiction and didn’t know another way to deal with it other than run and use more drugs.”

The shame from his addiction kept him from connecting with his family. Disconnecting from loved ones only resulted in more shame and in turn, “I used drugs to cover up that pain.” Tim was caught in a downward spiral.

He isolated himself, using a tough façade to mask his shame. “I used to do all kinds of horrible stuff to people. I didn’t care about anyone’s feelings.”

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October 2015

Trace spent 15 years intermittently homeless, fluctuating from employed to unemployed, living on the streets or in an RV without heat, running water or electricity. “A box on wheels.” The thing he longed for most? A shower.

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