a kinnic falls graduate’s story: Healing Through Music

Every recovery journey is unique, but each one carries a powerful message. In this interview, a Kinnic Falls graduate* shares how he found strength through creative expression, and offers hope to those still finding their way.

Why was your time at kinnic falls important to you and your recovery?

I wouldn’t be sober if I hadn’t stuck through the Kinnic Falls programming. Through my time there, and with help of the one-on-ones I had weekly with Brian, my plans went from considering sobriety, to eventually making total sobriety my goal. Brian helped me see things differently, and now I have been able to reach 7 months of sobriety as of today (June 12th)!
I think a big part of this was the sense of community that is built while at Kinnic Falls. The staff, counselors, programming, and River Falls community really helped to make it such an educational and positive experience.

What was your most memorable experience at kinnic falls?

I started playing guitar again while at Kinnic Falls, and it reignited the passion I had for playing music.  Most days I would spend a few hours in the music room, and I felt like my playing was better than I’d ever played before, since it was the first time playing that much while sober. The music room was very important to me and my stay at Kinnic.

Another memorable moment is that I had to go through a few losses while at Kinnic, one being my mom’s ex’s daughter, who I was always worried about. I had known her for about a decade and considered myself close to her. What makes this memorable was how Brian did an excellent job of talking through this and letting me vent a lot of frustration and anger I had over the situation. Brian is a great counselor, and I was very grateful that he was the one I was able to open up to.

what do you wish more people understood about substance use disorder and recovery?

I feel like there are way too many things people don’t understand about addiction. I think it would help significantly if people would learn more about why getting sober is so difficult, and how long it takes for an addicted brain to return to a “normal” state. I also think it would be helpful if people could be more empathetic to addicts as well, rather than enforcing the stigma around addiction.  A lot of people write addicts off because “we did it to ourselves” and we “chose to use drugs” so much so that addicts aren’t even seen as humans in some cases. It ends up becoming very alienating when society sees addicts as less than, even when we are just trying to survive one day at a time. Addiction becomes a job you work at all day long, and you’re just trying to survive one day at a time.

what would you say to someone just beginning their recovery journey?

Get involved! It’s easy to say you’re bored, but there are so many things you can do while in treatment! Pick up a new hobby; I recommended to the new people to pick out a creative hobby and have fun with it. I hadn’t played guitar for a few years prior to Kinnic Falls, and I loved seeing how much my playing improved, and I was able to learn more difficult songs. Seeing a noticeable improvement in whatever hobby you choose feels incredible.

how has your life changed since residing at kinnic falls?

I feel more equipped to handle the normal challenges that may appear in life. The counselors did an excellent job of teaching coping skills, and not by just giving us the general overview, but by focusing on situations that the individual may experience. Brian helped me with concerns and issues I was experiencing with my brother while I was in treatment and even offered ideas on how to navigate repairing my relationship with him and other members of my family. I actually feel like my relationship with my stepdad has improved quite a lot over the last 7 months since I started treatment. I still have a ways to go, but using the skills that were taught, I feel more confident that with time things will improve. I have a few other stressors, that prior to Kinnic Falls would have been a perfect excuse to use, but I’ve been able to handle it a lot more effectively without the need to use.

is there anything else you’d like to share?

I do not think I would have been able to hit 7 months of sobriety if I had not gone to Kinnic Falls. I was apprehensive and nervous when I first arrived, but I’m grateful for my time and experience at Kinnic Falls. I actually miss being at Kinnic Falls now.

We are so grateful to this graduate for his kind words, and sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery.

*Name has been withheld to protect the graduate’s privacy and recovery journey