in his own words: a kinnic falls graduate’s story

Recovery looks different for everyone, but every story reminds us why this work matters. In this interview, a Kinnic Falls graduate* reflects on their experience and shares encouragement for others who may still be looking for hope.

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

My time at Kinnic was important to me and my recovery because I have been to treatment 3 times before in my life, and I never did a program after graduating an inpatient facility. It was a long-term commitment for me to take advantage of being offered to go there after Burkwood. Kinnic was a blessing in disguise for me, it challenged me to remain sober even surrounded by a college and a town with bars and liquor being sold at gas stations. To have freedom and be trusted.

What was your most memorable experience at kinnic falls?

My most memorable experience was without a doubt getting some very serious news surrounding my daughter and ex-wife. I was seriously considering leaving. Matt, my counselor, sat with me, even after he was off work, talked me through it, let me cry, gave me strength, and calmed me down enough to get me to stay. There were a couple other counselors that came up and gave me support. Without Matt, I would have left.

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

For me personally, I would not wish alcoholism on my worst enemy. It made me break promises and go against some morals I have always stood by in sobriety. I believe we all have a better chance in sobriety If we live in the right environment. Recovery is possible through therapy, treatment, and the right medications. SUD in my opinion is a disability that can be overcome, but not alone.

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

I would say to somebody who’s just beginning their recovery journey, give yourself time, trust the process, believe in yourself. You have a chance to live, it’s gonna be hard, but I promise it is worth it. To love yourself enough to overcome addiction/alcoholism is one of the greatest gifts to give yourself, but you have to do it for you!!

how has your life changed since residing at kinnic falls?

How my life has changed since Kinnic Falls. I have gotten better at emotionally regulating myself, I have made so many connections in the recovery community. I have now surpassed a year of pure 100% sobriety without even utilizing my medical marijuana card. I have a full-time job. I have my 15-year-old daughter full time. I continue my individual therapy, and I am also in family therapy with my daughter, both of which I have to take responsibility and work through tough things.

I spoke at Burkwood [Treatment Center] on my one year and had the pleasure of being surprised with a one-year sobriety coin given to me by my daughter. I spoke at Kinnic in May. I have gone out into the homeless community and passed out food, clothing, clean paraphernalia, and done my best to get people into detox and/or treatment centers.

My life is not perfect, but everything I learned at Kinnic is one of the direct reasons I stay sober.

is there anything else you’d like to share?

Lastly, I would like to share that I truly believe in my heart that Kinnic Falls, the counselors, the RAs, and everybody that works there have their best interests in helping other human beings get sober, get their mental health addressed, and get resources to be successful in the work community. Even the kitchen staff keeps the bellies full! It is a remarkable, life-changing facility, everything is laid out in front of you to test yourself and to be successful. I am so grateful that I took advantage of the opportunity that I was given.

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