I walked into the ER during the absolute lowest point of my life. Consumed with withdrawals, anxiety, the beginning of a divorce, and full-blown panic attack. I asked to speak to someone about being admitted to the Detox Program. The first employee I talked to was the House Supervisor, and she immediately met me in the ER. We went to a separate room outside of the waiting room and I explained everything to her about what was going on. See, I had been a closet alcoholic for 6-7 years. No one knew this because I hid it well. It did not take long until my anxiety was calm, she made me feel safe, and I knew there was absolutely no judgment whatsoever.

The second person I met was the manager of the floor, and I explained to her what was going on with me at the time. Again, without an ounce of judgment, she grabbed my hand and said, "Let's pray". As the tears flowed down my face, I begged GOD to help me. I knew without a doubt I was in good hands, and no one here was judging me in the slightest.

The third person I met was the Intake Coordinator, and as she talked, she was reassuring me, and I knew that she was there to help me and was without any judgment. I then went to the floor where I had worked with several of the staff members, and I'm sure it was quite a shock for some of them to see me in this state. I keep bringing up the word "judgment" because that's what every addict expects to experience when they admit they have a problem. I cannot emphasize enough; NOT ONCE did I ever feel an OUNCE of Judgement through my entire time as a patient. Some parts of my stay are blurry, but one thing that I did not forget and will never forget it the amazing care I received. Sometimes, as caregivers, we question whether we are even making a dent. But I promise you, YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I have been clean for a year now, and I owe it all to these employees and this program.