Hi everyone, my name is Brittany and I have been a client at Pathways for 4 months now. I am a recovering alcoholic and have made great strides in maintaining a sobriety since February 10, 2013. Before I got sober my life consisted of drinking vodka alone in my room, hoping I wouldn’t wake up from a blackout and then wondering how I got to this place of such darkness and despair. I was so lonely, so lost and absolutely hope less. I frequented hospitals, detox facilities and rehabilitation centers all the time and just could not manage to get out of this cycle. My body had become so addicted and dependent on alcohol that when I would try to stop on my own, I would go into full blown delirium tremens and have alcoholic seizures. Even though I wanted to stop, I knew there would be a price to pay so I kept drinking. I drank from sun up till sun down and even kept a bottle under my bed at all times just in case I woke up in the middle of the night and started shaking uncontrollably. Through a series of events, I found my way out. I didn’t think it was possible for someone like me to be able to receive the gift of sobriety. But here I am, 7 years later and I am the happiest I have ever been.
I was referred to Pathways by a friend of mine who is also in the program. When I received the call that I was accepted I knew that my life was about to change and that I had just been granted the biggest gift (besides sobriety) that I will ever be given. Before starting Pathways, I was working full time and going to school at night. Before I had ever even heard of Pathways, I always said that my biggest dream would be that one day I would be able to be a full time student so that getting an education could be my priority. Here I am, many years after praying for an opportunity like this and I have it. I am beyond thankful for this gift and the support that Pathways provides on a daily basis. I am now a full time student, majoring in Sociology at Cerritos College. This is my last year and then I will transfer to a Cal State to get my degree in Social Work. As I’m writing this, I am tearing up because I still have trouble believing that this is my life today. I will “pay it forward” for the rest of my life and hope to be in a position to help change the lives of people who just need someone to believe in them. Today, I feel like my life has purpose and I want to thank all the volunteers, donors, employees and businesses that support this incredible organization. You have truly changed my life and the lives of anyone who has been lucky enough to receive this gift.
