Alumni Spotlight – Lia S

by | Dec 15, 2021

Hi, I’m Lia.

Addiction has been present for the majority of my adult life. It has led me into what feels like the depths of hell, ever in pursuit of my next fix. I’ve burnt my life down over and over again. From relationships and jobs, to compromising myself to the point of not even knowing who I was anymore. I didn’t recognize the girl in the mirror looking back at me – how did I let myself get to this point? I tried to stop on my own, but my efforts were never successful.

After coming back to BC from Alberta, I went head first into heavy, active addiction. For 8 months I stayed that way, dying a slow death physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Then one night, something inside of me clicked on and said “I can’t keep doing this, I don’t want to live like this anymore.” That’s when I remembered the commercial I had seen on TV for Westminster House. Something prompted me to consider the only thing I hadn’t tried yet… a 12-step residential treatment program. Of course I had my reservations and was skeptical, but at this point, I really had nothing left to lose…except my life.

I arrived at Westminster House on April 1, 2021 in pretty bad shape. I was sick, scared, and a little angry…but willing to give it my best shot. Maybe, just maybe this could work for me. The first few days were pretty rough… but slowly I started to come back to life. I was able to come out of my room, have some coffee and food, and meet some of the other women that were seeking a way out of the hell of addiction. Through talking to them, I could tell that they were starting to heal, and most were laughing and smiling. They had something I wanted.

Gradually the routine, the 12 steps, the staff, and the other women made their impression on me…and the magic of recovery took hold. Westminster House has taught me the skills to live, and to deal with all the feelings that I’ve been trying to numb for so long. I truly believe that Westminster House saved my life. This was the last thing I tried, and the only thing that’s worked.

Today, I am almost 8 months clean/sober, and can actually say that I’ve found myself again. I laugh and cry, and truly feel alive again.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Westminster House for helping me get myself back.

-Lia S.