The story of Laurie: Working in Recovery

Closing out our April "Working in Recovery" series is the powerful story of Laurie—a woman who transformed nearly three decades of substance use into a life of purpose, service, and lasting recovery.Laurie used drugs for 29 consecutive years, a journey that took her from a brief marriage in her twenties to San Francisco, where codependency led her deeper into addiction, even using substances she once swore she never would. Although she first encountered Narcotics Anonymous in 1997, she wasn’t ready to stay, comparing herself to others and eventually continuing her use after moving to Manhattan. It wasn’t until 2004, when she reached her breaking point after being introduced to crack cocaine, that she fully surrendered and sought change.Her path to recovery truly began at a treatment facility on Eastern Long Island, where she embraced the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous. Today, more than 20 years later, Laurie remains clean, grounded in her recovery with a home group, a sponsor, and a deep commitment to practicing the steps in her daily life.Laurie got clean at 41 years old. For many years in recovery, she worked various odd jobs without fully committing to a career path. A former bartender, her turning point came 15 years into her recovery when her therapist encouraged her to consider working in the recovery field. Inspired by a peer advocate she met through Co-Dependents Anonymous meetings, Laurie applied for a scholarship to become a recovery advocate and coach. Not only did she receive the scholarship, but her test-taking fees were also covered—paving the way for her to become a certified peer recovery advocate.At a career fair, Laurie showed up without a resume and without even knowing how to type. Despite this, she made a connection with someone who would become her boss—and was hired on the spot. Today, Laurie is a certified addiction recovery coach with eight professional credentials to her name, all without a college degree.Laurie loves the work she does, but she remains grounded in the principle that her job is not her recovery. She continues to attend meetings regularly and prioritizes her program above all else. Now a proud and active member of the recovery community, Laurie is grateful to be a functioning member of society, giving back and helping others find their own path to healing.Her story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the idea that it’s never too late to build a meaningful, impactful life in recovery.