Corey’s Story: Choosing recovery, finding family, and pursuing dreams

Each time Corey went into treatment he wanted to escape “the horrible life” and reach recovery. He said it took being in treatment the fifth time before deciding no more. Now, seven years later, he is an active single parent and working on dreams of having his own trucking company.

When asked what was different about his last time going through treatment, Corey shared he didn’t want to go through treatment anymore and keep repeating that revolving door.

“Life was horrible. Living that way was horrible.”

Corey struggled with substance use. His parents separated and his mom was working, job upon job, trying to keep the house and provide for his family. Corey shared that while his mother was away he stopped going to school. “I was hanging with the older crowd, doing what they were doing.” At age 11, he started using drugs.

He shared that each time he went into treatment he was escaping life. “Somehow, some way, you go back. You forget the pain [of it]. And it gets worse.”

“They want you to work on your recovery. You have a place to sleep [at Avivo]. They give you time to think of what you want to do.”

Thinking back on his time at Avivo, he remembers how important the staff were. “They want you to work on your recovery. You have a place to sleep [at Avivo]. They give you time to think of what you want to do.”

“This place is a heartful place. Staff have been doing this long enough to know whenever you are living short cuts, there is no positive in that,” shared Corey. “I respect the staff. Some have firsthand knowledge, and they understand you.”

“This place is a heartful place. Staff have been doing this long enough to know whenever you are living short cuts, there is no positive in that,” shared Corey. “I respect the staff. Some have firsthand knowledge, and they understand you.”

Two years into his sobriety, Corey was able to assume full custody of his youngest two children, now ages 11 and 6. “I thank God I had myself together. I was glad I was in the position I was, so I could get them.”

“I love eating dinner with my kids every night,” shares Corey. “I quit working weekends so we could spend more time.” They enjoy all sorts of activities together – using a season pass to Valley Fair, going to the lakes, and checking-in to a hotel simply to have fun in the pool.

“I want my kids to be healthy. I hope they don’t go down my path.”

Even with his intent on growing his career as a truck driver, Corey preserves his focus on his children. He hopes to purchase his own truck and start his own trucking business – a family business, with dreams of one of his kids being a part of it.

Learn more about Avivo’s treatment programs which make the world of difference in people lives like Corey.