A daughter’s gaze that turned her father’s heart toward recovery

Lawrence has seen significant positive changes in his life since entering Avivo’s treatment program. He’s seen his mental and physical health improve, and he’s rebuilding relationships with his kids and family. He’s also found employment and manages a team of more than 30 employees for a private security company.

“I got in with the wrong crowd when I was younger and I wanted to fit in,” shares Lawrence. “I got into drinking, which led to heavier things.”

“I got in with the wrong crowd when I was younger and I wanted to fit in,” shares Lawrence. “I got into drinking, which led to heavier things.”

Lawrence quickly went from user to seller and then just as quickly from being “on top of the world” to losing everything, eventually living in an RV. When that was impounded, he slept on the ground, outside of his friend’s tent. Lawrence called his mom to ask for a tent and was hoping she’d offer to help additionally – but she dropped off a tent.

“That was a reality check that I am a man now and that the babying days are over,” shares Lawrence.

Then, one day he climbed out of his tent and saw his daughter in a car.

“She looked over, and we locked eyes. That was just crushing for me. I could just picture the worst image of the future possible,” shares Lawrence. “I didn’t want that to become reality, so I fought. I fought for my life.”

At that point, his mom helped him get linked to the Hennepin County Chemical Health Center to start his journey toward recovery.

“After five days someone asked me, ‘What’s next, what’s your plan?’”

Lawrence didn’t have a plan yet, but that person suggested he try out Avivo’s treatment programs, next door. She told him Avivo offers housing, food and treatment. After some initial struggles upon arrival, he met staff he trusted and started seeing initial, positive physical changes.

Lawrence believes that having housing was vital for his recovery. “If I hadn’t gotten that apartment from Avivo, I probably wouldn’t have stayed clean, or even gotten clean. I probably wouldn’t have even come to treatment.”

He met with a psychiatrist at Avivo’s Mental Health Clinic and was prescribed medications for his mental health, which became a turning point in his recovery. With housing and the right medication, he started gaining weight back, his skin started to clear up, and his hair started growing back.

“I fell in love with sobriety and accomplishments,” shares Lawrence. “I loved hitting 30 days, 60 days, 90 days. Everyone at Avivo knew when I hit another milestone. I made it known.”

“I fell in love with sobriety and accomplishments,” shares Lawrence. “I loved hitting 30 days, 60 days, 90 days. Everyone at Avivo knew when I hit another milestone. I made it known.”

As his life stabilized, Lawrence started looking for work. He found that his love of accomplishments also applies to jobs. He was hired as a security guard and has quickly climbed the ranks. Now he is managing a team of 36 and earning more than he ever thought he would.

Lawrence is also thinking about the future for not only himself, but his children.

“My next goal is to open my own business,” he adds, “so I can leave something for my kids, so they can work for themselves and not work for other people.”