Overcoming the Odds: Michael’s Journey Through Dual Recovery Services at LESC

Michael’s journey from homelessness and addiction to a life of sobriety and stability is a testament to what a person can achieve with the right tools and the power of support. His story offers a message of hope and inspiration for anyone struggling with substance use and mental health issues.

Michael, a lifelong New Yorker, had been in and out of recovery for most of his life. His struggles were compounded by mental health issues, including bipolar disorder. The pressures of life, coupled with his addiction, led him to a point of crisis where he found himself homeless with his young son. He remembered, “I still had my son at the time, and I came home one day, and he’s like, dad, you just got to quit. And I’m like, okay, when your kid tells you to quit, you know you have a problem.”

His son’s plea for him to quit drinking served as a powerful motivator, prompting him to seek help. After some research, Michael entered LESC’s Dual Recovery program which provided the comprehensive care he needed to address both his mental health and substance abuse issues holistically.

The Impact of LESC on Michael’s Road to Recovery

LESC provided Michael with a safe and supportive environment where he could focus on his recovery. The program offered a range of services, including individual therapy, support groups, and medication management. Michael found the individualized approach to be particularly helpful, as it allowed him to address his specific needs and challenges.

One of the most significant benefits of LESC was the supportive relationships Michael formed with the staff and other clients. He explained, “I met Dre and G and Ben, and since then, they’ve been my rock. I can’t tell you how many times I was on the edge of relapse, not knowing what I was going to do. And I was able to call Dre, and then Doctor O, and she’s – I can’t explain her – but she’s magic.” He went on to say, “LESC is fantastic, and Carol is fantastic. Everybody! The whole staff is fantastic, and they really do care.” This sense of belonging and support was instrumental in helping Michael stay on track and overcome obstacles throughout his recovery journey.

In addition to the general services provided by LESC, Michael also participated in the Dual Recovery Services (DRS) program, which is specifically designed to address the unique needs of individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. DRS provided Michael with individualized therapy and support, helping him to develop coping mechanisms and address underlying issues that contributed to his addiction. “The kinds of things that LESC does by meeting together are unique. And I know other places do it, but at LESC they do it religiously. I appreciate walking into a meeting and having that person already briefed on what’s going on with me and be ready to share their perspective. They’re nuanced in their approach. They’re very good at what they do, and it shows,” Michael shared about LESC.

Overcoming Challenges is Part of the Journey

One of the challenges Michael faced was navigating the complex healthcare system. As he explained, “It’s a little runaround. Hard to get in contact, get in touch.” However, with the help of LESC, Michael was able to secure the necessary services and support he needed.

Michael also struggled with suicidal ideation, a common symptom of bipolar disorder. He recalled a particularly difficult time when he was feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. “I was on a lower dose of medication, and I was just kind of leveled out on that. I was waking up with ideation every day.” Fortunately, Michael had a strong support system at LESC that was ready to help. “They basically felt that it was in my best interest to go inpatient at that point because they were hearing about the ideation thing a lot from me.”

Michael’s ability to overcome these challenges was largely due to the support he received from LESC and his loved ones. “The thing that was different about LESC was that, I’m not going to lie, it feels like they care on a personal level,” Michael said. “I’ve been in enough dysfunctional relationships to know where real love is coming from.”

One of the most significant changes in Michael’s life throughout his journey at LESC was his improved mental health. He found that by addressing both his mental health and substance abuse issues, he was able to achieve a greater sense of stability and well-being.

As Michael shared, “It’s nice to actually have someone that I like to talk to. It’s nice to have people to talk to that care.” The support he received from LESC played a crucial role in his mental health recovery.

A Message of Hope From Someone Who Has Been There

Michael’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even for those who have faced significant challenges. He wants people to understand, “I’ve been in and out of recovery. I’ve always been recovering. I’ve been in and out of programs, and recovery isn’t a straight line.” Through his experience with LESC, he has learned the importance of seeking help, building a strong support network, and addressing both mental health and substance abuse issues simultaneously.

For individuals struggling with addiction and mental health, Michael offers a message of hope and encouragement. He shares, “I would tell people that from my experience in dual diagnosis, you need to be treated for both. It’s not really being treated for two separate things. It’s just being treated as a whole.” He emphasizes the importance of finding a program, like the one at LESC, that provides the right level of care and support, which isn’t always the same for everyone, and of believing in oneself.