“I participate as an alumnus at the New Directions Women’s House, where I share my experience, strength and hope....”
Theresa Provolt
Theresa Provolt
Theresa Provolt
I started using alcohol when I was a teenager, primarily to party. I wanted to fit in. By the time I entered the Marines, my drinking had already become a problem. In my first year of duty I went AWOL for 28 days while on a drinking binge. I was forced to go to Substance Abuse Counseling. I managed to curb my alcohol use after that first year, and stay out of trouble for the remainder of my time in the service. After being discharged I went to work for a real estate investment company; then I decided I didn’t want that kind of pressure, so I became a cocktail waitress. After that, I began training horses, and eventually owned my own stables and riding academy. I had a pretty successful business, but I didn’t have faith in myself. I didn’t believe I could do all the things that it takes to run a lucrative business. I resorted to drug and alcohol use in order to feel better -- the speed gave me energy and the alcohol gave me courage, or so I thought. After many years of drug and alcohol use (with short periods of abstinence) things eventually spiraled out of control. I lost everything: my business, my children, my home. I gave up on life and became a full time drug user and alcoholic. I was arrested a number of times and lived in other people’s homes and garages, or in homeless shelters. In 2005 I was arrested once again, and spent more than five months in jail. After I was released I went to a shelter in Santa Barbara. They referred me to the VA center in West L.A., and people at the VA referred me to New Directions. New Directions has helped me to find myself. I was given an education about the disease of addiction, and I was introduced to the 12 Steps. I learned about surrender, willingness, and how to take direction. I now have a full time job, working in customer service and consumer affairs at Simple Green’s World Headquarters in Orange County. I am grateful for the opportunity to have a life that I never dreamed was possible for me. I participate as an alumnus at the New Directions Women’s House, where I share my experience, strength and hope with other alcoholics and addicts. I have a very full and happy life now. |
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