A client story where treatment, support at core of sobriety
At 53 years old, Tom was unemployed, homeless and broke.
With nowhere to turn, Tom found himself on the doorstep of Lazarus House, a homeless shelter in St. Charles. Upon admission, Tom was given a routine evaluation and urged to complete an alcohol and drug assessment through Renz Center.
Tom consented to the assessment at Renz Center even though he did not associate his alcohol and drug use to his lack of employment or stable living environment.
While the assessment indicated an alcohol and drug dependence, Tom felt he didn't have a problem … he could quit at any time. He reluctantly consented to treatment and began individual and group sessions at Renz Center. And while he maintained good attendance and stayed sober, he remained passive and hesitated to offer personal information or insights. It was only over time that Tom started to connect with other people and began to open up.
As Tom's confidence grew, he began to share his long family history of instability and how alcohol and drugs played a role. At a young age Tom and his family were all homeless living in the family car, and moved around often looking for work, a home, and stability.
Tom continued this cycle in his adult life. Shifting from job to job and place to place, his only constant companions were alcohol and drugs. Tom found forming relationships was hard, nearly impossible, and it just became easier to stop.
As treatment progressed, Tom started to find stability outside of Renz Center. He found a job he enjoyed, and co-workers he liked working with. As Tom started to earn a paycheck, he was also able to move into transitional living at Lazarus House.
Now a year sober, Tom continues to attend AA meetings and support groups while maintaining friendships he started at Renz Center. He regularly attends Renz Center's Smart Recovery support group and continues to attend Jim's Friends, a group that offers Renz alumni the opportunity to continue support and fellowship following treatment.
September marks National Recovery Month, a time when people throughout the country pay tribute to individuals who have reclaimed their lives and are now living drug-free.
This year's theme, "Join the Vices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery!" highlights the value of peer support by educating, mentoring and helping others. It invites individuals in recovery and their support systems to be active change agents in communities, and in civic and advocacy engagements.
In honor of National Recovery Month, Renz Addiction Counseling Center is offering free substance abuse assessments during September to community residents who think they may have an alcohol or drug problem.
The assessment involves completing a questionnaire and meeting with a counselor.
"Research shows that family support combined with treatment plays a major role in overcoming a substance use disorder," said Renz Addiction Counseling Center's Executive Director Jerry Skogmo. "Through this support network, individuals who stay in treatment stop substance use, avoid relapse, and lead active lives engaged with their families, workplaces and communities."
Free assessments are only available during the month of September at Renz Center's Two American Way in Elgin facility. Appointments are necessary. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 742-3545.
Renz Center provides a continuum of care dedicated to the prevention, intervention and treatment of addictive behaviors related to alcohol, drugs, and gambling.
Services range from prevention programs for youth in the schools to outpatient treatment programs for adolescents and adults. Priority is given to pregnant women and women with dependent children. Offices are located in Elgin, St. Charles, and Streamwood.
The nonprofit organization is funded in part by the federal government, Fox Valley United Way, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Hanover Township, Geneva, and St. Charles 708 boards and other local community organizations. To find out more, call (847) 742-3545 or visit www.renzcenter.org.