Joel – Alumni of The Month

My name is Joel and I am a grateful Door Boy.

I started drinking when I was 13 and looking back on it now, it was a problem for me right from the beginning but I didn’t see it at the time. My addiction progressively got worse over the next 12 years, I started using different substances more and more frequently until it became my only priority in life, and it stopped being fun a long time ago. Eventually, I decided I needed to make a big change.

I checked in at the Last Door at 25 years old just days before my birthday. I thought it was going to be the worst birthday of my life, but it turned out to be the best. I’d never had so many people sing me Happy Birthday in my life. When I came to the Door I thought my “fun” was over, but it turned out to be some of the most fun I’ve ever had. From paintballing to hiking to skydiving I had so many experiences with great people that I will never forget. I even started to rekindle family relationships that I never thought I could.

I haven’t only lost the desire to use but it’s truly changed my life and it keeps getting better. Today I can proudly say I’m a good son, brother, and uncle. The Door isn’t just a treatment centre to me, it feels like a second home. I still have my key and I can go hang out there any time and continue making new connections.

All of my friends today are people that I met at the Last Door. I ended up moving out with some friends that I met there and we all live a fun, active lifestyle. I’m finally doing all the things I used to only talk about doing. Thank you to all the staff and friends for helping me get a better life than I ever thought I’d have.

Here’s a photo of me with my best friend, we both went to treatment together, and both made it past one year.

Thanks Last Door

Joel