"Gratitude, Acceptance and Humility"
Steve was an accomplished x-ray technician working in Boston. He had a 12-year-old daughter and was living in an apartment in Hampton. Steve seemed to have it all, but in 2011, his drinking was out of control and he started a very rapid downward spiral.
When his work performance slipped, Steve lost his job. His drinking and drug use escalated. He racked up a succession of DUI's, culminating in a very serious accident that totaled his car and landed him in jail.
Over the next year, Steve checked into inpatient rehab three times, each time signing out before he had completed the program. During his third stay in rehab, Steve lost his apartment. He was alone, in a different state, and had only the belongings on his back. "It can happen to any one at any time. You're only two steps away [from being homeless]. You lose your job and you lose your assets."
In early summer 2012, Steve returned to New Hampshire. He was sleeping on a sidewalk, drinking and suicidal. A local pastor brought him to Portsmouth Hospital. "I was near death," He says. "I just decided I couldn't do it any more."
Steve went back to rehab. This time he completed the program. He began regularly attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and looking for work.
In March Steve arrived at Cross Roads House. Within one week he was interviewing for jobs, and after a chance run-in with an old friend, he got a job at the Hilton. "Don't give up, that's the key," he says.
This summer Steve suffered a setback when he was hit by a car while riding his bike to work. The accident resulted in a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery to repair. While his injury has limited his ability to work, he is fortunate that his employer is holding his job for him. He continues to attend daily AA meetings, regularly meditates and attends local yoga classes. Once his injury heals and he resumes work, he will once again start saving money so that he can move out of the shelter.
Last month, Steve received his one-year sobriety chip from Alcoholics Anonymous. "I feel great being sober. I can listen to my body. I was very active and now I am getting my stamina back. I feel sharper mentally too."
About the help he's received at Cross Roads, Steve explains, "It's essential. I wouldn't be able to do this if I was living on someone's couch. I wouldn't have the resources, the motivation."
When he lost his job in 2011, Steve briefly volunteered at Cross Roads House, serving meals to residents. "As I was serving, little did I know that was the beginning of my road to the gutter." He continues, "It's scary being on the other side of the table. You want to yell: 'Time out! I want a do-over. I want to do over my life.' But that's not going to happen."
Steve has also been able to make amends with some family and friends, including his mother and sister. "I live my life now by three key words: gratitude, acceptance and humility." He concludes, "You have to want to change, and I really wanted to."
