Stories

Sharing stories about addiction can be painful and difficult. But it can also be healing and empowering. Sometimes it’s all of the above. Every time someone meets with us, shares their story and consents to publishing it on our website, it is an honor. Thank you for being here and reading more about our vibrant, resilient community.

Stock photo of woman with grey and brown hair and hoop earrings

Pam’s journey in her own words

Gradually and painfully, we have watched our precious daughter struggle with alcohol addiction.
Stock photo of woman with grey and brown hair and hoop earrings

Loving, not fixing: Pam’s shift as a loved one facing addiction

“When you first encounter addiction, you think, ‘Hit rock bottom, get the help you need and then you’re fixed. Then you’re all better.' Little do you know.”
Closeup photo of two women smiling

Anne’s sobriety, vulnerability and growth: ’It’s never over’

In sobriety, Anne has gotten to know who she truly is. She’s empathetic. She loves to cook and play games. She can have fun without going to a bar.
Photo of quilt made of many fabrics

Warm embraces, wacky fabrics: An unexpected connection

Lately, I’ve been thinking about my data work as a kind of quilt making.
Photo of woman laughing while stirring something on the stove

Video: Willow's story of healing

After loss and addiction, Willow is rebuilding her life with gratitude. See how she discovered hope when everything seemed hopeless.
Photo of Jack and his wife

Ups, downs and moving forward: Jack’s story

Jack has found that recovery in a small community like Teller County comes with its own challenges.
Photo of two women sitting and talking in an office

Sharing addiction wellness behind the walls of South Dakota prisons

Lorie is a survivor of sexual trauma, meth addiction and post-incarceration. She gets to be the mentor she needed.
Photo of Shannon, woman in office

'I am here as living proof that broken crayons still color'

Meth and morphine were my ear plugs against the noise of a life built on toxic good-byes.
Photo of brunette man wearing blue suit

The intersection of addiction and work: Adam’s story

“It was a shiny exterior to the world: the career, a relationship, doing well financially. Internally, I was miserable.”
Photo of Megan Colwell and Wendy White at golf tournament

Wendy’s farewell and a warm welcome to our new CEO

After five years of leading our amazing organization, I’ve decided to leave Face It TOGETHER.
Photo of Aubrey, addiction peer coach in Sioux Falls, SD

The quiet power of empathy in recovery

As I come closer to my fourth anniversary as a peer coach, I’ve been thinking about the hope I’m seeing in members lately.
Photo of mom and two teenage daughters looking at the sunrise

In the midst of family addiction, Annie found friendship, a valuable cause

Although it’s been years, Annie is grateful for the friendship that developed between her and her peer coach.