Mark’s Recovery Story

My name is Mark, and I grew up right here in Alamosa, Colorado. For most of my life, I lived in this town—but I spent years barely living at all.

I’m an alcoholic. My drinking started like it does for a lot of people—casual, social, no big deal. A six-pack on the weekends. A few drinks with coworkers. I thought I had it under control.

But over time, one bottle turned into two. A couple drinks on the weekend turned into drinking every day. I started waking up and reaching for the bottle before my feet even hit the floor—just to stop the shakes. By 10 a.m., I’d already be buzzing. By the evening, I was either blacked out or passed out.

Eventually, a handle of vodka barely lasted me two days. I drank before work. At work. After work. I blew hot on breathalyzers from the night before. Jobs came and went. Some fired me. Some gave me another shot—maybe the 900th second chance I didn’t deserve. But I kept messing up. I lost friendships, relationships, and trust. I lost myself.

“In ten years, I drank away more than $80,000. And that’s just the cheap stuff.”

At one point, I was bedridden for three days with violent tremors and bleeding gums. I couldn’t even keep water down. I still tried to convince myself it wasn’t the alcohol. My family was in denial, too—until my sister finally drew the line:

“Either get help… or you’re out of the house.”

Thank God she said that.

Coming to Hope in the Valley

I arrived at Hope in the Valley on March 6th and started in the detox program because, of course, I’d had “one last drink.” I felt like a failure. A disappointment. My first thought was: Congratulations, Mark. Everything you’ve done in life led you here.

But what I didn’t expect was the kindness.

No judgment. No shame. The nurses and BHTs treated me like a human being. Even when I recognized an old classmate working there, she didn’t look down on me. She just said she was glad I was getting help.

That first night, I was already in withdrawal. Before I could even ask, a nurse handed me medication—because she had read my file and knew I needed it. I wasn’t just a number. I was seen. And I was safe.

30 Days to Work on Me

After detox, I entered the 30-day residential program. My roommate had been in detox with me, which helped. From day one, the message was clear:

“Be selfish with your time here. This is your chance to work on you.”

So I did. I went to every group I could. Took notes. Opened up in therapy. I listened to speakers who shared their stories—just like I’m sharing mine now. And I realized I wasn’t alone. Other people had been just as deep in addiction as I had.

For the first time in years, I laughed again. Smiled again. Felt human again.

We went on outings to Zapata Falls. Had cooking classes. Took walks outside. The staff treated every one of us with respect and care. If we needed help—housing, resumes, doctor visits—they figured it out.

“From job applications to blood pressure checks, they handled it all—with care.”

Every personality was met with the right support: tough love, deep empathy, or just someone to laugh with. They built a team that fit all of us.

Life After Residential

When I completed residential, they helped me transition to sober living at SLV Recovery House. I joined the PHP classes—four days a week, 9 to 2—then stepped down to IOP. We talked about how to handle cravings, setbacks, and what life looks like after rehab.

The support didn’t stop. Even after graduation, staff still checked in. Still rooted for me. Still celebrated every milestone.

A Different Kind of Birthday

I’m 32 now. Last year, I spent my birthday hungover and sick. Barely able to move. Drinking myself to death.

This year, I was sober. I spent the day with my mom, had dinner with a friend from Hope. It wasn’t extravagant—but it was full of peace. It was life.

“I feel better at 32 than I did at 22 — and it’s all because of Hope.”

I’m seeing doctors, taking my meds, and setting real goals, not wondering where I’ll get ten bucks for a bottle, and wondering what’s next in this new chapter of my life.

To Anyone Who’s Struggling

If you know someone struggling with addiction, tell them about Hope in the Valley. Even if they can’t commit to 30 days, there are other options—PHP, IOP, and more.

But most of all, give yourself a chance. That’s what I did. And it changed everything.

Thank you, Hope in the Valley.