Our Stories
Share the power of long-term recovery. If you are in recovery, a family member, friend or ally of someone in recovery, we want to hear your recovery story!
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Voice of the Recovery Community Award
Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) is the recipient of The Joel Hernandez Voice of the Recovery Community Award!
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Our Stories
Johnny Allem
I started drinking when I was 22 years old. I grew up a preacher's kid in East Tennessee, and already had two kids of my own before I had my first drink. I immediately drank to get drunk and continued drinking for 22 years. Along the way I was picked up a couple of times for driving while intoxicated, and had other problems, but just kept on drinking.
While on the outside it looked like I was doing well personally and professionally, on the inside I just didn't feel up to par, never felt like myself, and that kept me drinking to stop the pain that I felt.
Then my wife and I were trying to help a friend with a drinking problem. Until then I didn't know anything about treatment or 12-step groups or how to get help. After helping our friend I started going to meetings and have been in recovery for the last 20 years. I never expected to live to be 50 years old or to be reunited with my family. I am no longer isolated, my life was saved and I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I have to give back.
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