Grant L. is a current resident in Phase III of the Turnbridge program. His substance abuse has led to numerous prior treatment episodes, but since completing primary treatment at Rosecrance and coming to Turnbridge, Grant has experienced continued success and has worked hard to make positive changes in his life. Grant’s long battle with addiction began in high school, and continued into his early days of college. “Going into high school, I was never really comfortable with myself as a person,” Grant said. He gravitated towards a small group of people, who drank alcohol and smoked marijuana, and his childhood passions were quickly drowned out. Grant was involved with several school athletic programs, including competition jiu-jitsu and wrestling, but as his focus shifted he found that his priorities changed. “My school, my sports, and all of the things I really loved to do were kicked to the curb,” Grant said. “I somehow managed to get into college, and fought MMA. In college things got to the point where I lost control. I gravitated towards other drugs, and was pretty much asked to leave.” Grant left college, and soon after fell out of his MMA career following a conflict with his coach. He moved back home, where his substance abuse issues increased dramatically. Grant was kicked out of his home and lived in his car for a year, resorting to theft in order to support his drug habit. After getting into a bout of legal trouble, Grant made the decision to actively seek treatment. Grant admitted into Rosecrance for primary treatment and transitioned directly to Turnbridge for extended care. “I came in desperate, with nothing, and backed into a corner,” Grant said. “Now, I want to be sober for me, and I want to stay sober because I don’t want to lose the things I’ve got. Everything has changed. My whole perspective on life in general: the people in it, situations, and how they actually affect me. Everything is clearer. I get to see it for what it is, as opposed to the delusion that I had made it out to be, and that’s the greatest gift of all.” Grant works hard in recovery, and he continues to mend the relationship he has with his family. “Things have honestly never been better,” Grant said. “I am actually able to communicate honestly. I understand what gratitude and love actually mean, and it’s not empty when I say it, I mean it. The whole dynamic has gotten better for everyone. They’re one hundred percent supportive, and always have been. When I wanted help, they would always be there. Even with all of the crap that I put them through, they were still willing to help me. It’s incredible.” “I’ve really found my success at Turnbridge. I really think it’s given me the opportunity to find out who I am as an individual, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. The most important part [of Turnbridge] is the fellowship amongst everybody. I can make real connections with people. I feel my emotions, and I’m present in life. You don’t know what you don’t know. I had no clue what being sober meant or what it would do for me. I’m so grateful that I pushed through all that initial confusion, and I got so much more than I bargained for.”