Addiction Stops Here
Success Stories
Rileigh
From Campus Crisis to Career Success:
Rileigh's Journey to Recovery at Swift River
From Campus Crisis to Career Success
One year ago, Rileigh was smoking crack behind a family dentist’s office before her work shift. Today, she’s a social work professional preparing to move to Philadelphia, her recovery journey demonstrating how young adults can transform their lives through treatment and dedication to sobriety.
Early Success and the Descent into Addiction
Despite her early success as a “poster child” student, Rileigh’s relationship with substances took a dark turn during her college years at the University of Vermont. The COVID-19 pandemic and her transition to university life created a perfect storm that accelerated her descent into addiction.
College Life and Escalating Substance Use
“Pretty much this quickly just became a lot of binge drinking,” she recalls of her early college days. “At first that seemed really normal and fun. All of my classmates drink a lot on the weekends, but quickly I was blacking out four to five times a week. Every time I drink, I could not stop.”
The Double Life of Addiction
As concerned friends began to distance themselves, Rileigh sought out new social circles that enabled her substance use. This led to cocaine use and eventually crack cocaine, pushing her into increasingly dangerous situations. “I was working in management at a high-end clothing store,” she shares, “and at night I was sleeping on a bench in the park and then walking home to get 2 hours of sleep.”
Finding Hope at Rock Bottom
The turning point came during a moment of clarity while walking home from using drugs. “I realized that I did not see a way to keep living and I didn’t want to be alive,” Rileigh remembers. “I was 21 at the time, and I just knew, like, this can’t be it. Like, if I keep doing this, I will die one way or another.”
Transformation Through Treatment
At Swift River, Rileigh found more than just sobriety – she discovered herself again. “I began to feel better and I began to laugh,” she says of her treatment experience. “I got to try art and I got to climb on a rock wall.” She even completed the facility’s 1000-foot challenge, climbing the wall 25 consecutive times, which became a powerful symbol of her recovery journey.
Building a Foundation for Success
Post-treatment, Rileigh made the brave decision to leave her triggering college environment and complete her degree from home. What initially felt like defeat proved to be a wise choice for her recovery. She graduated in May and found work that aligned with her passions, serving as an assistant director at a youth theater.
A Life Beyond Expectations
Now approaching one year of sobriety, Rileigh is preparing for a new chapter in Philadelphia with a job in social work and her own apartment. Her journey from addiction to professional success demonstrates the possibilities that open up in recovery.
Healing Through Actions
“One of the biggest struggles that I still have is shame that I have for a lot of those actions,” she admits. “But I’ve noticed more importantly than forgiveness of other people in your life… the longer that you’re able to show up for your loved ones as a sober person, like they know you love them and they see that you care and that you’re fighting.”
Rileigh’s transformation from a struggling college student to a young professional helping others shows that addiction doesn’t have to derail one’s future. Her story particularly resonates with young adults who may be struggling with substance use while trying to maintain the appearance of success.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction during college or early adulthood, know that recovery is possible. Swift River’s program understands the unique challenges faced by young adults in today’s world. Our therapeutic approach helps you build the foundation for a successful, sober future while addressing the underlying causes of addiction. Don’t let another semester or job opportunity pass by in the grip of substance use. Call us at 888-451-5895 to learn how we can help you reclaim your future.
