When life delivers its most devastating blows – cancer, grief, trauma – many people turn to substances to cope with overwhelming pain. For Renee, these challenges came in waves that might have drowned even the strongest person. Yet today, she stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of recovery even through life’s hardest moments.

A Journey Beginning with Diagnosis

Renee’s relationship with substances began at age 25 when she received a life-altering leukemia diagnosis. Frightened and uncertain about her future, she turned to alcohol to cope with the emotional burden of her illness. The drinking intensified during and after chemotherapy, which ultimately contributed to her cancer returning.

“I didn’t think that it would hurt that I could drink after doing chemotherapy, but you can’t do that and I found that the hard way,” Renee reflects on her early misunderstanding of how alcohol could impact her health.

Over the next several years, Renee experienced multiple cycles of remission and recurrence with her cancer. When she was 30, a serious accident where her face was severely injured when her head went through a windshield during a collision became another turning point. This trauma expanded her substance use from alcohol to include methamphetamine.

Loss and Relapse

After achieving 500 days of sobriety, tragedy struck again in 2018 when Renee lost both her husband and mother within nine days of each other. Her husband passed away from a heart attack on June 20, followed by her mother’s death from a brain aneurysm and massive stroke on June 29.

The overwhelming grief drove Renee back to substances with increased intensity. She began drinking a handle or more of Crown Royal daily and using methamphetamine intravenously, administering 15-20 shots daily. While the substances temporarily numbed her pain, she recognized this wasn’t a sustainable solution.

“It made me numb. It got me through what I needed to get through, but I knew it was the wrong thing to do,” she shares.

Finding Help at Texas Recovery Centers

Following a sexual assault in 2022 that left her further traumatized, Renee recognized she couldn’t stop using on her own. On October 24, 2023, she took the courageous step of seeking professional help, first at San Marcos rehab and then at Texas Recovery Centers.

At TRC, Renee found the structured support she needed. After completing residential treatment and participating in their Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), she transitioned to a sober living arrangement. Though she faced challenges in her first sober living situation, she eventually found stable housing in a transitional facility where she has thrived, even becoming a house manager.

Maintaining Sobriety Through Cancer and Grief

Renee’s recovery journey hasn’t been without significant hurdles. About five months into her time at the transitional housing facility, her cancer returned, requiring another round of chemotherapy. Despite this medical challenge, she maintained her sobriety.

Even more remarkably, when her sister passed away on June 17, 2025 – after an unresolved conflict between them – Renee still didn’t return to substances. Instead, she relied on the recovery tools she’d developed at TRC and the support of her companion dog, Sadie.

“I’m still sober through all that, and I got my family where they’re talking to me and now my kids talking to me, but I couldn’t do it without my dog Sadie and TRC and rehab. I wouldn’t have made it and I’m still sober through all that and I thank God that I’m still sober and going strong,” Renee says, reflecting on her journey.

Rebuilding Family Connections

One of the most meaningful aspects of Renee’s recovery has been the restoration of relationships with her loved ones. Through her continued sobriety, she has rebuilt trust and communication with her family members, including her children. These renewed connections serve as powerful motivation to maintain her recovery despite ongoing challenges.

Hope for Your Journey

Renee’s story demonstrates that recovery is possible even in the face of life’s most devastating circumstances. Whether you’re facing health challenges, grief, trauma, or any combination of difficulties, professional treatment can provide the structure and support needed to begin healing.

At Texas Recovery Centers, we understand that each person’s journey to recovery is unique. Our compassionate team is ready to help you navigate your path to sobriety, whatever challenges you may be facing.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t wait for another crisis to seek help. Contact Texas Recovery Centers today at 888-354-2194 or visit our facility at 6950 Shady Ln, Scurry, TX 75158. Like Renee, you can find the strength to maintain sobriety, even through life’s hardest moments.