Recovery isn’t always a straight line. For some, the journey includes unexpected detours and challenging returns to the path of sobriety. Rhonda’s story illustrates that even after 17 years of successful recovery, the foundation of sobriety requires ongoing maintenance—and that it’s never too late to begin again.

A Strong Foundation Shaken by Grief

For 17 years, Rhonda built and maintained a solid recovery from alcohol and opiates. Having begun drinking at 17 and continuing until 2005, she had created a new life in sobriety through the tools and community she found in Alcoholics Anonymous.

However, when her mother passed away in 2020, something fundamental shifted. Grief became a powerful force in Rhonda’s life, one that gradually eroded the recovery practices she had relied on for nearly two decades.

“I stopped going to meetings, and talking to people in recovery,” Rhonda explains about the period following her mother’s death. “I was spinning out of control long before I picked up a drink. The resentment of losing my mom engulfed my life.”

The Slide Back Into Addiction

By April 2023, Rhonda had returned to drinking. What had once been a cornerstone of her identity—her sobriety—was replaced by a rapidly escalating pattern of alcohol consumption.

“In about 6 months I was drinking daily,” she recalls. “I would order 1.5 liter bottles of vodka and have them delivered. I couldn’t make it past 2 in the afternoon and I had to drink.”

This escalation took a severe toll on Rhonda’s health. Living with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition, the alcohol caused dangerous symptoms: high blood pressure, an extremely elevated heart rate, and constant palpitations. Her liver began to show damage, and her heart muscle sustained additional harm.

The Turning Point

By December 2023, Rhonda reached a crisis point after attempting to quit cold turkey and becoming severely ill. One night, experiencing intense chest pain, she drove herself to the emergency room.

“I was honest about everything with the doctor,” she says. “The drinking was so out of control I knew I would never stop. He had a social worker talk to me to see if I wanted to stop.”

This moment of honesty opened the door to Texas Recovery Centers. After speaking with a TRC representative, Rhonda made the crucial decision to enter treatment immediately—on Christmas Eve 2023—knowing that if she waited until she felt physically better, she would likely drink again.

The Ongoing Journey of Recovery

Rhonda’s path back to recovery included its own challenges. After completing inpatient treatment in February 2024, housing complications led to a brief relapse. However, she quickly recommitted to her recovery, returning to IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) and attending AA meetings. Since February 16, 2024, she has maintained her sobriety, working the AA program daily.

“Today my recovery is stronger than ever I think,” Rhonda reflects. “I have a sponsor that I talk to daily. I have lots of women friends in the program that I surround myself with. I’m working the steps 10, 11, and 12 daily.”

Even when faced with job loss in November, Rhonda applied the principles of her recovery program to manage her fear and uncertainty without turning to substances. She focused on what she could control—sending applications and making calls—while using prayer, reading recovery literature, connecting with other women in recovery, and attending meetings to manage her emotions.

Rebuilding Relationships Through Recovery

One of the most meaningful aspects of Rhonda’s return to recovery has been the healing of relationships. She describes this process as “learning to stay in my lane and let people be who they are.”

“Relationships are difficult no matter the situation, but I find grace goes a long way,” she observes. “I was lucky that my relapse was not long enough to permanently damage my close friends and family relationships. I work daily to live the principles of my programs as a living amends to myself and others.”

Hope for Your Recovery Journey

Rhonda’s story reminds us that recovery is possible at any stage—whether you’re seeking sobriety for the first time or returning after a relapse. The key lies in honesty, willingness to accept help, and commitment to the daily practices that support lasting recovery.

At Texas Recovery Centers, we understand the complex nature of addiction and recovery. Our team is equipped to support you whether you’re new to recovery or returning after time away. We offer compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or has experienced a relapse, remember that it’s never too late to begin again. Contact Texas Recovery Centers today at 888-354-2194 or visit our facility at 6950 Shady Ln, Scurry, TX 75158. Like Rhonda, you can find your way back to a life of recovery, purpose, and connection.