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The disease of addiction often affects the entire family. When Melinda’s mother, Adell, was struggling with alcoholism, Melinda found herself feeling hopeless.

“Before my mother embraced treatment and recovery, I was certain that her addiction was going to kill her,” said Melinda. “I came to Fairbanks because I didn’t know what else to do, or where else to go. I just knew that we needed help. I told my mother that I couldn’t help her, but I knew a place that could.” That place was Fairbanks.

“Recovery means bringing life back to a loved one, and it has truly been a blessing for her, our family and me,” said Melinda. “I’m indebted to Fairbanks forever.”
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Cindy came to Fairbanks with the desire to put her drug-using lifestyle behind her.

Now, she is an active volunteer through Fairbanks’ alumni services.

She helps greet individuals and families as they take their first step in seeking treatment at Fairbanks. She helps ease their anxiety by sharing her story. Cindy describes her life as active and full of opportunities to succeed and assist others. She feels that her future, without drugs and alcohol, has a lot in store for her.

“During my use, I described myself as living on the dark side of the moon, but now I am on a brighter side. On this side I feel like I am supposed to help others who are struggling. So I keep reaching out to them, which also keeps me sober.”
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“For me rock bottom isn’t a place, it’s a feeling,” added Frank.

Frank chose recovery on September 13, 1996 when he came to Fairbanks. Although he had attempted sobriety many other times, this time he wanted it for good.

“Fairbanks had my best interest,” said Frank. “Everyone at Fairbanks helped me get honest and cut through the denial to see who I really was.” According to Frank one of the ways he stays sober is through volunteering at Fairbanks with the adolescents. For him, it is how he gives back.

“Life today is 180 degrees different from what it was when I was using,” said Frank. “It’s not what I have, it’s how I feel.”
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