Education

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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After years of drinking and casual drug use, Tyrone found his own path to recovery by witnessing the hope Fairbanks had given his own brother.

“I watched my brother change and realized I was addicted to drugs and alcohol also and I wanted to change. He really helped me see that there was hope.” said Tyrone.

Although Tyrone struggled with the concept of sobriety and honesty for several years he has now been sober for three years and has a new outlook on life.

“I changed my attitude and actions and realized that I have to be honest with myself,” said Tyrone. “It begins with me and it ends with me and I have to be responsible for my decisions.
My life today is better than it’s ever been.”
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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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