ROOTS IN SOUTH JERSEY Diane grew up in Atlantic City as the youngest of four sisters in a loving Italian family. After high school, she began her career in the casinos—work that was exciting and offered her financial stability. She later married her husband, John, and together they raised two beautiful daughters, Gianna and Dominique. Their life reflected the best of shore-town living—beach days, boating, and Sunday dinners surrounded by family. THE BEGINNING At just 19, Diane was prescribed opiates for chronic pain caused by long hours on her feet. What started as a source of relief slowly grew into dependency, setting in motion a struggle that would shape the years ahead.
DIANE
BEHIND THE FAÇADE From the outside, Diane had it all – an incredible family, a career she loved, and stability. But inside, she was battling anxiety, pain, and a growing reliance on substances. She agonized, knowing that even her love for her daughters, her entire world, was not enough to keep her sober.
THE TURNING POINT
Diane made the call to come to treatment on February 14th of 2020. She recalls that nothing bad had happened that day, but that she was overwhelmed with a feeling of being done. She walked downstairs and told her husband she was leaving to go to Enlightened Recovery Detox. She had tried to get sober a few times before, but this was the first time she made the call herself.
FINDING HOPE IN RECOVERY
From detox, Diane entered Enlightened Recovery’s PHP program, where she remembered feeling truly cared for and supported. She had been to other treatment centers but the support she received from the staff at Enlightened created a space where she felt safe and could be honest. Diane’s mother sadly passed away a few months after she had completed her stay. Stricken with grief, Diane’s first call was to her therapist at Enlightened, who immediately picked up the phone and walked her through that painful experience. Diane stayed sober and continued her journey, becoming an active member in a 12-step fellowship and even becoming a manager of one of our sober livings.
A LIFE RECLAIMED
Over 5 years later, Diane is still sober and living a life that she values. To know Diane, is to know one of the funniest and kindest women on earth. Her laugh and warmth are undeniable. She is a dedicated volunteer, working with various organizations that provide support to individuals struggling in Atlantic City. She is a Supervisor at the Downbeach Bridge - A job that she loves. Most importantly for her, she is a wife and a mother - who has the love of her family. She lives in gratitude every day and wakes up excited for what is ahead. We are so proud of her.
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