“Recovery doesn’t have to be boring.”
Since 2017, Houston native Jennifer Alvarado has been an administrative assistant on the staff at Gateway to Sobriety. But she is much more than that: Alvarado also makes a valuable contribution as a recovery advocate, helping and supporting people who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Like many people, when Alvarado began using alcohol and drugs at an early age, she had no idea her use would eventually lead to a life-changing addiction. Substance abuse made Alvarado's high school years difficult, but she eventually got help, spending two weeks in inpatient and six months in outpatient treatment.
-- Jennifer Alvarado, administrative assistant, Gateway to Sobriety
After getting her recovery started, Alvarado worked as a community health worker, and earned an asso- ciate's degree in human services at Houston Community College. She is also working to become certified as an addiction counselor (LCDC), which she expects to receive in May. better ways to deal with emotions without using chemicals, and also “earned some good things about myself,” increasing her self-esteem and self-confidence to accomplish her goals. She enjoys passing on the lessons she has learned in recovery, to help other people. “I've always loved helping people,” she notes. “Some (addicted) people say life can't be fun if they're not using drugs; but recovery doesn't have to be bor- ing.” Since joining the Gateway staff in 2017, Alvarado has appreciated the dedication she's seen. “They are really passionate about what they do here; they really want to help clients recover.” Starting a career Looking back at her time in treatment, Alvarado learned
“They are really passionate about what they do here; they really want to help clients recover.”
-- Jennifer Alvarado
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker