Recovery Stories

My name is Michael Comley and I’m 46 years old and I have struggled with substance use for 28 years. I have been in and out of prison and treatment many times. I have achieved recovery several times over the past 28 years. During one occasion I had achieved 5 years of sustained recovery. During that time, I had just been released from prison and asked my parole officer if I could enter treatment for the first time. He agreed. As a result of recovery, I was able to turn my life over to a Higher Power, hold two jobs, and have full custody of my beautiful daughter. I had also received praise in several front-page articles for the good things I had done in my community, including building a Habitat for Humanity house with my daughter.

Life definitely has its ups and downs. After that period of recovery, I returned to prison twice, lost my house, and have been working to regain wellness ever since. I was tired of living the way I had been. I recently completed a treatment program in Rogers, Arkansas, and have been in recovery for almost 60 days. I love my life and I love myself again. I have decided that I want to pursue a career in counseling. Maybe one day I will let someone write my life story. there are so many pieces of my story that show how life is full of second chances.

I live life one day at a time. Today I participate in mutual-aid groups to aid my recovery and I’m okay with that. Today I take medicine to aid my recovery and I’m okay with that. Some people experience a recurrence of use in their journey of recovery – just remember you’re worth it. May my Higher Power be with me and you each and every day through this new journey. Amen.