When Bri first entered treatment, it wasn’t because she believed recovery was possible. It was because she was facing serious prison time for drug-related crimes after years of battling an opioid and heroin addiction.
She had lost nearly everything—her family, her home, her career, and the life she once built.
“I had turned my back on my husband, my children, my education… I gave up my beautiful home, cars, jewelry, everything. I had no hope I could be helped.”
But when someone suggested she enter treatment, she listened—if only to lessen her sentence. Then something unexpected happened: she gained a little bit of hope.
Bri followed every suggestion she was given. After treatment, she began attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings regularly. She found a sponsor. She started working the steps.
And slowly, the obsession to use lifted. As of March 10, 2023, Bri has remained completely free of mood- and mind-altering substances.
“Participating in my recovery group is absolutely VITAL to my recovery. I needed people who had been where I was to show me how to live again.”
Today, she isn’t just staying sober—she’s helping others do the same.
“I WANT to be active in my fellowship. I’m able to be a beacon of hope for others. I help them maneuver—and that keeps me sober, too.”
To anyone thinking about showing up for the first time, Bri has one simple question:
“Come check it out! What do you have to lose?”
And if you’re struggling to believe in yourself?
“Go be around people who will believe in you for you. IT WORKS.”
She says her life today is overflowing with blessings—and her support group has become a circle of pillars she loves and leans on.
🌐 Find a meeting: aa.org | na.org
Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy and honor the individual’s story.
- Learn More: senttopeka.com/empower-to-heal-a-year-of-support-awareness
- Join The Road to Recovery Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/theroadtorecoverytopeka
#FindYourPeople | June SUD Awareness Campaign
At SENT, recovery is supported through community.
Our wraparound services help individuals and families build stability, healing, and long-term success:
- Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Services – Trauma-informed counseling and recovery care
- Neighbor Advocacy – One-on-one case management connecting neighbors to the resources they need to thrive
- Housing Programs – Affordable housing, the Curb Appeal Program, and more.
- Southside Filling Station – Access to fresh, healthy groceries through our client-choice food pantry
- Southside Wellness Clinic – Express health care and wellness services
- Avondale East Care Center Partners – Chiropractic, massage therapy, occupational therapy, pet care, and more