When Josh's sister recommended Hazelden Betty Ford, he had already tried other treatment centers to try to overcome his addiction. His sister had also been to several places, but, she insisted, Hazelden Betty Ford is different—and it works.
Fortunately, she was right. "Hazelden Betty Ford was better," Josh says. "It was night and day different from anything else. After being there, I can see why they have the best outcomes."
Like his sister, Josh is a veteran. He flew fighter jets in the Navy for more than 20 years. But as he struggled to transition back into civilian life—with his wife deployed and two young children at home—his drinking picked up. "I had been in a Top Gun course, and I became an instructor," he says. "Professionally, I was successful." But in his personal life, it was completely different. "I was arrested for a felony and had a suicide attempt. Within a year I went from super successful to rock bottom."
Josh's journey to recovery at Hazelden Betty Ford took him to outpatient treatment, residential care, and then, recovery coaching through the Connection program—made possible by a scholarship funded by generous donors.
"I probably wouldn't have done Connection without a scholarship," Josh says. "I wouldn't have gotten the coaching at all." Josh highlights how his coach gave "really solid advice," and worked with his wife to help her better understand his addiction. In all, he says, the counselors and coaches at Hazelden Betty Ford felt relatable and trustworthy from the outset and were truly invested in his recovery.
"It felt good to be treated like an adult, with a lot of freedom—but also be held accountable," he says.
Now, part of his recovery is giving back to Hazelden Betty Ford in gratitude for changing his life and his sister's. "There are a lot of people out there who don't get the help they need, like we did." Hazelden Betty Ford's care is comprehensive, he explains, emphasizing spirituality, fellowship and connection to others. "They helped me figure out what I'm going to do when I leave treatment, making sure I was set up for success."
"I would say that being a veteran, I had much higher expectations of myself and those around me," says Josh. "I was used to being objective driven and solution oriented. But Hazelden Betty Ford takes a much bigger approach to everything."
