Member Moment: Mariena

This post was originally published November 8, 2022 on www.recoverycafelongmont.org by Elyssa Hamilton.

Breaking the Generational Cycle of Trauma and Addiction

In 2022, the gifts of sobriety came in abundance to Café member Mariena. Building a life focused on self improvement, integrity, and motherhood, she has embraced the community of healing and refuge found with her peers at Recovery Café Longmont.

Mariena endured the hardships of being born to a mother struggling with addiction. Growing up in Longmont, watching the people close to her become dependent on drugs and alcohol became the norm. Eventually she and her mother bonded over drug use.

But with the birth of her son, Mariena committed to following a different path for her new family. Today, hope fills the room when she speaks about breaking the cycle of generational trauma and addiction.

Staying Sober With Community-Based Recovery Support

“I figured the best way to dive in was to come here and make relationships. Knowing I’m not alone in this has helped me stay sober.”

The family court system recommended that Mariena find community-based recovery support. From her first day at the Café, she knew immediately she had found the right place. With peers to help her work through obstacles, share struggles and celebrate successes, Mariena remains focused on her top priorities of recovery and motherhood. She was recently granted full custody of her son just in time for the holidays.

“Past holiday seasons have included a lot of loss and chaos in my family. I’m looking forward to making a new positive experience around the holidays with my son.”