Lisa

Before recovery, my life was chaos. I thought I was thriving in the chaos, but really, I was just surviving, barely making it to the next day, always chasing my next fix. I was lost, disconnected, and honestly, I didn’t want to live. I overdosed three times, and each time, God brought me back. I know now that I have a purpose, even if I’m still discovering what that is. ISP has been a huge part of that journey.

When I first encountered ISP, I felt relief and freedom. For the first time, I realized I mattered. I have worth. I didn’t need substances to feel connection. ISP was different from other programs I’d tried—it was more spiritual, and that made all the difference. The prayer practice, where we pray three times slowly and then talk about it, became a tool I use constantly in my recovery. It helps me process my trauma in ways I never could before.

I’ve attended three ISP retreats, and now I’m part of the Ambassadors of Hope. That role means so much to me. I get to spread information about ISP and take on leadership. This is something I never would have done during my addiction. My capstone idea is to open a meeting centered around ISP, because it combines the 12 steps with a deeper spiritual aspect. In recovery, you need a connection to your higher power, and ISP opens that path.

The ISP Journey app is another lifeline. I use the daily reflections and stay connected with other Ambassadors of Hope. We do trails and pilgrimages together—it’s an amazing program. Without ISP, my life would be much more troublesome. I wouldn’t handle situations as well. ISP taught me that everything is temporary, and my higher power has a reason for what I’m going through. It’s helped me deal with trauma better than any regular recovery program.

Sharing my story and hearing stories of others is vital. People in recovery often think they’re alone, that their pain is unique. But we’re not. We’ve all done what we needed to do to survive, and accepting that is part of healing. ISP is now in 20 cities, and I love connecting with people from all over—San Diego, Chicago, Boston… That network makes me feel part of something bigger.

One story from our retreats the “cracked pot” story really stays with me. It’s about being broken but still giving something to the world. I tell people that all the time. You may be broken, but you still matter. That message resonates deeply with me.

My daily routine is anchored in spirituality. I wake up and pray to my higher power, check the daily meditation, and use a clean app for the spiritual principle of the day. I try to carry those lessons with me throughout the day.

Recently, I’ve found more connection with my daughter, and my good friend Narisha came into my life at the perfect time. We laugh, we joke, and we respect each other’s recovery. It’s good to have someone to laugh with and someone who understands how important recovery is.

ISP gave me hope, connection, and a sense of purpose. I’m not just surviving anymore I’m living. And I want others to know recovery is possible, connection heals, and every story matters.

Lisa, Detroit