There are moments when being both a family member and a professional in the field of substance use disorder makes you see things from a perspective that is difficult to put into words. This is one of those moments.
My sister completes treatment tomorrow, and I cannot let this milestone pass without expressing my deepest gratitude to the entire team who cared for her.
After more than 30 years of substance use and countless experiences with treatment, this is the first time my sister has successfully completed a treatment program. That alone makes tomorrow incredibly meaningful for our family. But what means even more to me is knowing that she was not simply treated for her substance use disorder she was cared for as a whole person.
She entered treatment with serious and critical health concerns that required attention, advocacy, and compassionate care. Those concerns were recognized and addressed. The staff went above and beyond to make sure her health and safety were not overlooked, and that her needs were treated with the dignity and seriousness they deserved.
As someone who works professionally in the SUD field, I know how much goes into helping someone reach this point. I understand the importance of consistency, compassion, boundaries, clinical skill, medical attention, and perhaps most importantly having people who continue to see the person underneath the addiction.
But as her sister, I experienced something even more personal... relief and hope.
For the first time in a very long time, my family could breathe a little easier knowing she was somewhere safe, seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.
Recovery is not easy. Thirty years of addiction does not disappear in a month. Completing treatment does not mean the journey is over. But completing treatment after decades of struggle is a tremendous accomplishment, and she should be incredibly proud of herself. The encouragement and coordinated care for her discharge planning was imperative. This was executed with precision as well.
To every person who played a part in her care, thank you. Thank you for showing up for her. Thank you for taking her health concerns seriously. Thank you for seeing beyond her history and recognizing the person she still was underneath all of it. Thank you for giving her the opportunity to experience treatment differently this time.
As a professional, I appreciate the quality of care you provided.
As her sister, I will never forget it.
Tomorrow, our family gets to celebrate something we have hoped and prayed for through many difficult years: my sister, believing in herself.
Thank you for helping make this moment possible. AJ Merk read more
