Damian’s Story of Recovery
An Inspiring Story of Recovery
Damian Henry is grateful to be alive and shares his story of recovery to help inspire others!
Not so long ago, Damian’s life was hanging in the balance. After a life of misusing alcohol, Damian was just one step away from the need for a liver transplant. He was in Lifeline Connections’ outpatient substance use program at the time and was about to complete a year of treatment. However, he had a positive urinalysis test. He had relapsed. The recommended course of treatment was a period in a residential program, but due to his fragile medical condition he wasn’t eligible for inpatient treatment.
In March 2016, Damian rolled his truck into a ditch. He wasn’t drinking at the time but the side effects of his liver medication impaired his driving, so his family asked him to stop. Losing so much independence was a real blow. A few months later, Damian relapsed. He had promised his daughter he wasn’t drinking and this latest disappointment shattered the trust between them.
The Steps toward Recovery
After that last failed drug screening, Damian was given the chance to repeat his intensive outpatient program. He admits he wasn’t thrilled about it but realized he didn’t have any options if he wanted to live. By the end of the first session in the new group, Damian couldn’t wait until the next meeting! “This was just the right bunch of people and we had an awesome counselor,” says Damian. “I know they saved my life.” Damian has now been substance-free since September 2016 and his medical condition has improved so much, he no longer needs a liver transplant.
What Damian looks forward to is baseball season! He’s been an avid player all his life and he looks forward to playing in the spring. It’s such a passion that he volunteers as the mains groundskeeper for the league at Hockinson Baseball Field.
Damian says he’s much more open-minded now, and there’s a lot less conflict and physical fighting in his life. He and his daughter are working to rebuild their relationship and he is working to get in shape so he can secure employment. “I have to admit, I’m glad I’m fighting less. I’m not as spry as I used to be!”
Damian doesn’t talk or think much about his story of recovery and sobriety; that’s not his style. He does want to be an example to young kids fighting the disease of addiction. He wants them to see a real life example of what a life of addiction can do to the body – but also to see that you can recover at any age.
Sometimes Damian wonders how he got so lucky to have the continual support of his wife, Ida, who has been with him for over 43 years. “I’m just so grateful for a life of sobriety,” he says, “and all the possibilities my future holds.”
Do you want to find treatment for substance use?
Lifeline Connections commits to long-term wellness for our patients. For example, we offer an integrated, holistic approach that includes substance use disorder treatment, therapy and case management. For example, our doctors specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, working to solve ones that have a compounding effect. Above all contact us and reclaim your life.
