Brett’s Story

“My name is Brett and I’m an alcoholic. My sobriety date July 3, 2025 began at Boca Recovery Center in Galloway, NJ. On that day I realized that I could no longer control my alcohol use and my life was getting worse in all areas. Spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. I finally accepted that fact and knew that I could not do it on my own and needed help.

I called a hotline and they said they have a place for me to go. I said let me call back when my wife gets home and I told her. They were reluctant to let me hang up and I said I will call back. My wife arrived and I told her to her shock that I had been drinking the past few years and I was going to rehab and she agreed to do what I needed to do for me. I called back and a car was at my house within 30 minutes. I arrived at Boca about 2 hours later and did my intake.

I’m 58 years old and had been drinking since early teens except for the past 2 years that everyone thought I had stopped and never did. This is the first time that I ever tried to stop with help. I had hit my rock bottom. Boca laid the foundation for me to get and stay sober as I’m typing for 5 months now. They took great care of me while I was there and gave me all the knowledge of why I was the way I was. They provided me with the information, advice and resources necessary to continue on with my recovery when I would leave there.

After intake on my way to my room someone said hi and suggested I only go to my room when they say it’s bedtime. The best advice I ever took. I went to group room and participated in every meeting making friends, listening, sharing, laughing, crying and starting my recovery.

Boca said that I could get into an outpatient program where I could be closer to home. They got me into Redemption Addiction Treatment Center where I started a PHP program July 14th. I completed that and am currently still involved in an IOP program. Then I will do the OP program. Like Boca I will be leaving Redemption. This is why Boca stressed the importance of AA for when we are back into society on our own.

I left Boca 7/11 and 16 hours later went to my first AA meeting. Boca also advised the need for a sponsor to help you with your progress. I went to AA every day leaving Boca and on my 5th day raised hand and said I’m Brett an alcoholic, need help, need a sponsor and phone list. I was handed a list and next to a name said Available. We met and I had a sponsor and currently working through step 4. ‘It doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you don’t stop’.

I attend 6 meetings a week with a home group and have a secretary position. My life has changed and everything is getting better. This is my story and what works for me and I hope that it will help others as well. I am forever grateful for Boca, Redemption, AA family and friends for the support in my journey to recovery.

Stay strong and sober

Brett M.”