When Nick came through Fora Health’s doors, he was at his lowest and darkest place. He was isolated, experiencing severe mental health issues and feared that he’d destroyed his career and most of his relationships.
Growing up, he saw loved ones suffer from addiction to prescription narcotics and other substances. Things improved when he studied abroad in France and moved to the West Coast to complete his education in law school. He found new relationships and thrived as an attorney – making partner at a firm in Olympia. However, Nick had never been at a point in his career where he wasn’t coping with substances.
When the pandemic hit, things took a drastic turn. The isolation and stress that fueled his anxiety and depression were a perfect storm, leading him to drink consistently throughout almost every day. Things spiraled further as his mental health deteriorated alongside multiple detox treatments and trips to the hospital. During this time, he’d lost or pushed away most of his close friends, and his family wasn’t talking to him. But some of his remaining friends helped him seek treatment at Fora Health.
After Nick had experienced and learned about other treatment facilities, he knew that Fora Health was the only place with the programming and modality to meet his needs. Nick loved the wraparound approach at Fora, focusing on exercise, diet, incorporating chiropractors, how to heal through artistic expression, and so much more.
“Fora is not just treating one facet of a person, and they’re not just treating the substance use. They’re treating them holistically.”
Residential treatment was initially overwhelming for Nick, but through little victories each day and the support of Fora’s programming and routines, Nick felt confident and thrived, taking advantage of all the services and tools provided.
One of Nick’s most significant victories was reconnecting with his family, who he hadn’t spoken to in a year. Through his treatment and time working one-on-one with therapists and doing family therapy, he mended that relationship and communicates with his parents daily now.
Nick also profoundly appreciated all the support from the peer mentors and continued care and support through outpatient.
“There was a lot of encouragement and people walking with us as we moved throughout the spectrum of services offered.”
Initially, Nick feared going back into a culture where alcohol use is so prevalent. But by the time he graduated, Nick felt prepared and eager for the next chapter of his life. He’s living in a sober living community, figuring out his future career path and found 12-step meetings specifically for attorneys.
“I am not missing it (substances) and finding a level of enjoyment in life I never had.”
People come from all backgrounds to Fora and need comprehensive services to combat their addiction. Thank you for helping another person find hope! This year, we are raising funds through Willamette Week’s Give!Guide. Give today and help even more people seeking recovery services! https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/fora
