In spite of the Pandemic and political turmoil in our daily lives, we as a family have much to be thankful for, as we approach the end of 2020. Most notably our connection to Prescott House as a result of the time our son Luke spent with them in treatment, therapy, and recovery.
Luke finally hit rock bottom about 28 months ago after 25 yrs. of battling depression, drug abuse and denial. Four years ago he went to an inpatient treatment facility in California for four months, got cleaned up for 363 days and then relapsed and spiraled into a state of drug use that had him headed for his last rodeo. These were the worst of times for us, and we were truly living day to day, it was the darkest of times. Fortunately, Luke had been introduced to a Counselor/Advocate at his last living situation and he was working with Luke, while keeping us in the loop.
Rock bottom doesn’t describe the gravity of Luke’s life at this point, and when it looked as though it was all over, Luke’s doctor and the Advocate were able to get him admitted to a Psychiatric Hospital. He was safe and sober, combative and despondent; we were in panic mode knowing that if he were released without some kind of plan, he would go back to the streets and drugs.
We heard of Prescott House from a friend of Luke’s and after doing the research felt that this was Luke’s best chance. I called Prescott House and spoke with Michael Murphy in the business office. He made sense to me, low key, candid, insightful, caring and totally concerned about a plan for our son. I trusted him and we made our commitment to Prescott House. Fortunately, Luke made his commitment by getting into the van when it arrived at the hospital, and that was the beginning of Luke’s road to recovery!
Once Luke arrived at Prescott House we had no contact with him for two weeks. Our contact was with Michael Murphy primarily, and once or twice with a counselor, both of whom made it clear that they were very concerned about Luke’s well being, recovery and mental and physical health. They described for us the boot camp regimen and Spartan environment that Luke had entered, and it became very clear that this was no country club.
When we finally spoke with Luke we sensed that something was working and that he was responding to the challenges he faced daily with instincts he always had, but hadn’t used since
high school when he was a state caliber athlete. His fierce competitiveness and ability to discipline himself had returned, and coupled with his personal commitment to live drug free, was enabling him to face the daily demands at Prescott House with renewed spirit and self confidence.
Luke was very “matter of fact” in talking about life at Prescott House, he made it clear that it was very tough, demanding and definitely not fun, at first he hated it but said, “This is just what I need; this is where I need to be! I’m back to square one; it’s about the work not the frills”
Prescott House forced Luke to look at himself critically, relearn how to rely on himself and take responsibility for his actions and discipline himself.
Luke spent 5 months at Prescott House Inpatient, followed by 4 months of Aftercare while living away from the P-house campus and working at a local grocery store. When he completed Aftercare he accepted a job at Prescott House. The 10th of every month is Luke’s sobriety anniversary and a day we all celebrate. He lives in Prescott, loves working at Prescott House as a Medical Services Supervisor, RN. We are very proud of Luke for all his hard work, past and present and his mental and physical well being. It’s been quite a journey! We as a family will be forever grateful to the staff at Prescott House for their integral role in in our son’s Recovery. Our experience was positive and reassuring and a special thanks to Michael Murphy who was our primary contact during Luke’s stay.
