My time at the Papilion House is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I remember being driven from inpatient treatment to the house, setting my suitcase in my room, and sitting on my bed. I had a cell phone for the first time in 68 days and no one, except my sponsor, to call. I deleted my entire phonebook because I knew I needed to cut unhealthy people out of my life, which turned out to almost be all of them. I was scared and lonely. I had no adult skills, and no idea how to create healthy relationships. I had issues with men, and the validation I thought I needed from them. I didn’t know how to cope with mental illnesses I was diagnosed with. I didn’t understand how to be accountable, honest, or responsible. I was unsure of what my sober future looked like, but I knew that I wanted it. I thank my higher power every day that I was in the Papilion House for that unsteady time in my recovery.
I was required to make 90 meetings in 90 days. I had fallen in love with AA at my stay in inpatient, but I’m not sure I would have continued to go as much as I needed to, if it wasn’t required, straight out of treatment. I already had a sponsor in treatment, so I jumped right into doing my steps in the Papilion. I believe sober living was a safe haven to work my steps. Whilst working my steps, things buried deep inside boiled up, and behaviors surfaced; it was helpful to live in a house where that was expected. We were also drug tested regularly, which added extra accountability.
The structure and fining system in the house was, I think, the most beneficial thing for me. I eventually learned to love the feel of a clean house, and a made bed. To this day, I make my bed first thing in the morning. I became accustomed to a regular sleeping schedule, and went to the gym 5 times a week. I started eating healthier, and cooking my own food again. At times it was difficult for me to follow all the rules, and I butted heads with the house manager and house mates on numerous occasions. Thankfully, they never gave up on me. They kept pushing me to open up and to get real. Along with working my steps with a sponsor, the house taught me to get accountable and honest. I continued to break many behavioral and mental barriers in the Papilion House. I became the house captain and was able to help all the new girls that came in. I was expected to do at least 90 days, but stayed for 6 months, because I knew that I needed to stay there.
Moving out of sober living was also scary, but I had gained most practical and spiritual tools I needed to make it in the world. I had built a fellowship of women around myself, that supported me and loved me, and still do to this day. I made friends in that house who became my sisters.
I have an amazing life today, full of serenity and stability. I continue to work a 12 step program and sponsor other women. I still go to 3-4 meetings a week. I’ve been working at a women’s inpatient treatment center for almost a year now. I have love for myself and those around me. I have amazing relationships with my family members.
Thank you Angela and the Papilion House for being there for me as a transitioned into my true butterfly form.
Elizabeth B.
ElizabethPapilion House Saved my Daughter’s Life
When your child is addicted to heroin and you are not a wealthy person, the world is very bleak and lonely. I was so discouraged by all the treatment centers that wanted upwards of $15,000 to provide a recovery opportunity for my daughter. You can imagine how delighted I was when I found Papilion House, and spoke with Angela W., the owner. My daughter has been with them now almost six months, and she is thriving! Her entire life has changed through this program and its reliance on the 12-Step program. I am so incredibly grateful to have found Papilion House and the fine people who support those who are seeking treatment for addiction.
Lianne B.The Papilion house was part of my foundation of recovery. The ladies that lived there became family. We were a great support system for each other. I loved the CA meeting we chaired. Thank you for being part of my growth.
Debra