The Sobering Center is dedicated to serving our clients and rewarding the excellence of our staff who exceed the expectation of care. Rockstar of the Quarter is an opportunity for staff members to highlight their colleagues who they feel has gone above and beyond for our mission.
We are pleased to announce the Rockstar of the Quarter for Fiscal Year 2021-Quarter 3, Lisa Torres who is one of our Sobering Support Specialist.
Hello to All,
My name is Lisa Torres and I have been with the Austin Sobering Center from day one. I give much thanks to those who gave me the opportunity to work with others who understand my struggle.
On March 23, 2016 I made the decision to turn my life over to God because I was dying a slow death. I was terrified of each day being my last.
My addiction began after the birth of my last child. I was a stay home mom with four children under the age of four. I began experiencing severe back pain. I started seeing a physician who prescribed Vicodin and Xanax for the pain. The pain was gone but I hated feeling drowsy and I was not able to care for my four children. My physician introduced me to Tramadol and assured me this drug was not addictive. After taking a few doses I knew Tramadol was addictive. I was able to stay awake 20 hours of the day and felt amazing. My physician kept me well supplied for the next 12 years. I began taking large amounts trying to chase that high I felt at the beginning of my addiction. Then one day my Dr. informed me he was firing me as a patient due to my drug abuse. I never blamed my doctor for my abuse but I did blame him for not helping me get sober. I had no idea how to do this on my own.
I began hitting many rock bottoms. My full-time job was making sure I had plenty of Tramadol to get me through the day. My addiction became very expensive and my husband began suspecting that something was going in with me. I was taking out money and not paying our bills. This led to losing our home, our car and I was losing my family. My mother would beg me to stop taking the pills for the sake of my children. I would die for my children but I couldn’t get sober for my children.
On March 23rd, 2016 I admitted myself into La Hacienda treatment center for the third time. My 30-day stay was brutal and by far the hardest thing I’ve done. I was terrified to go home because I knew I was going to relapse.
Thank God my counselor knew I needed more time in treatment. I was told going to Balboa Horizons for a 90-day stay would help me stay sober. I prayed for strength and the will to make the right decision. The decision to stay at Balboa is why I am 5 1/2 years sober today.
I thank God, my family for never giving up on me and my sober sisters for always answering the phone when I need to talk.
Today, I share my story to those who need to hear the message of hope.
Sincerely,
Lisa Torres