Independence Center alumnus spreads the word about recovery
When 30-year-old Greg Brown checked into the BryanLGH Independence Center for alcohol abuse treatment in September 2009, he was afraid.
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| Staff Sgt. Greg Brown, with the support of the Nebraska Army National Guard and the Independence Center Alumni Association, shares his message to aid others in their recovery. |
Only three days prior to check-in, he had been rushed to BryanLGH West because of an overdose. During his hospitalization, an Independence Center intervention nurse stopped by to talk with him about the Center's treatment program.
"I was willing to go, but I was scared," Brown said. "I didn't know how to live without alcohol in my life, and I didn't know if I'd have a life when I got through treatment."
When Brown checked out after his treatment, hope had replaced fear.
Equipped with his recovery plan, a starter kit filled with tools and resources to help him succeed, and a group of peers in recovery and Independence Center staff to support him, he started a brand-new life.
"Now, I'm passionate about giving back to the community that has given so much to me," Brown said. "I want to share the message that there is hope."
One way he gives back is through his duties as president-elect of the Independence Center Alumni Association, a role in which he is honored to fill - especially because his peers elected him.
His duties include supporting the president by representing the Alumni Association at meetings, community events and functions that the president is not able to attend; and participating in monthly meetings where alumni discuss the budget, fund-raising events, scholarships and more.
"Staying connected keeps me accountable," Brown said. "I have to fight every day for sobriety, and I do this by going to alumni meetings and community events for those in recovery. "I want to reach out and share my story with people - to tell and show them that life gets better. I have something to live for, and I want them to know they do, too."
Brown is a staff sergeant in the Nebraska Army National Guard where he works full time in the human resources department. He also is pursuing a Business Administration/Accounting degree at Southeast Community College.
"I don't drink now because I have a disease - alcohol addiction - but it is in remission," Brown said. "Now I'm a productive member of society and a good husband and father. And I'm motivated to urge others in recovery to succeed."
To learn how you can support the BryanLGH Independence Center, contact the BryanLGH Foundation at (402) 481-8605.
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