We would like to introduce Harrison, a new Peer House Leader for REAL LIFE. Harrison was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and moved around growing up. When Harrison was 30, he had an intervention with his family as he had been struggling with drugs and alcohol. His family gave him an ultimatum, stating he could either go to treatment or rethink his position in the family. This is when Harrison was introduced to AA, and he attended his first meeting in 2010. Harrison was in and out of meetings for years and shared that he had a few relapses during this time, causing him to lose a lot of things in his life.
Harrison realized he needed a real change and turned to the REAL LIFE program. He realized he valued the importance of a 12-step program and a program with a structured routine. Harrison feels that the structure is what he needs to be successful in recovery. He loves the REAL LIFE program and states, “I am extremely grateful for this program because it has given me time to focus on myself.” “It’s more than just a program. It gives confidence, rediscovery, and growth.”
Harrison grew up playing and loving soccer. He also found his love for hiking when he was living in Colorado. In 2004, he hiked the Appalachian Trail for about six months, starting in Georgia and ending in Maine. He also hopes to go back to college to finish his bachelor’s degree in psychology, in addition to earning a certification to pursue a career as a peer navigator/coordinator. Harrison also loves music and used to go to one or two concerts a month before entering recovery. He hopes to get back to this once he graduates from the REAL LIFE program. He also cherishes his 14 year-old Pug named Louis. He plans to have many more dogs in the future to accompany him through his journey of life.
