Written by Jaclyn Skilnik
In 2015, I made a decision I thought would change everything—I left Chicago and moved to Ohio to be closer to my family and start treatment. I believed that separating myself from my environment would break my cycle of substance abuse. I convinced myself that it was the state I lived in that kept me stuck in addiction. But I quickly learned the hard truth: it wasn’t the state—it was me.
That same year, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life. I asked a trusted family member to care for my children because I knew I couldn’t be the parent they needed while I was lost in addiction. It broke my heart, but I thought it would give me the time and space to rebuild my life. Unfortunately, I wasn’t ready to change. I spent the next several years in and out of treatment centers, IOPs, and counseling, hoping something would click. It never did.
The reason it didn’t work wasn’t because of the programs or the people trying to help me—it was because I wasn’t ready to surrender. I wasn’t ready to admit that my drug use came before everything in my life: my children, my family, and even myself.
By 2019, after years on the same painful merry-go-round, I had reached my breaking point. I finally wanted what I saw others around me achieving—a sober, fulfilling life. I didn’t just want to stop using; I wanted to know who I really was without drugs and alcohol. That’s when I made the decision to fully commit to my recovery.
I began with residential treatment, which helped me build a strong foundation for sobriety. But the real change came when I started the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). IOP gave me the space to focus on myself for a few hours every other day and truly dive deep into the “why” behind my addiction. I learned to identify my triggers, understand my emotions, and confront the pain I had been numbing for years.
Through IOP, I began to rebuild my life and repair the relationships I thought I had lost forever. Slowly but surely, I started earning back my family’s trust. I learned how to be present, how to show up, and how to be the person my children needed me to be. Reconnecting with them has been one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my life.
Recovery also brought love into my life. It has taught me that healthy love is possible when you learn to love yourself first.
Some days are still hard. Guilt and shame creep in, especially the "mom guilt." But today, I face those feelings instead of running from them. Today, I am present. I’m here for my family, my children, and most importantly, for myself.
Recovery isn’t just about getting sober—it’s about rebuilding your life piece by piece. It’s about surrendering, letting go of the past, and being willing to put in the work to create a future you’re proud of. For me, IOP was the turning point. It helped me discover who Jaclyn really is and gave me the tools to live a life I never thought was possible.
To anyone struggling with addiction: you are not alone. The road to recovery isn’t easy, but it’s worth every single step. You are worth every single step. Never stop believing that a better life is waiting for you.
Recovery isn’t just about sobriety—it’s about reclaiming your life. If you’re struggling, you are NOT alone. Take the first step today.
Thrive Counseling IOP Schedule:
Mornings: 10 AM - 1 PM | Mon, Wed, Fri
Evenings: 5 PM - 8 PM | Mon, Tues, Thurs
Locations: Youngstown & Warren
Learn more: thrivecounselingwarren.com
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