I came into The Last House defeated by my addiction and alcoholism; being in and out of rehabs, sober living houses, IOP programs. For the last 5 years – the reality of my life and condition hit me like a ton of bricks. I was a sad, lost, depressed young man who was slowly killing himself. Although I was so afraid to go to a program like The Last House I knew deep down that I needed to go. It was a complete shock to me and my ego because I was so used to living in my self-centered addiction. It was scary because I knew I had to let go of all of my old behaviors and beliefs which was a very uncomfortable thing to do. It was so easy to live like a victim and a quitter. Before I got here, I felt that I was special and that the world owed me something. I thought that I could have the life I wanted without having to put any work into it. The Last House taught me otherwise. The Last House taught me that being uncomfortable is way more rewarding that being comfortable. When I wanted to quit so very bad, The Last House showed me the strength and love of a very powerful brotherhood. The Last House showed me what real friends are and how holding each other accountable is a life saver for people like me. The Last House taught me how to show up for others when I didn’t feel like it. The Last House taught me how to be a responsible, confident and brave man. Shattering my ego and beliefs of myself and the world helped me the most. I would have never in my life taken the bus, walked for miles and miles in the hot sun with a bunch of job applications trying to get a minimum wage job. I would have never let a bunch of guys call me out at a dinner table and sit there in silence. I would have never accepted a punishment for a leaving a cup out. I would have never held anyone accountable – I thought it was lame and fake. Little did I know that all of these things I said I would never do, would actually be the best things I could have ever done for myself. That goes to show that my behaviors, outlooks, and attitudes were completely twisted before I got to The Last House. I have learned so many beautiful things; so many life-changing experiences during my stay and it is unbelievable the amount of change that has occurred in me in such a short amount of time. I will forever be grateful for The Last House and all of the amazing people that I had have the honor to know. Thank you so very much!
