Client Recovery Spotlight: Tracey Ford

For Tracey Ford, the path to recovery was anything but straightforward. A late start with alcohol addiction led to years of turmoil, financial distress, and emotional hardship. But through resilience, self-discovery, and the unwavering support of the New England Recovery Center (NERC), Tracey found her way back to a fulfilling life, free from the grip of addiction.

Later-in-Life Addiction

Unlike many who struggle with addiction from a young age, Tracey’s battle with alcohol dependency began later in life. Having spent years working in finance, she enjoyed professional success but also inherited what she calls the “gambling gene,” leading her into financial trouble. A once-stable career took a dark turn as she found herself embezzling funds to cover gambling losses, ultimately leading to legal consequences and job loss in 2012.

As her professional world crumbled, alcohol became her escape. Drinking evolved from social indulgence to a daily necessity, fueling a cycle of deception, withdrawal, and self-destruction. Despite multiple attempts at detox and recovery, the compulsion always found a way back, pulling her deeper into addiction.

The Breaking Point

By 2021, Tracey’s body and mind had suffered severe consequences. Years of excessive drinking led to pancreatitis and cirrhosis, landing her in hospitals and psych units as she struggled to understand what was happening to her. Still, the idea that she had alcoholism was challenging to accept.

In a desperate attempt to regain control, Tracey cycled through various recovery programs, including multiple stays at Recovery Centers of America (RCA). Despite the structured environment and support, she found herself relapsing time and again, unable to sustain recovery once she left the controlled setting of treatment.

A Turning Point at NERC

In late 2021, Tracey discovered the New England Recovery Center through its 24-hour hotline. She recalls her first time walking through the doors — exhausted, malnourished, and at her lowest point. But there was something different about this place. The welcoming staff immediately made her feel human again.

The structured environment at NERC provided a roadmap to sustainable recovery. The program’s disciplined schedule kept her accountable, with therapy sessions and support groups that introduced her to perspectives she had never considered.

“It was eye-opening to learn how addiction affects the brain,” Tracey recalls. “Understanding that my serotonin levels were all over the place helped me realize why I kept falling back into old patterns.”

The staff’s dedication left a lasting impact. Tracey found a trusted counselor who remained a steady source of guidance through multiple stays at NERC. The connection she built with the center’s director further cemented her belief that NERC wasn’t just a facility, but a lifeline.

A Lifelong Commitment to Addiction Recovery

Despite several visits to NERC, Tracey didn’t truly commit to change until November 2022. Leaving treatment just before Christmas, she made a firm decision to immerse herself fully in recovery.

This time, she had a plan. She secured a therapist, enrolled in an outpatient program for six months, and began participating in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. Since then, she has attended meetings regularly, sometimes joining up to three Zoom meetings a day. The sense of community and accountability she found in AA became a crucial pillar of her recovery.

“You can’t walk out of those doors and think it’s over,” she emphasizes. “The work doesn’t stop when you leave treatment. You have to stay close to recovery.”

Tracey has also embraced meditation, reading, and sponsorship within AA. She speaks at meetings, sharing her journey to inspire others.

A Message of Hope

Reflecting on her experience, Tracey stresses that recovery is not a one-time event but a continuous journey.

“Get connected. Find people who understand. It doesn’t have to be in person — it can be a text, a call, or a Zoom meeting. Just don’t isolate yourself. And most importantly, never think you’re too far gone. If I can do this after everything I’ve been through, so can you.”

Today, Tracey is thriving. She has found joy in the simple moments, a renewed sense of self-worth, and a deep appreciation for those who stood by her. And while she acknowledges that addiction will always be a part of her story, she is no longer defined by it.

She offers one last piece of encouragement for those still struggling: “You don’t have to do this alone. Help is out there. Take it.”

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or co-occurring disorders, call the New England Recovery Center today at 1-877-MyRehab.