Harmony Recovery has been providing addiction healthcare services in Estes Park since 1969. We would like to offer these stories from our alumni to show the humanity, strength, and perseverance of those working to recover from addiction. Often stigmatized and misunderstood by society, people on their path to recovery are managing a chronic illness which is a unique journey for each individual. Here is one such story. – Shane Hudson, CEO, Harmony Recovery
Looking back, I think I always knew I had an addictive personality. From a young age, it was also clear that I had ADHD. Somehow, I learned to live with it—and even embrace it. My childhood was never boring, and in many ways, that restlessness became part of who I was.
After high school, I moved into my own apartment and started taking classes at a community college. For the first time, I had complete freedom, and I loved it. Unfortunately, that freedom came with choices I wasn’t ready to manage. Before long, my daily routine included hard liquor and beer.
After college, I found my place in the world through a career in sales, and I was good at it. I made solid money, paid my bills, and outwardly appeared successful. At the time, I truly didn’t believe I had a problem. Substance use was common and accepted in my work environment, so it never felt alarming—just part of the lifestyle.
But over the next few years, the cost of that lifestyle became painfully clear. By the time I was 32 years old, I had buried 18 friends and family members. Some were lost to addiction, some by their own hand, and others by tragic accidents. Each loss took something from me, even though I didn’t fully recognize it at the time.
My substance use started with pain pills and alcohol. When doctors took the pain pills away due to my abuse, I turned to cocaine. Eventually, I was introduced to methamphetamine. What started as experimentation turned into a daily addiction that controlled my life for the next 10 years.
I truly believed I had everyone fooled. When I finally reached the point where I knew I needed to quit but simply couldn’t stop on my own, I knew it was time to ask for help. This was going to be hard. I was sure the news would come as a shock to everyone around me. It did not. When I told my mom I needed help, she looked at me and said, “Son, we’ve been waiting years for you to say that. And if we’re going to do this, you’re going to Harmony.”
I was scheduled to arrive on a Monday, but addiction had one last say. I convinced myself I needed one more fix. After using, I called the intake specialist and told them I couldn’t come because I was high and drunk. Without hesitation, they told me to “come on up.”
The moment I pulled into the Harmony parking lot, I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in years. I was three hours late, yet the intake team stayed after hours just to welcome me. Harmony very likely saved my life that night. My blood alcohol content was 1.75. There was no judgment, no shame—only compassion. The staff took my picture, checked my vitals, made sure I was hydrated, and did everything they could to help me feel safe during one of the most vulnerable moments of my life.
After detox, I was assigned to a cozy, furnished cabin and even had access to a gym. Every day, incredible chefs prepared nourishing meals. But more importantly, Harmony treated the whole body—the whole person. They helped me address not just my addiction, but my mental health as well, because healing one without the other simply doesn’t work.
I owe special thanks to my counselor, Trent, who cared enough to challenge me when I needed it most. Once I properly addressed my ADHD, something clicked. For the first time in years, the cycle of relapse stopped.
I should also probably mention that I was at Harmony in October of 2020. For those who were living in Estes during that time, you may recall it was a difficult time for us all. The East Troublesome Fires were raging all around us, and eventually the entire town was forced to evacuate. Throughout it all, the Harmony staff remained calm and steady. They safely relocated every client while maintaining structure, routine, and reassurance during an incredibly frightening time.
There was another moment when I nearly left the program due to a severe tooth infection that required immediate dental care. I was ready to walk away, but instead, the staff insisted on driving me all the way to Greeley so I could receive treatment and continue my recovery.
After graduating from the program, Harmony helped me build a solid aftercare plan and prepare for life beyond treatment. From the moment I arrived, I knew my life had a new purpose. Today, because of my experience at Harmony, I am a certified recovery coach.
There is no way I could ever repay what Harmony gave me—but I can live a life that honors it.
-Steven I.