Posted July 17, 2026
Growing up in a family with a history of addiction, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings were a normal part of life for Amber. Even with that exposure, she still faced her own battle with sobriety.
During her teenage years, Amber described herself as someone who didn't want to follow the rules and considered herself "a bad kid."
“I wanted to manipulate everybody to get what I wanted. Whatever made me at that time happy,” Amber said.
Amber's addiction to alcohol and drugs began around the age of 14. Over the next several years, she found herself in and out of jail or under some form of court supervision.
As time went on, Amber convinced herself that this was the life she wanted, embracing the reputation of being the "party girl" even after losing siblings over addiction.
“The only time of any sobriety I would have was when I was incarcerated.” Amber said. “I actually had lost some siblings to this disease. That still didn’t deter me from what I was doing.”
As Amber continued down the same path, the consequences became more severe. During her most recent incarceration, she was given an opportunity through drug court to enter treatment at Matt Talbot. This time, she accepted the help.
“I was going to use all the resources from everybody... I wanted to really change my life.” Amber said.
Amber immersed herself in everything the program had to offer, learning from her counselors and embracing every step of the recovery process.
After graduating from residential treatment, she continued her journey through intensive outpatient treatment, moved into a sober living house, and eventually became involved in Matt Talbot's After Care program.
Today, Amber has been sober for more than two years. She now oversees her sober house, works two full-time jobs, and continues to prioritize her recovery every day.
One of the biggest lessons she learned is that recovery is not something anyone has to face alone.
“It's a 'we' program for a reason. You need other people. You can't do it by yourself.” Amber said.
The support, encouragement, and growth Amber experienced through Matt Talbot's programs helped her recognize her own value and the life she is capable of living.
“What I experienced here was incomparable to anything that I’ve been through. So, I very much appreciated and I’m forever grateful.” Amber said.
The staff at Matt Talbot are committed to helping individuals begin their recovery journey through compassionate, professional care that restores dignity and empowers lasting change. Matt Talbot now also offers a fully Spanish-speaking recovery track, designed to meet the cultural and language needs of Hispanic individuals and families.
To learn more about Residential Addiction Treatment Services, click the button below.
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