|"I am living proof that no matter how hopeless things may seem, change can happen."

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My name is Renee Hunt, and I am a woman in long-term recovery. My sobriety date is August 5, 2018, and for that gift, I am forever grateful.

 

My Story

I was born in Traverse City, Michigan, and grew up in Fredericksburg, Texas. My journey with addiction began at 15. What started with drugs quickly progressed to alcohol, and before long, drinking became a daily part of my life.

 

Addiction took me places I never imagined I would go. I spent years in and out of jail, struggled to find stability, and survived domestic abuse. Like so many people battling addiction, I desperately wanted a different life — but I kept finding myself trapped in the same cycle.

 

Finding Recovery

Over the years, I attended residential treatment and tried Alcoholics Anonymous more than once. I experienced periods of hope, but I couldn't hold on to lasting sobriety. Everything changed when I returned to AA, found a sponsor, and became willing to fully work the 12 Steps. Through that process, I found not only freedom from alcohol, but a whole new way of living.

 

Life Today

Recovery has transformed every area of my life. In sobriety, I met my husband and built a family rooted in love, honesty, and connection. Today, I am the proud mother of three sons — ages 24, 17, and 14 — and a wonderful bonus daughter who is 10.

The greatest gift of recovery isn't simply that I no longer drink. It's that I get to live a life filled with purpose. Sobriety has made me a better wife, mother, sister, friend, and member of my community. It has allowed me to heal, grow, and show up for the people I love.

 

Why I Do This Work

Today, I work at 217 Recovery, where I have the privilege of walking alongside others as they discover hope, healing, and freedom from addiction. It is one of the most meaningful parts of my life.

I share my story because I know recovery is possible. The life I have today is a direct result of recovery, the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the willingness to keep doing the work. My greatest purpose is to help others see that there is a way out — and that a beautiful life is waiting on the other side.