By Wasatch Crest Residential Program Operations Director Becky Wheelock
Wasatch Crest’s residential program operations director, Becky Wheelock, shares her recovery story. You can watch her tell her story and read her full narrative below.
For me, it all started with casual drinking, partying, and smoking marijuana as a 25-year-old married mother of three. Within five years, I would be using intravenous heroin, cocaine, and meth and getting a divorce.
Drugs had slowly taken over my life and before I knew it, I couldn’t hold a job, pay my bills, and had to sell my house. At one point, I wrecked my car and fled from the scene with my 12-year-old son.
My family desperately tried to get me help on numerous occasions, and after my daughter found a needle in my purse, I finally agreed to go to treatment. I was admitted to an inpatient treatment center for 60 days, but within 30 days of being out, I relapsed. I wasn’t ready to quit for myself, and it wasn’t long before I was arrested. Sitting in a jail cell was my lowest point. I no longer wanted that kind of life. My father agreed to bail me out if I went right back to treatment.
Today I am sober, and in October, I will celebrate my five year sobriety birthday. Getting to this point took a commitment to myself, my kids, and my family. I took treatment very seriously and attended all meetings, groups, therapy sessions, and worked the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Throughout this process, I found a passion for helping families struggling with addiction, so they would never have to experience what I had put my own children through. I wanted to change people’s lives for the better.
In November 2016, I had enough sobriety to apply for a job at Wasatch Crest. Working here is a daily reminder of what I have overcome. The most rewarding part of my job is to watch our clients’ physical health return and to see the spark come back in their eyes.
When clients start learning new skills, making connections, and practicing positive habits, they begin a journey towards long-term sobriety. I pray each day that I can give each client the empathy, strength, and knowledge they need to live a life free from alcohol and drugs. I want them to know that I am in their corner and believe in them. Wasatch Crest provides a support system that celebrates each victory big or small and lifts everyone up when needed.
Reaching nearly five years of sobriety has led to a life where my kids are proud of me. I am now remarried in a loving relationship with two additional children. I have an amazing job that I love and I can’t wait to see what else my future holds!
About the Author
Wasatch Crest Residential Program Operations Director Becky Wheelock
Becky works closely with clients during their residential stay, ensuring that treatment meets their needs and encouraging their recovery from addiction. She enjoys witnessing clients’ progress as they gain new perspectives throughout treatment.
Becky has worked in the recovery field for over four years, having served as both Wasatch Crest’s alumni coordinator and Uinta women’s transitional living program manager. She is proud to be part of a team that is invested in changing people’s lives.
Becky and her husband are both in long-term recovery and have five children together. They live in Heber Valley, Utah, and have an animal farm in their backyard. In true Wasatch Crest spirit, Becky enjoys sharing her own story of recovery to help inspire others to overcome addiction and enjoy the bliss of long-term recovery.
