What’s My Why: Jose L., Recovery Advocate

My name is Jose Lopez, and I supervise the Recovery Advocate Dept. Basically, it’s my job to make sure there are no issues in the department. Beyond that, I facilitate group therapy and make the schedule for our Recovery Advocates. I have worked at Heroes’ Mile since the first day we opened.

I troubleshoot any and all issues in the department. I facilitate groups, and prepare the schedule for Recovery Advocates. I have worked at Heroes’ Mile since its inception, and not a day goes by where I’m not grateful for this opportunity.

I have been sober and in recovery for 26 years. I can relate to a lot of what our patients have been through, and that helps me show them the light at the end of the tunnel. For me, the best part of this work is interacting with our clients and building that individual rapport. We may not know each other before they come here, but there’s a sameness in our experiences that makes it easy to bond.

My favorite patient success story involves a patient who was initially in denial about his addiction. But I worked with him for a few weeks, and eventually he came around and realized how serious this problem was. He livened up a lot in treatment after that, and eventually he graduated from the program and went back home.

Years later, I ran into this guy and his family at the grocery store. He introduced me to his family and told me that he was still sober. He thanked me for not giving up on him, and that meant the world to me. The rest of his life is going to be different because he got treatment, and I want to make that difference for as many people as possible. 

We’ve Got Your Six

Heroes’ Mile is a substance abuse, post-traumatic stress, and military sexual trauma program designed for military service veterans experiencing problems with addiction and other psychological challenges related to their military services. We are located in DeLand, FL, and are committed to serving those who served our country.

If you are a veteran or would like to refer a veteran to our program, please call an Admissions Specialist today at 386-319-1837.