Lakeview Health Systems “Recovery Warrior Thursdays” Series features Joanna M. Painton

Earlier this year, Lakeview Health Systems, a Florida based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, launched "Recovery Warrior Thursdays" with the tagline “Real Women Telling their Real Stories in 12…. Questions (not Steps)”, a weekly series that features women from all across the country that have overcome alcohol addiction, drug abuse, eating disorders, self-injury, and any other addiction that is targeting women in America.

The inaugural interview was with Joanna M. Painton. Joanna has overcome adversities and shares her hope with anyone she comes in contact with. Joanna is a known published author in the Bariatric (wls) and addiction community and has spent the last 14 years helping to educate people on the importance of the body, mind and spirit connection.

Selected excepts from the interview include:

“6. What was the breaking point that finally made you accept your addiction?

GOD! This is my story I had two young children at that time a daughter age 2 & a son age 3. My parents were taking them away from me due to my addictions and inability to function. I had no car it was repossessed, no water, phone or electric and no ability to hold a job. The way my life was I felt hopeless and saw no way out. My solution was to kill myself. Here is where GOD stepped in and my solution became an unsuccessful suicide attempt that my 2 year old daughter stopped. She climbed into bed with me to take a nap and all of a sudden this moment of clarity hit me,

“What am I doing? I can get help. I don’t have to leave this legacy behind that my daughter will have to live with for the rest of her life.”

My 3 year old son went to my mother’s house (we lived in the same neighborhood) and somehow he rode his bike down to her to my house she saw me unconscious and called 911. And then my life began. “

“11. What words of empowerment would you give to women who have not made that first step yet?

Nike says it best “Just Do IT!” The lies, justifications, excuses whatever you call it are just the disease of addiction wanting to keep you there stuck in disease. Take the leap of faith that it is possible for you to live a life free from any addiction you have. “Just Do it””

The Recovery Warrior Series is published each week on Thursdays. It can be found on the Recovery Connections blog at http://www.recoveryconnection.org/blog/category/recovery-warrior-thursdays/.

Twitter is a real-time short messaging service whereby people follow the sources most relevant to them. Recovering addicts can find inspirational quotes, links to Recovery Warrior blog posts and other recovery resources for women in addiction at http://www.twitter.com/sobrietydiva

Facebook is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers and Sobriety Diva can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sobrietydiva.

About Lakeview Health Systems

Lakeview Health Systems is a recognized drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment center that was distinguished by receiving the Gold Seal of Approval by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Health Organizations for its outstanding care in the areas of alcohol rehabilitation, drug rehab and dual diagnosis treatment. The team at Lakeview Health Systems has been helping people restore their lives after the disease of addiction for a combined 25 years. 

For additional information on the Lakeview Health Systems’ drug rehabilitation program, alcohol rehab or dual diagnosis treatment center or for admission to our addiction treatment facility, please call us toll free at, 1-866-657-4357 or visit their website: http://www.lakeviewhealth.com