Hi, my name is Yakov and I’m a recovered addict.                                                                                                                                                                                              Today I am clean and sober, have a great life with my family and a vibrant career in health care, but life wasn’t always that way. There were times of deep pain and suffering.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When I first walked into outpatient rehab, I was swallowed in darkness and shaking with fear. I can still remember the intense feelings of depression and hopelessness. I wasn’t even craving a drink or drug. I was craving help, and although my mind was clouded with plumes from the smoke of despair, I recall a sparkle of serenity from my surrender.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Yet my story started earlier than that. I was raised in the Five Towns with a loving mother and father. I was raised Modern Orthodox and attended local yeshivas. My parents gave me everything they didn’t have. I can still remember the guilt I had when I wanted something but knew my parents couldn’t afford it. Strangely, this anxiety didn’t stop me from asking, but it left me with a constant ache from a lack of acceptance.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     To read more go to: http://www.5tjt.com/journeys-to-recovery/