Ready This Time: A Story of Second Chances and Self-Belief

Recovery is not a straight line — it is a lifelong commitment marked by setbacks, breakthroughs, and the courage to try again. For our staff, there is nothing more meaningful than witnessing someone struggle, then choose change and step fully into their potential.

Nick (pictured left) first arrived at the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center (SRSC) after being brought in by law enforcement. He was struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, but even in those early days, he carried a quiet optimism. He greeted staff with a smile, bringing warmth into the room despite his circumstances.

At SRSC, our team focused on helping Nick build self-confidence, recognize his strengths, and believe in his ability to grow. The SRSC provides a safe, supportive environment for adults withdrawing from alcohol or drug use, experiencing a mental health crisis, or in need of inpatient treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. For Nick, it was a place to stabilize — and to begin imagining something different.

When he was stabilized and ready for the next step, staff referred him to Pioneer Center East (PCE), an intensive residential treatment program for men battling chronic substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

But recovery is rarely linear.

After a few weeks, Nick said he was uncomfortable and wanted to leave treatment. PCE staff honored his request, discharging him from PCE and transferring him back to the SRSC. Not long after, he left treatment against advice.

About a month later, Nick returned — this time referred by Community Court. PCE staff welcomed him back, ready to offer another opportunity. And this time, something had shifted.

Zackery Fields, SUDP at PCE (pictured right), shared, “Nick showed up every day ready to get the most out of each day. He was open to feedback and remained very teachable during his second time here.”

Kari Swecker, Clinical Practice Manager at PCE, recalled a powerful moment. “I saw Nick in the hallway one day trying to get into the clinical area. He told me he wanted to speak with our clinical supervisor, Krisanne Hensley, so he could sign up for Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT). I told him how wonderful it was to see him engaging in treatment and advocating for himself.”

Nick’s response was simple and powerful:
“Things are very different this time. I am ready.”

MRT is a structured, cognitive-behavioral program designed to reduce recidivism and treat substance use by strengthening moral reasoning, self-image, and positive identity. Nick didn’t just attend — he embraced it.

Krisanne Hensley, PCE Clinical Supervisor, reflected, “Nick had a really rough start, but it was inspiring to watch the change once it happened. You could see when the light came on and it was exciting to watch. He started talking more, following the rules, engaging in classes. He began encouraging his peers to participate in MRT. Nick really came alive and became fully committed to his recovery.”

For staff, watching Nick accept guidance, seek support, and take ownership of his future has been incredibly meaningful. When Kari asked if he would be willing to share his story, Nick became emotional.

“Thank you for seeing things in me that I don’t always see in myself,” Nick said.

Today, everyone at SRSC and PCE celebrates Nick’s decision to keep showing up — for himself, for his recovery, and for the life he is building. His journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes people don’t need perfection. They need opportunity, support, and someone willing to believe in them until they are ready to believe in themselves.