OUR MISSION:

Horizon Behavioral Health is the premier provider of mental health, substance use and intellectual disability services in Central Virginia. Horizon's mission is to support and promote the health, independence and self-worth of individuals and families in Central Virginia by providing a continuum of community-based treatment, prevention, early intervention, and aftercare services for persons affected by mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance use and co-occurring disorders.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

At Horizon, we believe that celebrating success can be a part of the healing process.  We also believe it is the best way to eradicate stigma.  We hope that you find these stories inspiring and worth sharing.  Together, we can make a difference.  

My Journey

By Jenni O., Client

Jenni's Story

 To the outside world I had a pretty good life - a beautiful home in Forest, a great career as a respiratory therapist, three beautiful children and a loving husband.  But the truth was very different.  I  was lost.  I felt alone, and I felt like a failure most of the time.  I didn't know what was going on inside; I just felt hopeless.  Issues with chronic back pain introducced me to opiates.  After taking pai pills for an extended period of time, I began to use them to self-medicate my depression and anxiety.  The drugs seemed to be my only temporary escape.  But then I ran out of drugs and I couldn't stand to be sick from the withdrawls any longer.  So I decided to rehab.

I was very fortunate to have a supportive family during my stay.  My parents were very involved in my recovery and wanted to learn all they could.  After I finished rehab, I went back to my family but I didn't change anything about my life, or my way of thinking.  The drugs were out of my system, but my mind and spirit were still dark with addicition.  I relapsed.

After relapsing, my using progressed very quickly, and I did whatever possible to support my addicition.  I stole medicine from my job and I was caught.  I lost my job and gained a misdemeanor on my record.  But more devasating than that, I let down my family.  I was on the verge of losing everything - my career, my husband and my children.

So I turned to Horizon for help in November of 2013.  I have now been clean for two years.  Horizon's clinicans helped me realized that addiction is a moral and spiritual disease.  I knew that if I didn't take care of myself I was going to be in jail or dead.  I have learned that this disease will never be cured, and that it is cunning, insidious, and progressive.  I have also discovered that with help I am stronger than my disease and I am responsible for my recovery.  By healing my mind and spirit, I know I can find enjoyment in life, clean.