A Story of Recovery: Vanessa Tucker

September is National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and hope of individuals on their journey toward healing from substance use and mental health challenges. Established more than three decades ago, Recovery Month shines a light on the power of recovery, raises awareness about available resources, and honors the countless families, friends, professionals, and communities who provide support along the way. It’s a reminder that recovery is not only possible—it’s something to be embraced, encouraged, and celebrated.

At Hudson Behavioral Health, celebrating recovery is a daily occurrence as we witness patients experience recovery wins for the first time. In honor of Recovery Month, we’d like to share the story of Vanessa Tucker, whose journey has led her from our sober living house in Georgetown to now working as an integral member of our staff.

Q: Can you share with us a little bit about your addiction and what led you to recovery?

A: My addiction began around the age of 22. I had struggled with depression and numerous traumas throughout my teens, and never truly dealt with it until I became a mother at the age of 21. I discovered opiates and was initially a functioning addict. I was a great mother, employee, daughter – no one had the slightest idea that I was using. It was three years into my addiction when I was unable to fund my habit and began to steal from family members that my addiction was brought to light. I was arrested and faced the consequences of my actions. This is when I started to learn that addiction is not so easily kicked. I violated my probation numerous times, began the cycle of in-and-out of prison and intermittent periods of sobriety. I ultimately would spend 6 years sober, but not in recovery. Some refer to this as a “dry drunk”, but I was a “dry addict”.

My aunt passed away and I relapsed, as using was the best coping skill I knew at that time. This time, I dove deeper and began using heroin as well as crack cocaine. I was a shell of a person with the strongest compulsion to use around the clock. It wasn’t until I was all alone, sleeping in my car, and my car broke down – eliminating my transportation to obtain drugs, that I sought help. I did not want it, I wanted to continue to use until I died. Fortunately, after a few weeks without drugs in my system I began to think more clearly, and I decided I needed to do something different than I had ever done. I had two children at this point, and I missed being their mother. I spent so long hating myself, that I forgot to love them. I wanted to learn how to live in recovery. That is when I asked my case manager at Banyan for sober living options. I was given the handbook for Hudson’s Tau House in Georgetown – and I had my heart set on that. I was told that there were no beds available, but if something came open, I would get a call. I had told everyone that I was going to the Tau House or going home – and I knew God had it in his heart to put in me in the Tau House. I was right, as the day before my discharge, a bed became available at Tau and that is where my healing began.

Q: What can you share about your experience at the Tau House?

A: My experience at the Tau House is something I will always hold dear to my heart. I learned not only how to stay sober and deal with life’s challenges, but also how to be an adult. I learned the importance of showing up, making commitments and sticking to them, gainful employment, paying my bills, and asking for help. When I first moved into the Tau House, I was encouraged by ladies that had been there longer than me that were doing well. I felt a sense of belonging and support that I have never felt before. I was able to be vulnerable and honest which led to healing I hadn’t anticipated.

Q: After starting recovery, what inspired you to pursue a career in it?

A: I never knew that working in recovery was going to be the career path I chose. I was working at McDonald’s, and I hated it. I went to my case manager (Nicole) and cried – real tears – about how much I really hated working at McDonald’s. She asked me what I wanted to do. That simple sentenced changed my mindset completely. I had never considered what I would want to do – only what I felt that I could do. I wanted to work in an office. That’s when I obtained employment at a local hotel. I enjoyed it, but it was not enough. That’s when my case manager mentioned to me that I may need to find employment with purpose. That’s when it hit me – I could use my experiences to help guide others. It was in this moment that I decided I wanted to not only work in recovery, but to work for Hudson Behavioral Health. I have been through numerous programs, and in my opinion, Hudson is the best. I wanted to work for the best – and to give back to the same program that helped me so drastically.   

Q: How do you apply your own personal experiences to your career at Hudson?

A: My experience as a resident at Tau, as well as all my experiences throughout my life, allow me to relate to our clients on so many different levels. I can truly understand where each person is, and I think it gives me a bit of an edge as far as my ability to help them. I can meet them where they are and guide them in the right direction. I can understand that sometimes certain things are frustrating, and I can also share the rewards of adhering to the program.

Q: Is there a moment in life that you’re proud of that wouldn’t be possible without recovery?

A: There are so many moments I am proud of that I wouldn’t have experienced without recovery. I think what stands out the most is when I was notified that I made the President’s List in college. Not only was I able to enroll, attend, and pass – I was able to do so with all A’s. I am very proud of that, and I continue to strive for greatness.

Q: What are your career goals in the recovery field?

A: I want to continue to do my best in my current position to help others. I hope one day there will be at least one client that can say “Vanessa truly helped me change my life.” I would love to move up the ladder at Hudson Behavioral Health in due time, and learn every aspect of the program from residential, to campus, to outpatient, and admissions. I am so excited for what my future with Hudson Behavioral Health holds. I hold HBH dear to my heart, for personal and professional reasons.