SEMCA Celebration of Success

In June of 2000, Sean Denise Brown needed help. She was pregnant with her sixth child and addicted to drugs. She had attempted rehabilitation before, but had somehow always fallen back into the world of addiction. She wanted to get help for herself and her children. This time she was determined to succeed! Sean came to SEMCA for help and we referred her to one of our Substance Abuse Services Providers, Eleonore Hutzel Recovery Center.	Sean Denise Brown with her SEMCA Celebration of Success award.
Upon her entery into the program, Sean reported that she was addicted to cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol. She also reported that she had been a product of the foster care system. Shortly after she entered into the recovery program, Sean gave birth. Her new infant tested positive for cocaine. There was an open protective custody case for the infant. With no income, legal problems, a fear of the recovery process and of failure, Sean faced an emotional and physically draining period in her life.	Sean (center) her youngest child and a staff member of Eleonore Hutzel Recovery Center.
Sean entered the domicile with her two youngest children. Her other four children remained with her family. Initially Sean showed hostility and lack of ability to cope with the situation. Over time, her fear of failure deminished, and the staff of Eleonore Hutzel Recovery Center reported that Sean had grown immensely as an individual. After successfully completing all of the domicile requirements, Sean was transferred to the out-patient component. Initially, Sean lived with her sister and re-established her AFDC case to provide her and her children with an income.	(left) SEMCA Substance Abuse Board Member Richard Marsh hands Sean Denise Brown (right) her Celebration of Success Award as Barbara Presnell from Eleonore Hutzel Recovery Center looks on.
She has now found housing and is currently living with her six children independently. In home services continue to be provided. Currently, Sean is working well within the system. She has maintained her sobriety and has gained insight into the destructive patterns in her life. Sean is coping well with her family obligations. Her last individual session was on January 25, 2001. As of July 13, 2001 she is still sober and continues to make progress with her recovery. Sean Denise Brown has very bravely allowed SEMCA to post her story here on our web site. Sometimes, society can be very judgmental about substance abuse. It is Sean’s hope that by telling her story, she will inspire others to seek help for their addiction problems. We are proud of Sean’s triumph and wish for her continued success.	Sean continues to work hard at making a better life for her and her children.