Thien came to The 24 in 2023 ready to recover and embrace a Brand New Start.
How did you get started with drugs and alcohol? I had a problem with acceptance, and I struggled with a lack of confidence. I wanted to fit in, but I was an only child, so I often felt isolated. Drugs and alcohol seemed like a way to escape those feelings, and in the beginning, they provided that temporary sense of belonging and relief.
How did you end up at Dallas 24 Hour Club? I ended up at The 24 after I got out of a place called Gateway in Wilmer, which is a Dallas County rehab facility. It was a lockdown facility where I had to complete a program. It was a tough time, but it was also a turning point. I needed somewhere safe to go after that experience, and The 24 became that place for me. It gave me the support and structure I needed to stay sober and start rebuilding my life.
What does Recovery mean to you? Recovery means a lot to me. It’s not just about staying clean, it’s about rebuilding my life. Through recovery, I’ve been able to get a job, make better decisions, and start repairing the relationship with my daughter.
What is your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement is that I’m still sober to this day. It’s been 2 years and 9 months, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
What is your greatest blessing? My greatest blessing is my relationship with my family, my relationship with my higher power, and my health, which has been a lot better. These blessings have helped me stay grounded and focused, giving me the strength to overcome challenges and keep moving forward in life.
Finish this sentence: if it weren’t for Dallas 24 Hour Club… If it weren’t for Dallas 24 Hour Club, I wouldn’t know how to live the way I do now. I wouldn’t have the life I’ve built. Being sober for 2 years and 9 months, I was able to complete my probation, get off it, and now I’m living a life I’m proud of.
What is one thing you want people to know? I came from The 24 and I'm still sober.
Where are you today? Right now, I’m at an Oxford House, where I’ve been living for the past 6 months. I’m the house president, still maintaining my sobriety, and I’ve also taken on the role of assistant manager at National Tires and Battery.