Aloha House Client Success Stories
Many of our clients have walked a hard road before reaching our doors. Here, they share their personal stories about the lives they were living, the programs that helped them, and how they want to give back to the world.
Jamie's Story
Jamie was born and raised in Kihei, Maui, in a large family deeply connected to the land and their Christian values. Despite a strong foundation, Jamie began taking shortcuts in life after dropping out of high school. That choice led to years of theft, drug dealing, and eventually a decade in federal prison.
While incarcerated, Jamie completed a drug treatment program, but used the knowledge to become more strategic in his criminal lifestyle. After his release and a serious health issue left him in a wheelchair, he turned to painkillers and drugs again. A major arrest became the turning point.
With the help of his cousin, Jamie entered Aloha House, where staff supported his healing despite physical limitations. There, he found hope, faith, and the tools to rebuild his life.
Today, Jamie gives back by leading Bible studies and supporting others in recovery. He credits Aloha House with helping him find purpose, saying, “They believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
William's Story
From a young age, William felt intense pressure, especially from his unpredictable father. With no way to manage his internal discomfort, he turned to marijuana to cope. In college, while studying philosophy, his substance reliance deepened. “I would study, then do bong hits… one night I drank whiskey alone and realized that felt like a solution.”
After marriage and two children, William’s substance use began plaguing every part of his life. Following his divorce and felony charges related to forged prescriptions, he cycled through rehab, psychiatric care, and sober living. He eventually hit rock bottom after blacking out for 18 hours.
A turning point came after being sent to the hospital’s Molokini Psychiatric Ward when he experienced suicidal depression. A nurse recommended Aloha House’s Licensed Crisis Residential Services program, leading him to our doors.
William completed all of the programs offered him, and found lasting support at Aloha House. “It’s the first place that I felt safe. Nobody was trying to fix me, I was just allowed to exist and heal.”
Today, William is a house manager in our sober living program and continues his recovery journey with hope and gratitude. “I’m just grateful for Aloha House. It gave me a place to rest and get better.”
Marcus's Story
I was a party person. I liked drinking, then I got hooked on cocaine and then crystal meth. Eventually, I stopped, and I was clean for seven years. Then I got into a motorcycle accident, and I was prescribed pain pills, and I got hooked on those. From there, things got really bad; everything spiraled downward, and eventually, I ended up homeless. I entered the Aloha House Residential Treatment program on Valentine’s Day, 2019. I stayed for 45 days.
After that I moved to the Sober Living Program, where I participated in intensive classes and group and individual counseling sessions. Now, I have a car, home, job, and money in my account. This is all thanks to the team at Residential, plus the support I’ve gotten from the Sober Living Program.
Many of the Aloha House staff have been through what I’ve been through, so they understand. And those who are not in recovery themselves have the “street smarts” it takes to understand us. That’s what I relied on the most.
Begin Your Story of Recovery
The powerful testimonials you’ve read demonstrate that lasting recovery is possible when someone believes in your ability to transform. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, take inspiration from these stories and start writing a new recovery story today.