Project C.A.R.E. Recovery Spotlight: Taylor Benjamin
Recovery Spotlight, a program of Project C.A.R.E., periodically recognizes someone in the community who has achieved active recovery from substance use. Recovery Spotlight is sponsored by the Marina and Great Eastern Radio (WEEI, 93.5).
For our third Recovery Spotlight, we recognize the recovery and accomplishments of Taylor Benjamin. Throughout Taylor's journey to recovery, she overcame many challenges on her way to achieving 10 years of sobriety from opiates, including incarceration, probation, relationship issues, and struggles with identity. In Taylor's heart, she knew the person she had become while addicted to opiates was not who she was destined to be.
“I remember thinking I was going to die from withdrawal — counting the days, that turned into weeks and then months, before finally feeling somewhat myself again,” said Taylor.
Taylor was arrested a few days before Christmas. Although hopeful she would be released in time to celebrate the holiday, she was held due to being a danger to herself and the community.
While incarcerated, Taylor had ample time to reflect on her life and vision of the future. Family was a huge motivator.
Taylor remembers feeling like she failed the people who loved her most. Her family supported her every day during active use, and she wanted to show them she was “worth the fight they fought to help her recover.” Early recovery was challenging for Taylor, as it is for many people. She remembers the challenges of probation and being on house arrest.
“My probation officer kept me on the straight-and-narrow out of fear of sending me back to a place I knew I didn’t belong,” she said.
Taylor also remembers the challenges of employment, finding new friends, and repairing the relationships with friends and family that were harmed because of her addiction as well as the challenges of being a new mother early in recovery while on house arrest.
The initial fear of returning to jail and making good decisions merely to appease others slowly turned into hope and a commitment to doing it for herself. Her life became more fulfilling each day by working toward a meaningful, safe, and healthy life for herself and child.
Taylor is now 10 years free from the chains of addiction. She once struggled to find meaningful employment, but now works at HCRS as an employment specialist for people with disabilities.
Taylor said her biggest achievement is her “healthy and happy children.” Her family, which now includes her two children and a stepson, continues to be her motivation.
“I am proud of many things. My career, healthy relationships, good boundaries, etc. But raising children in a stable home and being a parent they can look up to is what I am most proud of,” she said. “You have to want it for you and be ready to put in ten times more effort toward your recovery as you did your addiction. Don’t be afraid to rip the rearview mirror off and keep moving forward.”
Taylor was awarded a certificate of appreciation by Community Resource Specialist Justin Johnston, Captain Adam Petlock, and Chief Norma Hardy of the Brattleboro Police Department. She also received a gift certificate to the Marina Restaurant, courtesy Peter Case and Great Eastern Radio (WEEI).
Recovery Spotlight, a program of Project C.A.R.E., periodically recognizes someone in the community who has achieved active recovery from substance use. Project C.A.R.E. (Community Approach to Recovery and Engagement) is a partnership aimed at reducing the impact opioid use is having on our community. The mission is to help people living with addiction achieve and maintain recovery.
Recovery is a deeply personal and unique journey for each individual. The path to healing and well-being can vary significantly based on a multitude of factors, including personal history, the nature of the condition, support systems, and environment.