Fred’s Story: How River’s Bend Changed a Life

When Fred first walked through the doors of River’s Bend more than a decade ago, he was at a breaking point. What began as recreational use of drugs had spiraled into a dependency on Vicodin. At his peak, he was taking 25 to 30 pills a day. He didn’t know how to stop — or how to stay stopped. “I had never had a drug addiction before,” Fred recalls. “Nothing had grabbed hold of me like the Vicodin had. I needed guidance to find my way out of it.”

This is the story of how River’s Bend, and specifically therapist and co-owner Stephanie Howey, LMSW, helped Fred reclaim his life. His story reflects not only his courage and resilience, but also the River’s Bend philosophy: recovery is a partnership, and no one has to face it alone.

The Turning Point

For Fred, the realization came quickly: this was “new territory.” He couldn’t navigate it alone. Vicodin had taken over his life, and he recognized he needed outside support. Choosing River’s Bend was a leap of faith. “I had no idea how to stop or how to stay stopped,” he says. “That was most of my decision in choosing River’s Bend.”

Fred’s honesty is striking: recovery was not instant. He relapsed multiple times. But each time, he got back up faster, stronger, and with more tools in his pocket. Stephanie helped him recognize patterns of drug-seeking behavior before they escalated. “Each time I relapsed, I was able to cut it off earlier,” Fred explains. “I could put myself back together that much sooner.”

A Partnership in Healing

One of the most powerful parts of Fred’s story is his emphasis on partnership. “It’s not about lying on a couch every week,” Fred says. “Stephanie gives you tools. But if you don’t use them, there’s no point. Recovery has to be a partnership. She steadily handed me each individual tool, and eventually I put them to work.”

That partnership turned into years of sobriety. Most importantly, he has rebuilt a life full of meaning, stability, and hope. “If you want to live, this is the place to go,” Fred says. “This is going to give you the tools to grow up, to watch your kids grow up, to live out the rest of your life.”

Stephanie Howey’s Role

Fred is quick to credit his therapist. “Without being totally emotional about it, Stephanie definitely saved my life,” he says. “I was on a path of destruction. My life around me was crumbling. Lots of death in my family, which she also helped me deal with. My life would be either worse or non-existent if it weren’t for her.”

Stephanie’s reputation in Metro Detroit extends beyond individual therapy. As COO and co-owner of River’s Bend, she brings over 20 years of experience treating adolescents and adults for both mental health and substance use disorders. Her approach combines diagnostic evaluations, individual sessions, and group work. She also leads with compassion in the broader community, collaborating with local schools, suicide prevention groups, and nonprofit organizations.

Fred describes Stephanie as someone who “figures me out” — who dives into the depths of his struggles and helps him see a way forward. Her ability to blend clinical expertise with empathy is at the heart of River’s Bend’s mission: healing is about more than treatment; it’s about connection.

Recovery Is Not Linear

Fred’s story also reinforces an important truth: recovery is not a straight line. “I relapsed many times,” he says, “but each time I was able to cut it off that much faster.” What kept him going was not perfection, but persistence, and the support he felt from River’s Bend. “On tough days, if I needed an extra appointment, Stephanie would get me in. Anytime I called, she’d get back to me. The support was always within arm’s reach. I just needed to reach out and grab it.”

That consistency made the difference. Fred learned that setbacks are part of the process, and that the real turning point wasn’t just about what Stephanie did, it was about his commitment to the work. “If you’re not committed, it’s never going to happen,” he says. “But if you are, River’s Bend will give you the tools to get there.”

A Message for Families and Individuals

Fred knows his story might help someone else take that first step. “If you want to live, this is the place to go,” he repeats. “If you want to see your kids grow up, your grandkids grow up, stop and put this stuff down. River’s Bend will give you the tools to help you live the rest of your life happily. I’d be dead otherwise.”

For families worried about a loved one, Fred’s story is both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. Addiction can take hold quickly, but with the right partnership, recovery is possible. River’s Bend doesn’t just treat symptoms; it equips people with skills and support to rebuild their lives.

Gratitude and Perspective

Now in his 40s, Fred reflects on the years since he first entered River’s Bend at age 28. He’s endured profound loss in his family, but Stephanie helped him put things in perspective. “A lot of people view death as unfair,” he says, “but she helped me deal with it. She helped me see it differently.”

The gratitude in his voice is undeniable. “There are not enough thank yous in the world,” Fred says. “I’m so lucky I found her. Truly.”

The River’s Bend Difference

Fred’s journey is deeply personal, but it also reflects what makes River’s Bend different from other treatment clinics:

• Personalized Care: Therapists like Stephanie meet clients where they are, offering tools tailored to each individual’s needs.
• Continuity of Support: Whether through individual therapy, group sessions, or extra appointments, River’s Bend ensures clients never feel alone.
• Community Commitment: Beyond individual therapy, River’s Bend participates in outreach and education across Metro Detroit, helping families and schools address mental health and substance use.
• Evidence-Based and Empathetic: With over 25 years serving Metro Detroit, River’s Bend blends clinical expertise with heartfelt compassion.

Closing Thoughts

Fred’s story is one of resilience, partnership, and hope. It’s also a reminder that recovery is not about never stumbling; it’s about learning how to rise again, faster and stronger each time. For Fred, River’s Bend provided the tools, the partnership, and the unwavering support that made all the difference.

His words are simple, but powerful: “If I can help one person…I know what it’s like.”

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, River’s Bend is here to walk the journey with you.

Call our intake team at (248) 585-3239 for a confidential consultation.  

Convenient locations in Troy and West Bloomfield, with virtual options across Metro Detroit.

At River’s Bend, recovery isn’t just possible — it’s personal.