Breaking Through the Fear: How Sobriety Becomes Possible
Taking the first step toward recovery can feel like stepping into the unknown. The fear of judgment, of change, and of leaving a false sense of security behind often keeps people from seeking the help they deserve. But on the other side of that fear is a life of hope and possibility.
At Milestone Treatment Center, we believe in the power of shared experience. Our team is built on a foundation of empathy, with many staff members who have walked the path of recovery themselves. This firsthand experience is not just a part of our program; it’s the heart of how we connect with our clients.
We recently sat down with our new Executive Director, Phil Smyth, to discuss his passion for this work. With years of experience in substance abuse treatment, Phil’s leadership will guide both our New Jersey and Virginia locations. In his interview, he shared insights on making sobriety feel achievable, the critical role of family healing, and the dedication that drives our team to help every person who walks through our doors.
His perspective is a testament to the fact that recovery is possible and that the most difficult first steps can be made simple with the right support. Taking that first step is the hardest part, and we believe navigating the logistics shouldn’t hold you back. Our team is dedicated to making the process seamless, including working directly with your private insurance provider to ensure you can focus entirely on healing.
Read on to hear Phil’s insights in his own words—a story of passion, dedication, and the blessing of seeing lives transformed.
Video Transcript: A Conversation with Executive Director Phil Smyth
1. What makes it so tough for people to take that first step?
For many people, it’s the fear of the unknown and a worry about being judged. Addiction can create a false sense of security, which makes change difficult. I can confidently say that recovery is worth it, and here at Milestone, we make this process very simple.
2. How does Milestone help someone feel like sobriety is actually possible?
We simplify the process. When you come in, you’re immediately matched with a dedicated therapist who helps create a treatment plan for your specific needs—whether it’s trauma, family issues, or employment struggles. We work on short-term and long-term goals to get you to a place where you can achieve lasting recovery.
3. What do you wish more parents and loved ones understood about addiction?
I wish more families understood that they deserve healing, too. We have a very strong family program with monthly support meetings and therapy sessions because statistics show that clients with family involvement are far more likely to achieve long-term recovery.
4. What makes you most proud of the work being done here?
What makes me most proud is that it doesn’t feel like a job. Our whole team is passionate about what we do. We are in a unique position to see a client come in broken and defeated, and then miraculously turn their lives around for themselves and their families. It’s truly a blessing.