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Rise - True Stories of Recovery
RISE - True Stories of Recovery

Recovery Stories from Mobile, Alabama: Real Journeys Through Opioid Addiction, Treatment, and Hope

Project Persevere shares monthly opioid recovery stories from people and families across Mobile, Alabama — real, honest journeys showing how individuals overcome addiction through treatment, support, and community care.

These personal stories highlight experiences with medication-assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient and outpatient programs, counseling, and long-term recovery resources, offering invaluable insight for anyone seeking help or supporting a loved one. Alongside these narratives, we publish monthly features covering treatment options, local services, practical recovery tools, and solutions that reflect what healing truly looks like in our community.

Whether you’re beginning recovery, exploring treatment for the first time, or searching for hope after relapse, this is a trusted space to learn, connect, and see that recovery is possible — one story at a time.

Three adults standing together on a Mobile, AL street at sunset, smiling and representing real community recovery stories.

How to Ask for Help With Opioid Addiction

By Melanie Warner Spencer

6 steps (and resources) for getting the treatment you deserve sooner rather than later.
Person playing acoustic guitar indoors near window.

Seeking a Calm Life After Chaos

By Melanie Warner Spencer

A former substance dealer finds purpose in recovery after years in a cycle of addiction, sobriety and legal trouble.
Two people offering support with a helping hand in a mental health awareness setting.

From Rock Bottom to Redemption

By Melanie Warner Spencer

A prescription to manage pain after multiple surgeries sends a young mother into homelessness, onto the county’s most wanted list and to jail, then on a path to recovery that included donating a kidney to one of her arresting officers and helping other women struggling with addiction.

Opioids 101

By Melanie Warner Spencer

Mind-Body Recovery

By Melanie Warner Spencer

Emerging research indicates that complementary yoga and meditation therapies can help reshape the fight against opioid addiction
Carefully balanced stones stacked on a rocky surface, symbolizing resilience and mental strength.

From Survival to Stability: Ryan’s Story

By Melanie Warner Spencer

Diagnosed with a chronic illness in his 20s, Ryan tumbled down a dark path of pain, addiction and losing everyone and everything he held dear. At 38, he finally found recovery, proving it's never too late.
Supportive group hug promoting mental health and community resilience.

The Roots of Addiction

By Melanie Warner Spencer

"One death is too many." Dr. Rahul Gupta, the first physician to lead the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, returned to Alabama to address the opioid crisis. Read why he believes 24/7 access to care and a shift in medical perspective are essential to saving lives in our community.
Tempey Hamilton sitting in a modern office space for Project Persevere.

Mobile United’s Peer Link

Mobile United’s Peer Link program is taking a revolutionary approach to the opioid crisis: letting the students lead the way. In this interview, Tempey Hamilton explains how this initiative is empowering young leaders to create a drug-free culture in Mobile, AL.
Person sitting in a tunnel with light at the end, representing hope and perseverance.

From Pain to Purpose

By Melanie Warner Spencer

Blindsided by grief, a stay-at-home mother spirals into decades of opioid addiction. Read the powerful story of how a family ultimatum finally led Jeanne Sparks from darkness to redemption.