Meet Liz Billeaudeaux. Dove House changed her life, restored her relationships and taught her how to love herself.
Liz had her first drink at age 12 and became addicted to heroin and opiates by her 16th birthday. By the time she was 23 years old, she had three children and had been married for five years. As her dependence on drugs and alcohol worsened, her marriage started to fall apart. Soon thereafter, she lost custody of her children. Liz knew she desperately needed help but felt powerless.
After many unsuccessful attempts at sobriety on her own and at various detox centers where she never stayed long past check-in, Liz learned about Dove House. By this time, she was ready to do whatever it took—she was ready to be happy and free.
“I was faced with the reality I was never going to have my family in my life if I didn’t learn how to live life,” Liz shared. “I knew what I wanted, but I didn’t know how to accomplish my goals. I needed healing, peace, love and so much more.”
Liz was admitted to Dove House in June of 2019 and stayed for six months, devoting herself to her recovery. When she first arrived, many different emotions began to arise and she didn’t know whether to resist the peace that she felt, embrace the accountability she desperately needed or stay ready to run. She decided to stay, and in the end, she learned so much about herself and how to really live life to her fullest potential.
“I learned that wasn’t less than, or better than anyone. For as many years as I could remember, I felt like I was not worth being helped,” she added.
Liz also learned that it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay,” and best of all, she discovered who she wanted to be and decided she was willing to work toward that goal.
Through determination and the help of Dove House, Liz restored her relationships with her loved ones. Her relationships are now full of love, truth and even some healthy conflict.
“This journey didn’t take away the fact we are humans, and we are imperfect,” Liz explained. “Patience is a virtue for all of us. Remembering who I have been, who I am today and who I strive to stay and become keeps me right size.”
At first, Liz felt she didn’t fit in with the “sisterhood” aspect of Dove House. Her heart was so hardened that she thought she wouldn’t develop love for a lifetime, let alone with the women she had just met. She didn’t think she wanted or needed love from this community but now recognizes how important her Dove sisters truly are.
“Today, the women before me, there with me and after me are some of the main people in this world who know me and accept me without any questions,” said Liz.
From her recovery experience at Dove House, Liz has some words of wisdom to share with those who might be facing similar struggles.
“Your journey is your journey, but contrary to what the world may say, it doesn’t have to be only your fight. You are loved. You are seen. You are thought of,” she added.
Liz enjoys riding bikes, fishing, walking and shopping with her kids. Her greatest joy is motherhood, and she and her family have reconnected with a church and are very involved with their spiritual community. She is thankful to the employees, donors and board for their commitment to all the women in recovery at Dove House.
