Overcoming Addiction
On August 4, 2024, TROSA joined family and friends in celebrating our newest group of TROSA program graduates!
TROSA is a multi-year residential treatment program, and graduates are program participants who have completed two years of treatment at TROSA. To celebrate this monumental achievement, we hold formal graduation ceremonies throughout the year attended by family, friends, and peers in recovery.
Multiple Paths to Graduation Day and Continuing Care
TROSA is thoughtfully-designed with multiple program stages. As TROSA residents approach their graduation date, there are several paths they can take.
Some of our graduates apply to stay longer within our program as senior residents, some travel to start new adventures in recovery, and some opt to move into our local transitional housing through our Graduate Services support program.
Celebrating Recovery
Each TROSA graduate who attended graduation had the opportunity to share their thoughts and thanks with family, friends, and the entire TROSA community.
Below are the words from two of our most recent graduates:
“The day I came to TROSA, I knew I wanted to change but didn’t know where to start. I had lived in addiction for twenty-five years. TROSA provided classes, therapy and support. I slowly changed myself from the inside out to be the woman I knew I wanted to be and could be. I love myself today and am proud of myself. All because of this opportunity TROSA provided and the effort I put in to achieve this.”
– Jan, August 2024 TROSA Graduate
“TROSA has saved my life. I’ve learned so many valuable things at TROSA. I’ve learned how to deal with my emotions, handle all kinds of difficult situations, and take care of myself both physically and mentally. TROSA has helped me become a better person. I am a TROSA graduate and very proud to say that.”
– Ryan, August 2024 TROSA Graduate
Hope, Connection, and Support
At our graduation ceremony, we were fortunate to be joined by longtime TROSA supporter and collaborator Paul Nagy (pictured on the right, next to TROSA senior resident Jerry). Paul has worked closely with TROSA for nearly all of our 30 years in service to individuals with substance use disorders.
Paul is an Assistant Professor at Duke University School of Medicine. In the 1990s, he served on a local treatment advocacy committee and on the TROSA Board of Directors to help TROSA’s Founder, Kevin McDonald, grow our evidence-based treatment program in Durham. Paul has been a champion of TROSA and our residents ever since.
Paul offered inspiring and reflective words to our graduates on their special day, which included this note:
“TROSA is a place of hope, connection, and support for those who desire a better life.
“Graduates, may today’s joys and possibilities of recovery be yours always.”