When patients walk into BrightView Health, one of the first faces they often see is Marissa’s. Her warm smile and dependable presence at the front desk are more than just part of the job — they’re part of her recovery.
But behind that smile is a powerful story of resilience, survival, and hope.
A Long Battle With Addiction
Marissa’s struggle with addiction began when she was just 18. For over two decades, she used drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of rejection, childhood wounds, and a deep longing for acceptance.
“I didn’t even try to get sober until I was in my forties,” she says. “The most time I went without drugs was just because I didn’t have them.”
That changed after a theft charge in 2016 led to probation. A relapse and overdose soon after landed her in jail. “I’m a two-time overdose survivor,” she shares. “Coming out of that, I knew something had to change.”
A Life-Saving Moment
The second overdose nearly cost Marissa her life. This time, it was her nine-year-old daughter who saved her.
“Had she not been smart enough to call 911, I probably wouldn’t be here right now,” Marissa says. “She is my superhero.”
That moment became the turning point. Marissa entered inpatient treatment, spent more than two years working through recovery, and began to face the root causes of her addiction.
“What kept me self-medicating was rejection,” she explains. “But I realized I had to accept myself. At some point, you have to be accountable for your own healing and your own journey.”
Finding Purpose in Work
During treatment, Marissa began working at BrightView’s Patient Access Center. It was here that she discovered how meaningful it was to help others take their first step toward recovery.
“When I got that job, I thought, this is how I can give back,” she says. Later, she accepted a role at the front desk, where she sees the impact of her story every day.
“People might think it’s just scheduling appointments, but these patients are my heart. In addiction, no one could depend on me. Now people know they can count on me — and that’s huge for me and for them.”
Breaking Stigma and Offering Hope
Marissa knows firsthand the stigma surrounding addiction and treatment. One of the biggest misconceptions, she says, is that medication assisted treatment (MAT) is “trading one drug for another.”
“That’s not true,” she emphasizes. “Medication helps people get their brain chemistry back in balance so they can rebuild their lives.”
She also advocates for Narcan access everywhere. “If paramedics had stopped after one or two doses, I wouldn’t be here. Narcan saves lives.”
Her Message Today
Now in recovery for nearly four years, Marissa reflects on what she would tell her younger self:
“You are worthy. You’re going to do great things and make an impact. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than.”
And to her daughter, the girl who saved her life:
“It was never your fault. You were always enough. Even if I wasn’t enough at the time, it had nothing to do with you. You’re my superhero. I love you so much.”
A Place Where Recovery Is Possible
Marissa’s story is a reminder that addiction doesn’t define a person — and recovery is possible with support, treatment, and hope.
At BrightView, we meet patients where they are, without judgment. Whether it’s your first step or your tenth, you’ll find people here who believe in you and are ready to help.
Take the First Step Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. BrightView Health offers evidence-based treatment, counseling, and compassionate support.
Call us 24/7 at 888-501-9865 or learn more about addiction treatment here.