Recovery Stories: Hannah, Kyle, and Tim
When it comes to recovery, change isn’t just about making an individual choice. Success is strengthened by the systems of support that surround people: sponsors, peers, family, faith, and treatment programs. At ASAP, we’ve learned that recovery stories are not just inspiring milestones but also evidence of what can happen when communities come together to create pathways for healing. In the follow stories, Hannah, Kyle, and Tim remind us that lasting recovery is possible when care, connection, and opportunity are woven into the fabric of our community.
Hannah
Since December 7th, 2023, Hannah Combs has been building a recovery life rooted in community. What sustains her isn’t willpower alone—it’s the web of relationships and routines that make healing possible: a sponsor who checks in, meetings that keep her grounded, family who shows up, and a faith community that holds her with care.
“I have a really good support group, I am close with my family, and I can work an honest program. The single most important thing I do to keep my recovery journey moving forward is staying connected with my sponsor, going to meetings, and going to church. Recovery to me means healing and finding myself again. I would say to someone struggling that it’s okay to ask for help and you’re not alone.”
Hannah’s lived expertise points to a bigger truth: recovery takes a village. When people have welcoming meetings, peer support, and communities of belonging, they have a greater chance of success.
Kyle
Recovery isn’t something that just “happens” one day. It’s ongoing, vulnerable, and deeply tied to the support systems around us. That’s why short-term programs, while helpful in a crisis, can’t sustain someone for a lifetime. What makes the difference are long-term supports: peer networks, consistent meetings, and communities of care that catch people at every stage.
For Kyle Strong, who has been in recovery since October 27th, 2023, that lesson is personal. Now a certified peer recovery coach and outreach specialist here at ASAP, Kyle uses his lived experience to walk alongside others.
“The single most important thing that keeps me sober is staying humble. The moment I start taking my sobriety for granted is the moment I know I can lose it all… Recovery to me means the process of recovering from drug addiction, mental health illness, or past traumas. I would tell someone struggling that they’re worth it. I know they’re scared and alone, but sobriety is the best answer for them.”
Kyle’s story shows that supportive peers are essential infrastructure. When people with lived expertise are empowered to lead, recovery becomes more accessible, less stigmatized, and far more effective.
Tim
Recovery isn’t simply about stopping substance use. As Tim Cottongim puts it, “Recovery means, to me, change… it is doing the opposite of what I’ve done in addiction.” True recovery is a whole-life transformation—rebuilding habits, values, and pathways that set people up for success. Systems that focus only on abstinence miss the larger picture: people also need skills, housing, employment, and wellness supports to thrive.
For Tim, who just celebrated four years of sobriety on September 11th, 2025, this truth has played out in his own life. In recovery, he’s accomplished goals, gained stability, and far more.
“Given where I’m at now in recovery, my life has changed drastically. I have successfully accomplished all of my goals that I have set and I currently have everything that I have never had before… Recovery means, to me, change. It is a way of life. It is doing the opposite of what I’ve done in addiction and it has set me up to be successful in life. To someone struggling in addiction: please seek treatment. You are not alone. Remember—we are all in this together.”
Hannah, Kyle, and Tim remind us that recovery is sustained not just by individual determination but by the systems of care and connection that surround people. Their journeys show why it matters to have strong networks—families, peers, faith communities, treatment programs, and long-term supports—that make healing possible. That’s the work ASAP carries forward every day.
Formed through a partnership of local government, healthcare, courts, and community organizations, ASAP leads prevention and recovery efforts in Bartholomew County. By focusing on both prevention and recovery, ASAP addresses substance misuse at every point of need—helping people avoid the risks of addiction while ensuring support is available for those already affected. This dual approach creates a stronger safety net, ensuring that no matter where someone is on their journey, they have a path toward hope and healing.
If you or someone you love is seeking support, start here:
