At Axiom Care, we believe in the power of helping others, especially when the people helping have overcome big challenges themselves. Dee Dee Brown, our Operations Manager, is one of those people. Her story of beating addiction, facing relapse, and getting back on track shows how strong a person can be.
A Life of Helping and Healing
Dee Dee has been a vital part of Axiom Care for almost four years. As the Operations Manager at our Detox and Crisis Care programs, she looks after 28 team members, making sure everything runs smoothly. She manages our techs, housekeeping, food services, and reception. Her work is important, but it’s her personal story that makes her dedication so inspiring.
“My life is very tied to Axiom, and I’m always on call and busy,” Dee Dee shares, showing just how committed she is to her role.
Dee Dee began working in the addiction recovery field in 2006, but it was her personal battle with meth addiction that truly inspired her to assist others on their path to recovery. After her release from prison in 2016, she worked at various organizations before joining Axiom Care in 2021. She was drawn to Axiom because of its warm, supportive atmosphere, where both staff and clients are treated like family.
The Challenge of Relapse
One of the most surprising parts of Dee Dee’s story is that she had been sober for 9.5 years before she relapsed. This happened after her youngest daughter’s father passed away, which was a really hard time for her. “What shocks people about my story is that I had 9.5 years clean before I relapsed,” she says. This relapse led to a six-month period where she fell back into old habits, eventually landing her back in prison for three years.
Dee Dee’s experience with relapse shows that recovery isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t always go as planned. But she’s open about what happened and wants others to know that it’s okay to stumble. “When I relapsed, it was okay. You have to pick yourself up and figure out what you did wrong so you don’t make that mistake again,” she advises.
Support Makes All the Difference
These days, Dee Dee manages difficult situations with the help of a strong support network. Her wife has been a constant pillar of strength, and together, they have navigated life challenges. Dee Dee also draws significant support from her family, including her five children and nine grandchildren, who are central to her life. “I have a really strong family who I can talk to, and I know I would return to meetings if anything ever shook me,” she shares. She’s firmly committed to staying away from drugs, recognizing the value of the life she’s built and her determination to preserve it.
Building a Better Life
Today, Dee Dee’s life is a shining example of what’s possible with determination and support. After her second time in prison, she decided it was time to make a change. “I realized that I was older, and I had children and grandchildren, and I wanted to be a part of their lives,” she reflects. Now, with 11 years of sobriety under her belt, she’s not only thriving at Axiom Care but also making a positive impact on the lives of others who are struggling with addiction.
Her advice to others in recovery is simple but powerful: “Recovery is too hard, people say, but you just have to get past the first step. The hardest thing to do is to walk into a meeting or call to get help. But once you make the decision to do that, every day gets better and better.”
The Axiom Care Difference
For Dee Dee, working at Axiom Care isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. “People get treated with dignity and respect here—the support is phenomenal. If you’ve got issues or something going on, Axiom staff will support you. It’s just a blessing being here,” she says.
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
Dee Dee’s story is one of hope and transformation. It shows that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you can always get back up. At Axiom Care, we’re proud to have Dee Dee Brown on our team, and her journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is always possible, even after a setback.
Axiom Care can help you no matter where you are in your recovery journey. Give us a call today to learn more about our detox, rehab, and addiction treatment programs.