3 Amazing Women Supporting Recovery from Addiction

There are so many women supporting recovery who have devoted their lives to helping others.

Sometimes they are visible, but often they are behind the scenes.

Here are three dedicated women, each with their own unique story who are making our world a better place!

I have had the privilege to facilitate and be witness to an incredible and profound change in the lives of those suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction and their families.

Kristina Wandzilak

Executive Director and the founder of Full Circle Intervention, Kristina is a nationally recognized Interventionist, presenter, and author. She has worked in the field of chemical dependency since 1994. Kristina is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CASII), and Board Registered Interventionist (BRI II). She has been the host and is also an expert on TLC’s Addicted.

In 2006 Kristina and her mother, Constance Curry published a memoir The Lost Years: Surviving a Mother and Daughter’s Worst Nightmare. The book was co-authored with her mother Constance Curry. It chronicles their parallel journeys into the life they both enjoy today.

Kristina grew up in an affluent Bay area neighborhood and had her first drink at age 13. At age 15, she began a severe addiction to methamphetamines and other drugs. Her parents tried everything to help, contain, and save her. They put her in three different treatment centers.

When Kristina was 18, she left the last center early. Her mother decided to let her daughter go. She told Kristina, “You are not welcome in my home or life until you are living a life of recovery. If I never see you alive again, please know how much you are loved.”

At this point, Kristina descended into the depths of despair. She ended up on the streets, turning to prostitution, burglarizing homes, and digging in dumpsters to pay for her drug habit. After nearly dying on the floor of a homeless shelter, Kristina finally decided to change her life at age 21. She completed six months of treatment in Northern California.

Now, Kristina has celebrated 26 years of sobriety. She has committed her life to helping others struggling with addiction. Kristina founded Full Circle Intervention.

Respectful systemic intervention is what she wants to bring to families in crisis.

Velvet Mangan

Velvet is the founder of Safe Harbor Treatment Center for Women. The center is located in Costa Mesa, CA. The late Christopher Kennedy Lawford featured Velvet in his book, Moments of Clarity. She has also appeared on the Dr. Phil Show.

Here is Velvet’s story:

“For over 23 years, it has been my passion to help women find peace and healing from the addictions that can take over their lives. As a recovered alcoholic woman myself, I deeply understand the heartache and hopelessness that comes with addiction.”

“It is from this understanding that I created Safe Harbor, a place where women can come and learn how to regain their lives and support each other in a unique and encouraging environment.”

“I developed Safe Harbor because there was a need for a special place for women to recover; a place that was not available to me as I started my own personal journey towards recovery and sobriety.”

“Every day, I remember every person that has come into my life, has held out that hand to get me where I am today.  And I think of the miracle of God and the grace of God. I know that when I do spend that quality time when I do keep up my relationship with my higher power, I am so awake to the world. And I just want to be awake for all of it, even the scary moments of it. I just want to be awake.” 

The Law of Sobriety says that if you do what you are afraid to do because you know it’s good for you, positive results will follow.

Sherry Gaba

Sherry is a psychotherapist and life coach. She specializes in individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy. Sherry maintains a private practice in southern California and is the author of The Law of Sobriety: Attracting Positive Energy for a Powerful Recovery.