Allison Harden’s personal recovery journey led her to employment roles in Community Outreach at the Betty Ford Center and the Center for Dependency Addiction and Rehabilitation (CeDAR). She has a Master of Science from the University of Denver in Organizational Leadership. Her education along with her lived experience inspired her to open Beyond Betty, where she continues to support individuals, families, and organizations in addiction and recovery support services. Services include clinical interventions, care navigation, recovery coaching, peer support supervision, and facilitation of continuing education training for the peer support workforce.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhar 
and 
https://beyondbetty.net//

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?

A. Alcohol and Cannabis, 11/28/87.

Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety toolkit that helps keep you sober?

A. My Power Hour or two or three each morning. I light a candle and spend time checking in with myself first thing every day.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?

A. Disease.

Q. Where are you from and where do you reside now?

A. I grew up in York, Nebraska and live in Denver now.

Q. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

A. Resilient.

Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop, desert, or penthouse?

A. I will retire, and l will live by the ocean, lake, river and mountaintop while camping as much as possible. In, nature is where I feel most connected to myself and the world.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?

A. Arrogant and hateful people.

Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which charity would you donate it to?

A. Beyond Betty Inc in Denver, Colorado for treatment scholarships for individuals and family members

Q. Who has been the biggest influence throughout your life?

A. My maternal grandmother, my mother, my husband, Jeff, and our two adult children.

Q. If you could give advice to your younger self what would it be?

A. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Lighten up.

Q. Who made you feel seen growing up?

A. My maternal grandmother and my mother.

Q. From what school of thought or teacher did you learn the most from?

A. Alcoholics Anonymous, and my first sponsor Loretta Wiess for 17 years before she passed away.

Q. What is a phrase that has kept you afloat during hard times?

A. Keep calm and carry on.

Q. What major event or realization shaped who you are?

A. Finding the power of abstinence, then sobriety, then recovery at age 25.

Q. What do you love most about living sober?

A. I live in recovery, and have more self-esteem, love, and authentic connections with others than I ever thought was possible.

Q. What is your Astrological sign?

A. Gemini.

Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery?

A. Jamie Lee Curtis.

Q. What book(s) have you read more than once?

A. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and Stephanie Covington’s A Woman’s Way through the 12 Steps.

Q. What books are you reading now?

A. The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister, The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins, and Lorne by Susan Morrison.

Q. Are you binge watching any TV series?

A. Yes, Bear, Mid Century Modern, and Mobland.

Q What is your favorite App?

A. Duolingo.

Q. Who is your favorite performer, living or dead?

A. Coldplay.

Q. What are some of the most memorable songs in your life?

A. One Man’s Dream by Yanni, Long Time Sun by Snatam Kaur, Just One by Matt Butler, Prayer of St. Francis by Sarah McLachlan, and Fire and Rain by James Taylor.

Q. What is your favorite city?

A. New York City.

Q. What are five things you always carry with you?

A. Kleenex, 1 hearing aid, sunscreen, toothpick, and the Serenity Prayer.

Q. What is one thing that always makes you smile?

A. Dogs and pride flags.

Q. Is there anything you do that seems mundane on the surface but has turned out to be sacred for you?

A. My AM power hour with my lit candle.

Q. What is your biggest fear?

A. Environmental destruction.

Q. Where do you go when you’re seeking solitude?

A. My restorative room.

Q. What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?

A. Becoming an entrepreneur.

Q. Have you ever been arrested and, if so, what for?

A. Yes. Alcohol while driving was involved.

Q. What is the hardest amends you’ve ever had to make?

A. To my father.

Q. What is something you’ve learned about yourself in the last six months?

A. I went back to ACA to continue to understand my unhealthy, dependent behaviors in significant relationships.

Q. What is something you are currently curious about?

A. Why there is so much hate in the world.

Q. What do you love most about yourself?

A. I’m a life long learner and I’m generous with my time and money.

Q. What do you like most about 12-step meetings?

A. Observing a newcomer have an aha moment of clarity.