Cornerstone Recovery Center Proudly Welcomes Lornette Davis, Behavioral Health Technician
How long have you worked in addiction treatment and recovery?
“I have been working in this field for about six years – and I love every minute of it!”
How did you get involved with treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, and what has your experience been like?
“It all began when alcohol and drug addiction hit home. I have friends and family members who suffer from co-occurring disorders, so I want the whole world to see inside addiction. Everyone needs to understand it on a one-to-one basis.” “For instance, I have a cousin who should be in treatment but he refuses to make the commitment. I was able to get him to some 12-step meetings. He is attending weekly meetings and we talk two or three times a week about what he needs to do to stay clean. I’m so glad I can give him advice, which he seems to be following. That’s great because, quite frankly, his mother had given up on him, because his habit caused him to steal from her. She now understands that drug and alcohol addiction is a disease. Her understanding and his efforts to stay clean have improved their relationship. It’s great that she’s on his side, trying to help him.” “I really didn’t understand dual diagnosis until I began working in the field. For me, the experience here at Cornerstone Recovery Center in Fort Lauderdale has been nothing short of amazing!”
What are some of your responsibilities?
“The great thing about my work is that my responsibilities are diverse. And Cornerstone encourages us to come up with our own responsibilities as long as they are in our clients’ interests. But when it comes right down to it, my main focus is fixing every broken smile that comes through the doors at Cornerstone. Many clients come in unconvinced that staying clean is even possible. Our job is to change mindset – to show them that recovery is possible and that they can live their lives clean and sober.”
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when working with people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction?
“For me, the most ideal thing to keep in mind is to know that everyone is different. Your approach cannot be the same with every client. It must change to suit each client. Meeting them where they’re at and helping them grow is the best way to build trust and make good things happen.”
How is Cornerstone different from other treatment centers you’ve experienced?
“Going to work at Cornerstone feels like coming home. We are like family here and it makes the job fun, I’m always pumped up coming to work. At Cornerstone we all work closely with each other. Amazingly, our clients watch us and they learn how to get along with their peers. I just have not seen this camaraderie and collaboration in other South Florida treatment centers.” “Another reason I love working at Cornerstone is that we have a Family Night twice a month. Family and friends of our clients can come in, do therapy sessions and get insights into what addiction is really like. “
Could you share your career path with us?
“Sure! I want to become a therapist or a nurse some day, so I can work even more closely with our clients. Our nurses are among the first people that the clients meet upon their arrival to treatment. I feel that the sooner you start to get to know them, the faster you can begin to help them.”
How has Cornerstone made an impact on your life?
“That’s an easy one! We save lives daily, and to be a part of that is very important to me. When I see clients come in and talk about how they’ve burned bridges with their moms, dads, grandmothers, sisters and brothers, it really touches me. To see them work on repairing relationships with their families is always a big bonus for me. “
Could you tell us more about yourself and what you enjoy doing in your free time?
“Well… I was born in Jamaica and came to the states at the tender age of 12. I went to middle school and high school in Miami. Prior to working in treatment, I worked at an elderly retirement home for about 10 years. Helping people has always – and will always be – my passion. I enjoy meeting new people from different walks of life. I also love reading and spending time with friends, family and love ones.”
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