This Week's Beit T'Shuvah Spotlight

This Week's Beit T'Shuvah Spotlight: Elise Kaplan

For most people, entering treatment in their early twenties can be a frightening experience. Some will not accept the change while others rise to the occasion and learn how to thrive under these circumstances. One of these standouts is 22-year-old Tech Intern, Elise Kaplan. In her time at Beit T’Shuvah, Elise has managed to build a solid foundation for her recovery and has already overcome many obstacles.

Hailing from Simi Valley, Elise grew up with her brother, father, and grandmother. She got along with her brother and father but the relationship with her grandmother was not as strong. While she lacked guidance from a female figure, Elise did well in school both academically and socially. Drugs came into play during 8^th grade and Elise began skipping school and staying out past curfew. This only progressed, as she got older.

By 10^th grade, Elise had moved out of her family’s home and was living with her boyfriend. For a while things were perfect for her, until she started using opiates. After using Oxycodone for an extended period of time, both she and her boyfriend started to feel the physical addiction. This was the game changer in their relationship as the attitude of being in love changed dramatically. Her boyfriend started to become abusive and Elise began to fear for her life. This past July, they were both arrested because of their opiate addiction. While she was locked up, she was presented with an ultimatum by her family; stay in jail or get clean. Elise decided to take the leap of faith and seek salvation through Beit T’Shuvah.

Elise entered Beit T’Shuvah in January of this year after breaking up with her boyfriend and missing her court date. Like most of addicts in early recovery, she was scared of what was to come and hesitant to change. “I was really shy and kept to myself,” she said. “The thought of being in rehab was new and uncomfortable to me.” When she finally decided to open up in groups and with her peers, she started to feel more at home in Beit T’Shuvah.

Today Elise has made a complete turn around. She has become very out going and well liked by her community. During her free time, she does her best to help newcomers and fellowship with her friends. Her days are structured with meetings, step work, and self-maintenance. Recently, Elise was offered an internship in the clinical department as a Tech. “Being a Tech has helped me tremendously,” Elise said. “After all that BTS has offered me, it’s a gift to be able to give back to my community.” Elise Kaplan will be celebrating her first year of sobriety next month so be sure to congratulate her on all she has accomplished.

Help launch a life like Elise's so others can discover the magic of Beit T’Shuvah. Donate Here.