Odyssey House of Utah

11/21/2025

HE REMEMBERS A GUN TO HIS HEAD AT AGE 4

Brian Higgins witnessed unspeakable violence growing up in Northern Ireland. The PTSD continued to haunt him as he came to the U.S. He was homeless in Salt Lake and addicted to substances, but now he’s turned things entirely around. In this edition of Odyssey House Journals he talks about his non profit aimed at getting rid of the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. Watch or listen and hopefully subscribe (free) to the 30 minute podcast on the following platforms with the following links:
https://youtu.be/KVE3c0Fd2cU

You can also listen and subscribe to the audio version on iTunes at
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/odyssey-house-journals/id1462333385

or Spotify at
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Basx2YsjYcRmmrSufLX3z?si=Wni9usSiQbun-W0WsjNC-g

or iHeart podcasts at
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-odyssey-house-journals-59417265/

Or listen on KKAT 860-AM in Salt Lake Saturday & Sunday mornings at 10am

HE REMEMBERS A GUN TO HIS HEAD AT AGE 4Brian Higgins witnessed unspeakable violence growing up in Northern Ireland. The PTSD continued to haunt him as he cam...

11/20/2025

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City and had every opportunity growing up. I played sports, did well in school, and went on to college. But somewhere along the way, I started chasing the idea of being cool and popular. What began as partying and recreational drug use eventually led to full-time addiction and years of being in and out of the system.

When I first came to Odyssey House, I was just going through the motions—doing what it took to look successful on the outside. It wasn’t until my second time through that I really started to grow. Odyssey helped me change my perception and build values that went beyond material things. I learned to see life through other people’s eyes, not just my own, and that shifted everything.

Now, in my forties, I look back on my first forty years and realize the math never added up to the person I wanted to be. The next forty will be different. My top value now is time—spending quality time with family, friends, and people who matter to me. I’ve learned to live intentionally, not circumstantially, and to become the author of my own life.

Recovery means everything to me. It’s allowed me to think clearly, appreciate my relationships, and rebuild myself into the person I want to be—not by fixing my past, but by creating my future. Odyssey helped me become that person, one decision at a time.

Learn more at odysseyhouse.org

WE ARE RECOVERY

11/17/2025

This month, we’re shouting out Thersea Perdue, Business Development Specialist in our Outreach Services Program!

Theresa has been with Odyssey House for two years, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in the corporate sales world. After feeling a “lack of soul” and heart in her previous work, a series of life events inspired her to pursue something more fulfilling and meaningful, which ultimately led her to Odyssey House.

As part of our Outreach Services, Theresa plays an integral role in strengthening relationships with community partners. She connects with organizations across the justice, healthcare, and education systems to build a network of support and referrals, ensuring that every individual in need can access the most appropriate care, whether through Odyssey House or a trusted partner. She also assists our admissions department with the intake of new clients and getting them the resources they need.

Theresa is currently working towards a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, soon to begin her internship practicum with Odyssey House, with plans to become a therapist.

“It makes me feel really honored [to be part of this healing process], and honestly, very humbled. I feel that if somebody is vulnerable enough to share something really powerful – or something that’s impacted their world – and they’re willing to sit with me and share hard things with me, I always feel humbled. I feel really grateful that they want to share that, open up, and be trusting enough with me.”

Thank you, Theresa, for the admirable work you do to build a stronger community of support for those in need!

11/17/2025

THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE FOR YOUR ADDICTED LOVED ONE

Relapse is so common for people dealing with addiction. How can you lead a peaceful, happy life knowing that about your addicted loved one? Hear from others who are still holding out hope at the next Odyssey Family Support Group Meeting Tuesday Evening 11/18/25 from 630-8pm. It’s free, you don’t have to be connected to Odyssey and you can join from the comfort of your home. We are using a link called Google Meet. If you would like the link, email rcarlisle@odysseyhouse.org or familygroup@odysseyhouse.org.

11/14/2025

“THIS TIME AROUND I WILL MAKE IT!!!”

After 30 years of dealing with all kinds of addiction, Brenda knows it won’t be easy. Her mom doesn’t believe her and some of her kids don’t want to communicate. In this edition of Odyssey House Journals she talks about her recovery plans and why this time will be different. Watch or listen and hopefully subscribe (free) to the 30 minute podcast on the following platforms with the following links:
https://youtu.be/L4ZKFgS_J7o

You can also listen and subscribe to the audio version on iTunes at
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/odyssey-house-journals/id1462333385

or Spotify at
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Basx2YsjYcRmmrSufLX3z?si=Wni9usSiQbun-W0WsjNC-g

or iHeart podcasts at
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-odyssey-house-journals-59417265/

Or listen on KKAT 860-AM in Salt Lake Saturday & Sunday mornings at 10am

“THIS TIME AROUND I WILL MAKE IT!!!”After 30 years of dealing with all kinds of addiction, Brenda knows it won’t be easy. Her mom doesn’t believe her, and so...

11/11/2025

The Larry H. Miller Company & Family Foundation is giving back this Thanksgiving!

Join them Monday, November 24th, from 4–7 PM at the Salt Palace Convention Center (Hall 5) for a free Thanksgiving meal for our community.

Guests can also access free essential services at the Resource Fair — including record expungement, dental and vision screenings, haircuts, and more.

We’re grateful to see our community come together in the spirit of compassion and care this holiday season.

11/11/2025

Take time to nurture and care for yourself. Recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about learning to love yourself again. You deserve compassion, patience, and peace every step of the way.

WE ARE RECOVERY

Odyssey House: Leading in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Discover our holistic approach to recovery with personalized care and supportive housing.

11/10/2025

Odyssey House is proud to be part of the NAMI Conference in Las Vegas! It’s inspiring to connect with others working to make mental health care and recovery accessible for everyone. WE ARE RECOVERY

11/10/2025

90 MINUTES THAT COULD MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE PEACEFUL

You’re invited to join the next Odyssey Family Support Group Tuesday Evening 11/11/25 from 630-8pm. You will hear from people learning how to deal with their addicted loved ones. It’s free, you don’t have to be connected to Odyssey and you can join from the comfort of your home. We are using a link called Google Meet. If you would like the link, email rcarlisle@odysseyhouse.org or familygroup@odysseyhouse.org.

11/07/2025

HE IS OVERCOMING SEVERE CHILDHOOD ABUSE

It was so bad that Chase couldn’t stand being touched and he dealt with horrible night terrors, so he numbed himself with drugs and alcohol. Now he’s looking forward to spending his first holidays sober. In this edition of Odyssey House Journals hear his description of growing up in pain and how he is now anticipating a bright future. Watch or listen and hopefully subscribe (free) to the 30 minute podcast on the following platforms with the following links:
https://youtu.be/pemzdkB8v5M

You can also listen and subscribe to the audio version on iTunes at
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/odyssey-house-journals/id1462333385

or Spotify at
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Basx2YsjYcRmmrSufLX3z?si=Wni9usSiQbun-W0WsjNC-g

or iHeart podcasts at
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-odyssey-house-journals-59417265/

Or listen on KKAT 860-AM in Salt Lake Saturday & Sunday mornings at 10am

HE IS OVERCOMING SEVERE CHILDHOOD ABUSEIt was so bad that Chase couldn’t stand being touched and he dealt with horrible night terrors, so he numbed himself w...

11/06/2025

At Odyssey House, we believe everyone deserves a second chance.

That’s why we’re proud to partner with Clean Slate Utah to help our employees clear old records and move forward, stronger than ever.

A big thank you to Clean Slate Utah for partnering with us to make this possible!

Learn more about Clean Slate Utah https://www.cleanslateutah.org/

11/03/2025

PROBLEMS WITH AN ADDICTED LOVED ONE?

You can get some help by talking with others who are dealing with the same issues. It’s what we talk about at the Odyssey Family Support Group. Come to our next meeting Tuesday Evening 11/4/25 from 630-8pm. It’s free, you don’t have to be connected to Odyssey and you can join from the comfort of your home. We are using a link called Google Meet. If you would like the link, email rcarlisle@odysseyhouse.org or familygroup@odysseyhouse.org.