Love in Recovery: When Matt met Eve 

June – August 2025

Recovery Story: Ernie and Manap

"While their journey can be likened to a fairytale, being a couple in recovery has not been without its own set of challenges."

 

Imagine giving up your morning cup of coffee or not indulging in your favourite bubble tea for a week. Sounds difficult? That’s what Matt (not his real name) had to do – except on a far greater scale. For 10 straight years, he gave up something much more addictive and destructive: heroin. 

Like many others with a history of substance use, Matt struggled with drug addiction from a very young age. His descent into drugs began at just 14 years old, and by his late teens, it had developed into a full-blown addiction. Eventually, his life spiralled to the point where it landed him behind bars. 

It was during his time in prison that Matt encountered the message of recovery through Narcotics Anonymous. Reflecting on that period, he recalls candidly, “I was sick of doing the same old shit...”  

That moment became a turning point. After his release, Matt found his way to WE CARE Community Services, where his journey of transformation truly began. 

Today, Matt marks a decade of sobriety. What makes his story even more remarkable is the life he has built since.  

Matt is now married to Eve, who is also in long-term recovery. Their relationship is a testament to the possibility of healing not just for individuals, but for couples, too. 

Matt and Eve first met at a local Narcotics Anonymous 12-Step meeting. Their paths crossed again at WE CARE, where Eve regularly attended the Women’s Therapy Group Programme. 

At the time, Eve was 6 months clean, while Matt was 2 years clean. As they got to know one another within the recovery community, a mutual respect and bond began to form – one grounded in shared experience, personal growth, and the principles of recovery. 

They spent the next few years greatly strengthening that bond, until in March 2021, they decided to take the leap and get married. At that point, Eve was 5 years sober while Matt was sober for 8.  

They are now in their fourth year of marriage, and their bond is the strongest it’s ever been. They continue to prioritise their individual recovery while supporting one another as life partners.  

Recovery remains the foundation of their relationship. Both attend 12-Step meetings regularly and maintain accountability to their respective sponsors, emphasising the importance of personal accountability and open communication.  

“We support each other’s growth,” they shared. “It’s important for us to respect each other’s space and be honest in every aspect of our lives.”. Strong recovery is dependent on someone’s ability to be honest. A strong relationship is dependent on the couple’s ability to be honest.  

While their journey can be likened to a fairytale, being a couple in recovery has not been without its own set of challenges.  

Eve shared that misunderstandings and judgement from others in the recovery community can be difficult to bear.  

“It takes courage, responsibility, and commitment,” she says. “But we’ve learnt to stand strong together, regardless of others’ opinions.” Matt echoes this, highlighting the emotional toll of facing baseless judgements. 

What has kept them strong through the ups and downs are the core values they hold dear: honesty, accountability, compassion, mutual support, and respect. These values not only shape their relationship but also anchor them in their recovery. 

Looking back on their time together, both reflect on how much they have grown. Eve speaks with deep appreciation for Matt’s transformation over the years. 

“He used to be very reserved. But now, he’s open to suggestions, his anger has mellowed, and he’s loving and responsible – both as a husband and a father. I’m especially grateful for how he continues to support me in my own recovery.”. 

For Matt, it was Eve’s spirituality and personal values that inspired him to commit to building a life with her. “She’s been a part of my journey from the beginning,” he shares. “That’s why I opened my heart to marriage.”. 

As they look to the future, both Matt and Eve dream of a life grounded in simplicity, service, and recovery.  

Eve envisions growing old with Matt, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, while continuing to serve the recovery community. Matt shares this hope – to one day have their own HDB flat and to spend the rest of their lives together, clean and serene, one day at a time. 

Their story is one of resilience, growth, and above all, love – the kind that is nurtured through honesty and shared purpose. They are an inspiration to us all, and WE CARE is proud to have played a part in their recovery.