When Anthony Beato shares his story, it’s not to gain sympathy—it’s to remind others that hope is real and that recovery is possible. With over three years of sobriety under his belt, Anthony is focused not just on healing himself, but on giving back to the community that helped him rebuild his life.

From Rock Bottom to Rebuilding

“I’ve been in sobriety for about three years now,” Anthony says. “Before that… I never had a problem with addiction until I was about 36.” He had a steady job, two young daughters, and a fairly typical life —until drug use spiraled out of control. “I had always drank and smoked marijuana socially, but then I started hanging out with the wrong people and I started using meth. I spiraled out of control, basically. My wife kicked me out… I was homeless. I ended up at the homeless camp. I ended up in jail.”

That low point eventually led to a year in prison and work release in Spokane. It was painful—but it was also pivotal.

“Being around certain people in a certain environment, there was no way I was going to be able to [get sober]. And I really didn’t have any plans to stop either,” Anthony said. “Being incarcerated was a big part of me being able to get sober.”

Upon release, with the help of Rural Resources and the recovery house in Colville, Anthony began putting the pieces of his life back together. “I’m so close to seeing my little girls. I’m going back to school now. I have a part-time job cleaning Airbnbs. I was able to get my license back,” he said. In a rural area where resources are limited, he’s deeply grateful for the connections that guided him forward.

Community, Connection, and the Recovery Café

As Anthony stabilized his life, the Connections Recovery Café became a vital part of his journey.

“I’ve known Moriah [Rancourt, Recovery Café Manager] for 3 or 4 years now… she’s always been there to help me. So as far as I’m concerned, she’s always been like my recovery café.” While it took him time to feel comfortable branching out from the recovery house, he now embraces the Café’s groups and services.

“People’s stories and perspectives and being able to support each other is a big part of recovery. This is for me,” he said of the Café and its model of support.

His goal is to continue his education in addiction studies and become a resource for others in the region.

“I wanted to do addiction studies… so I could make an impact, even if small, in somebody’s life and say, you’re not by yourself. There is hope. Sometimes you just need to see that.”

Looking Forward: A Vision of Stability and Service

While recovery is an ongoing process, Anthony’s vision for his future is clear and grounded.

“One of my big goals before I fell into my addiction was that I would like to be a homeowner. I do have two little girls and this is a great area. I love it out here.” (Anthony hails from Philadelphia, but has lived in the Colville area for the past 11 years.)

From the outside, it may look like Anthony has made incredible progress—and he has—but he wants others to know that it didn’t happen overnight.

“People ask me, ‘well, how are you at where you’re at? You’ve done so much.’ Yes, but it wasn’t like I did it all in one day. I didn’t do it in one week… Even if it feels like you’re doing nothing, if it’s just one small thing, that’s it. You don’t have to do anything big. If it’s in the direction of what you’re aiming for, that’s all you have to do.”

His advice for those just starting out is to start small. “Don’t look at the big picture. That’s overwhelming… Just do one little thing each day, you know? Take it easy.”

Anthony’s journey isn’t just a story of survival—it’s a story of returning to himself, to purpose, and to community. And now, he’s determined to be a guidepost for others who are still trying to find their way. “If someone takes anything from my story, that’s awesome. That’s all I wish.”