We all have a story. Those who live in recovery endured struggles that are often untold, they battled the grips of addiction, chose to fight, and today continue their path of recovery as quiet heroes.
The path of substance abuse is not that of failure, or a lack of will power, drug and alcohol addiction is a disease and sharing our stories can help those battling. These courageous people share their stories in hopes of helping others get the help they, or their loved one, need.
They have chosen to tell their stories not only to help others, but it gifts them with connection, serenity, and more freedom from the addiction
My name is David, and this is my story.
Tell us how your story started.
I have been an addict since I was 13. I started doing heroin and continued using until I was 33.
Do you recall one of your darkest moments before you got treatment?
In 2015, I was out getting high and fell 20 feet and broke my back and my wrist, but I stayed out. I was only 70 pounds at that point. My family had to prepare my funeral. I told my mom I was going to die from this disease, that it was my destiny
Knowing what you know now, what words of support would you tell yourself then, at that moment:
You are somebody that deserves love and help. There is hope. You can get out of this cycle. Don’t give up on it.
What is your story today? How are you coping in recovery?
Today I’m going to college to become a social worker. I have a group of women in recovery who I know are always going to love me, who will always be there for me. I also thank my mom; she supported by through my entire journey and never gave up on me.
Thank you, David, for sharing.
My name is Becky, and this is my story.
Tell us about how your story started.
I was arrested at 16 years old for assaulting a cop. Went to my first rehab at 17, I had 5 months sober and then went back out drinking.
I got sober again when I was 27 which led to 10 years’ of sobriety. At 37, my husband and I went through a divorce – it got messy and destructive, so I just drank through it all.
Do you recall one of your darkest moments before you got treatment?
I was constantly in and out of treatment. I would go to meetings and felt no connection the anyone there. I had no desire to quit. I still had a want to drink. My need was fixations. That need went on until I was financially broken. I lost my house, my car was repossessed, and my 401k was gone.
I showed up at my parent’s house, thankfully that door was always open and welcoming. I had to build up the courage to say, ‘I can’t do it anymore. I’m spiritually broken – and I can’t fight it alone.’
Knowing what you know now, what words of support would you tell yourself then, at that moment:
It starts with surrendering, and the first step in surrendering is asking for help. Asking is not a one stop shop, get use to saying it. You many need to ask a few times until you get the help you need. But you are going to get through this, month by month, day by day, hour by hour, every step will be a lot of work, but you have the strength to do this. It’s worth it.
What is your story today? How are you coping in recovery?
I stay connected with others, living a life of paying it forward by helping others is part of my recovery.
Thank you, Becky, for sharing.
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