I started using substances when I was 12. It became so bad that if I wasn’t using daily, I’d get sick. I went into my first treatment program at age of 15, but I couldn’t stop drinking and it continued to get worse. I lost everything. I was 22 years old without a place to live, my car wasn’t working, I got into an altercation that led to a traumatic brain injury and moved back in with my parents. I lost my job, got kicked out, and ended up in jail. I tried so hard to stay sober, but I’d get out of treatment and would start using again.
My life forever changed in December 2020 when I found out I was pregnant. I thought I was finally going to get back on track. But after I had my son, it wasn’t long before I turned to substances again. I was self-sabotaging and wanted to give up. And I was so angry at myself for putting my parents in a situation where they had to parent my son because of my addiction. I knew I needed to change.
As soon as I entered this program, I hit the ground running. I’m so thankful for a program that allowed me to have my son in treatment with me. I get to work on my recovery and parenting with him, without having the anxiety of wondering what’s going on with him outside of here. We’ve really grown a lot together.
My future looks better than I had hoped for or anticipated. I am going into transitional housing where my son and I will be together. I’m going into outpatient treatment and starting peer recovery support classes. I want to put my recovery first. Because of this program, I’ve accomplished so many of my goals. My family has their daughter back. My son has his mom back. And for that I am so grateful.