- Alcohol
- Drugs
Submitted by: Susanne Johnson
Shawn’s history brought him in and out of jail several times. Using drugs was just his way of life— the only way he knew. Seven months ago the department of corrections gave him the chance to stop this never-ending cycle of incarceration, freedom, use and arrest by offering him a stay at a long-term facility in Paducah, Kentucky to get a grip on his addiction problem.
He claims to be more happy today than ever before. At first he did not like the feeling and concept of being powerless over the drugs, but during his recovery he learned to accept this as a fact. Going to 12-step meetings and believing in God as his higher power is part of his recovery and he feels very proud to be clean for such a long time so far. Shawn admitted that he himself was his biggest problem before and by changing his life and his outlook on it, he feels able to go forward in his recovery now and enjoy life again.
“Give it a try,” he would like to suggest to others who have not given up drinking and using yet. “If you try it, there is a way into recovery and a different life.” Shawn looks forward to his future without drugs.