- Drugs
Devon’s Story
I was offered a scholarship at a school I loved, and I had everything I could want in life. However, like most stories involving drugs and alcohol, this was not how it turned out. When I arrived on campus, I was surrounded by alcohol and drugs, and people were able to convince me that they would help me fit in. My desperate longing for the approval of others only fueled my addiction, and in no time at all, I was a full blown addict and alcoholic.
The situation got to the point where I was unable to get up and go to class or soccer practice. In the end, my addiction caused me to drop out after my freshman year and turn my back on the thing that brought me the most joy out of life — playing soccer. When I returned home, I spiraled into depression and further into my addiction. The quantity and frequency of my drug use was escalating, and the forms of the drugs I was using increased. My addiction eventually got to the point where I was unable to hide it from my family, so I reached out to them for help.
I was taken to an outpatient center in Roswell, Ga., where I immediately began their intensive outpatient program. I successfully completed the program on March 20, 2012, a month and 10 days after my 21st birthday. During my journey in recovery, I not only learned to stay sober, but I learned how to love myself, and I made great friends along the way.
Today, I wake up not only free from the bondage of my addiction, but happier than I could have ever imagined — and honestly, I wouldn’t trade that feeling for the world. Not only has my relationship with my family been strengthened through my journey, but I also have the chance to share my experiences with others who are struggling with addiction like I was. Sobriety is an absolutely attainable goal, and I want to be a testament that age is not a factor in a person’s ability to become and continue to be sober. Remember that you are never too young or old to learn how to be happy. God bless everyone who has helped me in my journey, and I look forward to meeting those who have been down the path I have traveled.