- Drugs
- Friends & Family
My name is Melissa and I am an addict in recovery. On September 7, 2012, I celebrated two birthdays, the first being that I turned 30, a feat that I once thought would never happen and the second was that on my birthday, I made the decision to get clean and sober. It’s been four years and I’m not looking back.
I had been in the scene for way too long– 12 long years. After several trips to jail, mental hospitals, and rehabs along with two failed marriages and one marriage I didn’t even remember taking place, a miscarriage, and the nightmare of living on the streets, I decided that enough was enough.
I had something more important than drugs to live for, I had a beautiful little girl that needed her mother.
June 21, 2009 will be a day that I will always remember. It was the day that my daughter was born and my world forever changed. In the beginning. I knew that I was in no position to care for her. Because my love for her runs so deep, I made the choice to sign custody over to my parents until I was able to care for her properly. I told them to give me five years to get my act together.
When my daughter turned three, I began to take the steps to get clean and learn how to become a better parent. I started attending parenting classes and journey into recovery classes. After threatening to take one the facilitators out (and not to lunch) I had to prove my sincere commitment to my recovery.
I have had several trial and errors over the last 12 years but this time was different. Not only did I have my daughter to give me inspiration, but I had the love and support of my husband and best friend along with his three beautiful children.
That first year was hard, there were many days I wanted to give up but I had the support of two women that are my icons because no matter what I said or what I did, they never gave up on me. Those women are my mom, who has always been in my corner, and my mother-in-law who I quickly learned was more stubborn than I and wouldn’t let me quit trying.
So, I say to those that are wanting a better life that recovery is possible– I am living proof. If you set your mind to it, you can accomplish anything and on those days that you just want to give up, fake it ‘till you make it because I promise it’s worth it.