- Drugs
Sharyl M.’s Story
I am an addict, and my name is Sharyl. Before my recovery, I had struggled with drug addiction since my early twenties. The biggest part of my story is my relapse. At 36, I decided to attend a 12-Step meeting, and I continued to do so for six years. I was going to meetings, I had a sponsor, I was of service, and I was working and living the 12 steps. My life was better than I ever expected.
Then, I began to skip meetings gave up my service commitments. I was picking and choosing what steps I would apply to my life. I chose to start using again, and everything I said I would never do, I did and then some. I continued to lie, cheat and steal from everything and everyone who came into my path. I lost my job and was living in an apartment that I was being evicted from. I had no phone, no gas and no tv, and the electricity was the next to go. I was living in hell for at least two years. My family wanted nothing to do with me, and I was not allowed in my sister’s home.
I really hit my bottom. I was lost, alone and afraid. I checked myself into a treatment facility, and that was the best decision I ever made. I continue to place my recovery first, and by doing that, I have been blessed with a life worth living. Not only do I have a relationship with my family, but they trust and respect me today. I have the opportunity to work in a treatment facility today, which is another blessing in my life. I am in my early fifties and am so grateful for the life I have created.