- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Mental Health
Submitted by: Abby Foster
In a little over two years, Lindsay has overcome many challenges and accomplished many goals, thanks to her ability to sustain recovery. Lindsay credits her renewed relationship with the God she was taught about in childhood as the key for what has made all of this possible. Here is her story.
I was 15 years old when I started drinking and using drugs. When I ‘hit rock bottom’, I was asked to leave college because I had attempted suicide while on campus. My drinking and using had gotten so bad that my behavior was getting me into legal trouble. I knew that I didn’t want to go to jail…that was my turning point. I had a drive to be in the medical field and I knew that my drinking and using was getting in the way. My sister told me she had been praying for me and she suggested I do the same. So, I began praying that something would change and it did.
Before that, I had tried working programs so many times before and nothing in my life changed. Nothing ever changed until I began praying.
In my recovery, I returned to the college I was asked to leave and I finished my bachelor’s degree. I also got my EMT (emergency medical technician) and CNA (certified nursing assistant) certifications. I have had a little over two years in recovery and I a live with a mental illness. I am proud that I was able to accomplish all of that. I’ve worked my way up.
I am so much happier now. I am healthier mentally and I even lost 70 lbs. I have the desire to actually do things and participate in life. It has brought me closer to my family. They no longer have to worry about me on a daily basis. I feel like God gave me a purpose– to be in the medical field and to be able to help others. And now I am able to give back.
To those who are just starting or just coming back to wellness, it is important to find something greater than yourself, something that gives you self-worth. I think we are all just trying to find something that helps us feel better. Don’t give up, ask for help and pray.