- Alcohol
- Friends & Family
Start by describing the situation that changed your life or a loved one’s life.
I have suffered from major depression all my life. After losing a baby, I sunk to an all-time low. My spouse dealt with his pain by relapsing on meth. He coerced me to try it and injected some in my arm for the first time. I was cocky, believing I wasn’t an addict and nothing could ease my pain. After that first injection, I felt like “Wow! Why does society get so upset about this drug? It’s the best antidepressant I’ve ever experienced!” And then I found myself instantly addicted.
Based on your situation or story, was there a turning point that prompted the need for change or help?
After 4 years of daily use, I had lost my kids to the state, my husband was in prison, and I was homeless living out of my tattered car. Then one day I had a very potent shot that stopped my heart and I felt my spirit leave my body. I was above my body looking down on a lifeless body lying on the couch when a guy started screaming, “Hey, she’s not breathing and there’s no pulse!” Then I felt my spirit return to my body after CPR was administered. I then ended up in a hospital for six more weeks after relearning how to talk and use my legs.
How did you or your HERO get help?
The state wanted me to be in a yearlong residential program but was unwilling to help me get in one. I didn’t have insurance either. So I completely left my area and started over 300 miles away. I started out at a Salvation Army homeless shelter. I went to church and 13 meetings a week. I found an excellent drug counselor who gave back to the community for free. Then I stayed at an Oxford House until I found out they were using there.
Lastly, I ended up at a Christian woman’s shelter and took in every resource they handed me to better myself. I insisted the state put me on their UA line to prove I was serious about recovery and clean. The day I had to leave the shelter, I got two good jobs, my spouse got out of prison, clean and sober, and we got housing and all our children were returned to us.
Based on your experience, what lessons did you learn? Do you have any advice to give?
It is so true what they say about using and drinking, “jails, institutions, or DEATH!” Many believe people they can’t die using, but that is so untrue! Prior to my own near death experience, I knew four other people, including a 12-year-old who tried one time and died! I wanted to quit but couldn’t, at least on my own. Therefore I did everything in my power to get away from it and I began to surround myself with positive and supportive people. That was eight years ago. I remain clean today.
If you or your loved one is in recovery, describe what life is like today.
Life offers so much more joys and rewards when we stay on the straight and narrow. What I did to my kids (by them going into foster care) was a gigantic mistake. Today I just love and am so grateful for them and their forgiveness.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Using or drinking destroys lives and I don’t mean just yours. If you are stuck in addiction, do whatever it takes to get clean and experience what true friendships, love, and support is. It is so worth it!