One woman's active addiction spanned over 40 years of her life. Eventually, she became very ill from drug use and the illnesses that came with it. She had a doctor who never gave up hope. One day, she walked into a treatment program and changed her life for good. Here are excerpts from her story and the wisdom she has to share.
Mont Sainte-Victoire, 1989 by Paul Cezanne
I was 12 years old when my addiction started. At 62, I’m finally me again - I feel young at heart. And I am free. So it’s never too late.”
I was 90 pounds soaking wet, consumed by drugs. My doctor asked me with a tear in her eye - do you want to die?
I think it was spiritual. My body was done. I think a higher power within myself led me to that moment of change.
While I was at the treatment centre, there was a small earthquake. Somehow, I think it shook the core of me as well. When I woke up the next day, I didn't have the urge for alcohol, drugs or cigarettes anymore.
I also got treatment for Hepatitis C. It meant so much to me that I was cured. It was a really important part of my healing.
Before recovery, my addiction had full control of me absolutely. I was a different person than who I am now. You get to find who you really are before addiction took over.
Doctors were my blessing. Work with them—tell them the truth. They can’t help if you hide.
Earth angels saved me—clinic staff, friends. Find your people; they’ll carry you through.
Talk until you hear yourself. Say it over and over till you realize you don’t want that life of drugs and addiction
Life still has a lot of challenges. I have serious illnesses, and there are a lot of things I want to do that I don't have the energy to. I try to stay positive.
Hang onto the most positive thing you have. The moment you go negative, you risk slipping.
Gospel music lifts me up. Find what makes you happy – It’s a shield against the cravings.
Don’t isolate. Surround yourself with positive people who’ll talk you through the tough days.
I had one slip in nine years. It was a lesson. I thought I could have a couple of drinks while socializing. That led to two, and three, and then a full relapse to drugs. I learned from it.
Sobriety gave me my family back. I was the lost one. Now I’m the glue holding us together.
Talk to recovering folks. They’ll show you the way out—listen to them.
Recovery is wonderful. It’s not miraculous… It’s doable. It's what you make of it.