Every “I never” became a reality, thanks to addiction. Until an overdose behind the wheel forced Nicolette to face what she'd been running from all along…
Hi! My name is Nicolette, and this is my recovery story.
There was a version of me - 3 years ago and even 10 years ago - that brought me to where I am today.
How My Addiction Began
I started using when I was about 19 years old, and I finally went to rehab when I was about 21. I bounced in and out of treatment facilities and never seemed like I could understand why I wasn't fully getting it. I was heavy into using dope, and eventually started using a needle – and that’s where all my "I Nevers" finally came true.
My Turning Point
After I had overdosed at the wheel, that was the moment that everything stopped feeling avoidable. It was embarrassing and scary and sobering in a way I had never experienced before, and it forced me to face the reality I was trying to outrun.
I finally went back to treatment and got serious about things, which led me to pull together a year and a half of sobriety at that point. But then I went to a bar for a friend’s birthday, got served a mocktail that actually had alcohol in it, and I was off and running again.
Choosing Recovery for Good
For 5 months I was drinking on the weekends but still trying to work the program. I realized that my life was heading down the same path, and finally got honest with the people I love.
Today, I have 3 years clean and sober! I did the things I did not want to do, went through the steps, and I am now sponsoring other women. I have a job at Avenues, I am of service to others, and help wherever I can. I went through the death of my dog, a breakup, and the death of friends - all in the span of one year. But I am still sober, and I rely on AA and my higher power to know that even though life still happens, I can get through it without using a drink or a drug to numb my emotions. Because in the end, it’s never worth it. Life will still be there, but I have tools today to help me get through the hardest parts - and I am so grateful for that.
