From Addiction to Healing
Hi, my name is Samantha, and this is my story.
Early Struggles
From a young age, I felt like I never fit in — like I was never good enough. My dad used drugs and alcohol around me, and when I was 14, he used with me for the first time. I remember thinking, “I don’t like this feeling,” and I swore I’d never do it again.
But soon, I started hanging out with the “popular” girls in school. We drank on weekends, smoked, and partied all the time. I skipped school, failed classes, and spent time with older guys.
Then I met my first boyfriend. We were together for a couple of years, until he passed away. After that, I jumped into another relationship — this time with someone 13 years older than me. He became the love of my life, and together we started using every day.
Addiction and Motherhood
Eventually, I became dependent some substances. We fought constantly, and then I found out I was pregnant at 21. I was scared — and I wish I could say that stopped me from getting high, but it didn’t.
When my daughter was born, she was born addicted. CPS got involved and gave her to my grandma. Even that didn’t stop me.
I was eventually arrested in Louisville and sent to the Healing Place, where I managed to get sober for four years. But during that time, my daughter’s father passed away from an overdose — and I relapsed hard.
Abuse, Relapse, and Near Death
I got into another relationship, with someone who used crystal substances and became abusive when high. I thought I loved him, but he eventually became so violent he tried to kill me. I spent about a month in the hospital.
Later, I met another man and started using again. About a year later, I was diagnosed with endocarditis and almost died. Still, I kept using.
Finding Avenues Recovery
Finally, my mom stepped in. She told me she had heard of a place called Avenues Recovery. At first, I blew her off — but I knew I needed help. She called, and I got a bed the very next day.
I was terrified and sick, but I completed the program. A couple days later, I relapsed again. After a week of using, I came back to Avenues for the second time.
This time, I knew it was life or death. I threw myself into every group, focused on myself, and worked hard to heal.
Life in Recovery
Today, I’m almost 2½ years sober. I’ve gotten my family back, and I live with my daughter again. I work at Avenues Recovery, graduated college, and recently bought my first car and got my license.
Even more, I’m in the healthiest relationship I’ve ever been in.
I never thought I’d be sober again. To be honest, it’s not always easy. But through it all, I haven’t felt the need to put a substance in my body.
I love life today.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, know that recovery is possible. Reach out to Avenues Recovery today and start your journey toward healing.