Shaquita thought she was just a drunk, stuck in a cycle she couldn’t escape. She entered Avenues terrified, but instead found a group of sober sisters who cared. Now she’s living proof that rehab can be raw, real, and even fun:)
Hi, I'm Shaquita, and this is my recovery story.
Every time I would get into an argument with my siblings at home, I would just say, the heck with it, until the liquor store I went. I could have died drinking. I could have gone to the nurses to deliver. It could have been the end of my life. I could have killed someone or myself. I felt stuck in my normal life. And I was like, this alcohol has to go in order for me to move on with my life.
And I didn't know what way to do it. I couldn't do it on my own, obviously. I was scared. I didn't know what to expect. You know, at that point I felt like, I'm just a drunk. I'm just an addict. Why are these people being so nice to me? But after that, I understood that these people were here to help me. and they wanted me to feel welcome so that I could be vulnerable and open to receive the help.
When I got inside and started to see some of the ladies, the welcome that I received was like, oh, okay, I can do this. It felt good to let it out. And as the days went on, it just got better and better and better and better. To the point I was like, dang, I didn't know I could have this much fun at rehab!
In my addiction, I always second-guessed myself. At first it was like, I can't do these things because of this alcohol, because I'm using. But now, to know that I can do these things and do these things sober - it's awesome. It's an awesome feeling. I feel as though Avenues has helped me live life.
If you're on the fence about going to recovery, I would say to give your life a chance. You deserve it. You deserve to live, because they're here to help you. And all you have to do is walk through the door and they'll take you from there. You're not alone. You're never alone. We are a community. Just give yourself that chance.
My name is Shaquita and I found my way home, and you can find your way home to.