“I remember that day when I stood on the threshold of a new life. 14 years later, I celebrated 14 years clean.”
‘My life would never be the same. I pledged to myself I would do everything I could to stop using drugs.’: Former inmate overcomes addiction, commits to helping others
‘You need to take me to the ER. Something is really wrong.’ Doctors were telling us you might have leukemia. I never thought you were an alcoholic.’: Wife shares husband’s sobriety journey
“It’s important for people who only see the trips to Europe and the romantic, playful posts to understand the true gravity of what we went through to get to where we are today.”
‘In the last minutes of her first senior year game, she screamed in pain as she fell to the ground, her ACL torn.’: Daughter’s inspiring journey to appreciating life despite ‘the change of the sails’
“She had big plans for this year. She was in talks with many college coaches about playing for them the following school year. And then, BAM. With one unfortunate soccer play, her life changed dramatically and instantly.”
‘Attending the funeral of a 24-year-old was so scary. Little did I know, 9 years later, it would be my turn.’: Mom of daughter lost to suicide shares advice for others grieving
“‘You can make it a day at a time.’ Little did I know I would use this message again and again.”
‘I spent half the day in the bathroom, desperately wanting to flush my dope down the toilet but being completely powerless.’: Former heroin, meth addict shares her incredible recovery
“When I tried heroin for the first time, I felt what I imagined the love of a mother must feel like, like a warm hug from the inside out. I believed I had finally found security and love.”
Why Separating From My Husband Was The Best Decision I Ever Made
“I am happy to say that a separation saved my marriage. I learned so much about myself, I healed from a lot of betrayal trauma, and I found my voice.”
‘Mamaw, why do you act funny after that white pill? Do you have to take it?’ His little face was full of hurt.’: Woman sober after 20-year opioid addiction in wake of car crash
“I knew I had to change or I wasn’t going to see him grow up. It took 20 years, and the small words a child, to find the courage to get help. Today, I am 56 years old and proud to say I am OPIOID FREE.”
‘It’s easier to make it seem far away. But they sit by you in church. They’re your neighbors, friends, and coworkers.’: Daughter shares powerful message about addiction after losing mom
“In my mother’s brightest moments, she was a highly respected and loved special education teacher, friend, spouse, and present mother. But addiction doesn’t care.”
‘Don’t say anything. You don’t want to be taken from home, do you?’ We hid in our rooms, afraid of the people supposed to keep us safe.’: Child trauma survivor marries best friend, finds meaning of ‘real love’
“All I knew was I was scared of ‘love.’ I didn’t want it. In fact, I wanted to run from it like it was the plague. I wish I could go back and hold myself like I held my siblings. I wish I could tell little Jas that real love was coming. An angel on earth. The most adorable, bi-racial boy with the biggest dimples and largest afro I had ever seen.”
‘Your aunt’s house burned to the ground last night. Andrew didn’t make it out.’ For the first time in my life, I felt free.’: Sexual abuse survivor shares healing journey through sobriety and motherhood
“I was six years old the first time it happened. He asked if I wanted to play a game called ‘Truth or Dare.’ By the time I was in middle school, I understood drinking. Suddenly, nothing seemed awful anymore.”