My addiction began in high school. I was heavily involved in sports and after our games we would get together and party at someone’s house. It started out as just drinking a few beers, and quickly turned into something more. Before I knew it, I was in college being rushed to the hospital because I had overdosed and someone found me lying in their front yard. Unfortunately, my addiction continued for a few more years and resulted in several treatment centers, recovery houses and broken relationships.

The turning point for my journey to recovery would be when I made the decision to go to a long-term halfway house in Bel Air called The Homecoming Project. The Homecoming Project took me in and surrounded me with love until I could learn to love myself. I had lost all hope in myself, but the Homecoming Project saw in me what I couldn’t see in myself, hope. My life hasn’t been the same since August 2015 as I have not found it necessary to use a drink or a drug since.

The resources that were the most helpful to me were support from Mt. Zion Methodist Church’s (Craig and Lisa McLaughlin), The Homecoming Project and Phoenix Recovery Center.

Coming into recovery, my life was dark. I could not see past the destruction that I had caused in my life. Slowly, piece by piece, I have been able to peel back the layer of the onion and discover who this world has always intended me to be. I am a daughter, an aunt, a partner, an employee. Recovery gave me an opportunity to go back to school, and I recently graduated with my Master’s degree. The most rewarding thing recovery has given me, is my relationships with my family. They never gave up on me, and as a result recovery has given us all a beautiful life.

Take it one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time if you have to. Remember, every feeling and every situation is temporary. Recovery is possible and if it worked for me, it can work for you.