I was lost, but found out what it feels like to happily live without drugs or a drink.
My name is Deidra and I am 43 years old. I lived in Middletown, a very small town in Delaware. I grew up in a single parent household. Although I didn’t have everything I wanted, I had a good childhood and had everything that I needed. At age 15, I had my first child. I didn’t finish school and I started hanging around the “cool” kids. I began smoking weed, which was a big mistake.
Fast forward a few years later, my mother was involved in a terrible car accident. This turned my whole world upside down. She was left paralyzed from the chest down. When she passed a year later, I fell into a very deep depression. Along with smoking weed, I was now doing crack and drinking like there was no tomorrow. I can truthfully say that I was comfortable with how I was living and did not think I had a problem. I didn’t realize it then, but I was headed toward mass self-destruction.
I slowed down on the crack and began doing pills, any kind as long as I was high. When the pills stopped working, I picked the crack back up. I also started doing heroin and let me tell you, I didn’t do one without the other. My addiction became worse and I began to lose everything. I did anything and everything to get the drugs…steal, trick, beg, and borrow. This resulted in me going to jail for 18 months.
While in jail, I completed Key-Crest drug programs. You would have thought I learned my lesson, but I ended up relapsing. This time I ended up overdosing and had to be administered Narcan, not once, but four times. When this happened, I saw the light. I decided to go to rehab. I remember reading a phrase that said, “Change I must, or die I will”.
While in rehab I made the decision to look into Friendship House, and let me tell you…I am so happy I did. I love it. The staff is wonderful, kind, loving, trustworthy, and most of all, non-judgmental. They keep me on my toes! I am learning how to take care of responsibilities such as self-care, budgeting, saving money, doctors appointments, paying bills, and everyday living. I am living life on life’s terms and I am very grateful today!
Since being at FH, I have successfully completed an intensive outpatient program. I recently landed a job, was able to start budgeting, and am saving towards my own place. I also have plans to finish my GED. My future is bright and I am on the right track!
I love your story, it’s nice to know ppl that have a bad drug addiction can get better. That is why I looked up friendship house one to get what I need so I can start a job, but also to be associate being around others that have been what I have been through. I’m alone out here with no one or family. So thanks for sharing ur story it inspired me.i mean I have been working on get my self back on my feet but when ur alone with depression it’s hard for me too drop the drug n I was starting to get clean but then something tears me back down to the dark hole.
How brave you are to publish your story. What courage and strength you must have. Blessing to you on your journey