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!