What was it like?
In the beginning, you don’t realize the harm you are causing. You think you are okay because you are only taking medications prescribed by your doctor. After becoming black boxed by every hospital and clinic, I turned to heroin because it was cheaper. It was a living hell. The isolation, being dope-sick, homeless, hungry, dirty, and no employment. The things people resort to just to get their fix, is crazy, thefts, shoplifting and cheating and lying. Addiction only leads to incarceration, admitted into hospital or for others, six feet underground. All the losses in life weren’t worth it. My kids, missed out on their childhood. They were well taken care of and are kind, loving, godly kids. But I missed out on years I’ll never get back. Isolation. You transform into some stranger. A beast. Someone unrecognizable. It’s ugly.
What happened?
I gotten medevaced to Anchorage after a night of partying. I had gotten run over by a Chevy Silverado. Stabbed. Broken jaw, part of my ear was tore. Miserable and in pain. C4 and C5 vertebrae were badly crushed. It would be a long road to recovery. I became addicted to pain pills. After years of frequent visits to many clinics and hospitals, they soon black boxed me. Labeled me an addict. I was cast out, and treated as if I had the plague. There weren’t many resources during that time. I soon turned to heroin because it was cheaper. It took years to get from taking meds, to heroin and everything in between. So I knew I was only going downhill. Hit rock bottom. The only way to go from there is up. It was a nightmare, a living hell. I had to get help or I was going to die. Prayed, put in hard work, and dedicated myself to my Higher Power.
What is life like now?
After over 20 years of active addiction I am proud to be 8 years clean and serene. I stuck to my guns and did it! You must commit to a better life. Little steps. Before you know it, you’re running a marathon and you’ve won the race. I’ve broken those chains of addiction and am living drug free. Employed. Have a place that’s mine. Reconciled with God. Happy. No longer suffering from addiction. The devil is a liar and wants his victims to follow him. Life is a blessing. We must live for not ourselves but to serve God.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Recovery isn’t easy, but if it were, everyone would be doing it. It’s so worth it. To be happy, sober and healthy. Addiction is a curse, a disease. If I can do it, anyone can! I pray if anyone is struggling to seek help. There are many resources available. Your families miss you, your children need you. Take back your life!!! Life is too short to be only existing and not living!!!