A Journey of Redemption: From Addiction to Leadership
I spent a lot of time focusing on trying to find my next fix. Whether it affected strangers or my loved ones, I had no regard for anyone else’s well-being. Stealing from stores and from people, breaking into cars, and committing crimes were just a handful of the ideas and things that I came up with to get that fix.
My living situations included staying in cars, trap house couches and floors, a treehouse that I helped build, and, on rare occasions, with friends and family. Any goal I had was centered around my next “come up.” I had no desire to stop using or improve my life.
I frequented Snohomish County Jail for some things that I finally started getting caught up for. With an attempt from some social workers within the jail, I entered the DOSA (drug offender sentence alternative) program and was ordered to attend inpatient treatment in order to be released. When the van arrived to take me to treatment, I ran. Shortly after, I was picked up again on a warrant issued due to absconding from treatment.
“When the van arrived to take me to treatment, I ran.”
The judge gave me another chance, but I did the same thing upon release. After a few more cycles of this, the judge was preparing to sentence me to prison. I finally realized I was done with that lifestyle and wrote a letter to the judge, begging for one last chance. The judge was tough on me but granted it - conditionally. I finally went to treatment. I had a great experience and gained valuable tools to move forward in sobriety. I even took on a leadership role, helping my peers thrive in their recovery as well.
Upon graduation from inpatient treatment, I entered sober living. I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable. I jumped in with both feet, volunteering as much as I could while I balanced DOC check-ins, IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), and self-help meetings. I was able to put the same energy I once used to chase my next high into my recovery.
“I was able to put the same energy I once used to chase my next high into my recovery.”
It was now time for me to make amends and right the wrongs I had caused during my addiction. To my surprise, family and friends were open minded and welcomed me back with open arms. It was very hard for me to do at this point in my recovery because of the things that I had done while in active addiction. It was very heartwarming and encouraging to feel the love from my loved ones. I just kept taking it step-by-step and one day at a time.
Shortly after, I was offered a leadership role within the house and eventually promoted to house manager. This allowed me to thrive even more in my own recovery. After about a year, I was promoted to assistant housing director. It was then that I realized - I was finding my own recovery by helping others in theirs. As this point, I was shocked that I was this far into my recovery. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought I would make it out of the mess I had gotten myself into and be able to support others in similar situations.
During this time, I encountered another roadblock when old charges resurfaced, and I was faced with the possibility of new consequences. By the grace of God, and with evidence that my current actions were positively impacting my recovery, I was given the opportunity to enter the Therapeutic Alternative to Prosecution (TAP) court program. Initially, it was discouraging to know I had to go through IOP, take classes, and meet all the court's requirements just to have this charge dropped. If I failed, I would be facing the maximum sentence. Despite the challenge, I kept pushing forward, doing everything I could to stay on track and keep my head above water. Thankfully, I have since graduated from the program, and those charges were dismissed.
Now, I have achieved several things in my life, including becoming a CCAR Recovery Coach and Certified Peer Counselor. I’ve graduated from DOSA and TAP, and I’m now working on returning to school to further my education.
If I can do it, I truly believe that anyone can. That’s my goal in life - to share my story and help others overcome some of the bumps in their road. That's how I thrive in my recovery now.
