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Stacey’s Story

My name is Stacey and I am an addict.

My father went to prison when I was six years old and shortly after I was sexually abused by someone close to me. I started abusing marijuana to avoid my feelings of shame and guilt. My family moved from McDowell County, WV to Fort Lauderdale, FL when my father was released on parole. This is when my drug use really became heavy. I used anything I could get my hands on to avoid dealing with myself. By the age of sixteen, I was a full-fledged crack cocaine user.

My family eventually moved back to WV. I really didn’t know anything about opiates until I moved to Huntington. I soon started my journey to hell with prescription pills and then I discovered heroin. It became the love of my life. I used it for close to twenty years altogether and would do ANYTHING to get my next high. It got to the point that I hated myself and everyone around me. I knew that unless I changed the things I so deeply despised about myself I would never find any kind of happiness.

I went to my first rehab scared, angry, restless, irritable, and discontent. It has taken me years to get to the point of being honest, open, and willing to fully recover. In 2020, I was in jail for a drug court violation and I completed the GOALS program. After that, I was placed in Recovery Point HER Place in Huntington, WV. I just recently celebrated one year clean and am now a peer mentor in the program.

My family supports my recovery, and I am doing well in drug court. I have a wonderful sponsor. I work the 12 steps. I help others, and above all, I have an intimate relationship with God. I  graduated HER Place in May of 2021 and plan to go back to school for social work. My hope grows daily because of my faith in God. My family and my support group give me the drive to move forward in my recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder please reach out. You are not alone and help is available!