My name is Linda. I am 44 years old and I have 3 kids that are the ages of 18, 10 and 2.
I first experienced drugs at the age of 11 years old when my best friend’s mom gave us meth. I was pretty much on my own, with little or no help or support. I had a lot of anger inside of me. My best friend’s mom was the only person that I had in my life. It was just me, her, and my best friend. Since she was the one giving us drugs, I thought that doing drugs was okay. I did not realize what drugs would be doing to my life. Drugs just helped me going through the moments.
I finally realized that I needed help.
My husband, children and I were in a motel, I got high on meth, and that day my husband OD’d on heroine in front of my daughter and my son. I don’t know how I did this, but I performed CPR on him while my daughter was on the phone with 911. I went to jail that day and both of my children were taken away from me. It was both the worst and best thing that happened to me because it made me realize that I needed help. After I left jail, I did some research on the different programs available in the community and STEP2 seemed like the right program for me.
STEP2 has given me my life back.
My children are with me full time now. My husband is finishing treatment as well and we are soon going to reunify as a family. I just saw my son graduating from High School. I have an amazing job with amazing people.
I love waking up every day, going to work, and being a mom. Life is great, and I owe it all to STEP2. I am grateful for having the chance to live a different life than the one that I was living. STEP2 has helped me become a normal person. I have learned the skills and tools that allow me to live my life without using drugs.
Before, I felt ugly inside and out, I was a terrible person, and I hated life.
Today, I am a new person.
I am caring, beautiful and amazing.
