Substance Use Disorder Recovery Story From Chaos to Community Leader

by A Women in Sobriety | May 8, 2025 | Addiction Articles, Stories from Women in Sobriety

Substance use disorder doesn’t just affect individuals—it shapes families, rewrites futures, and redefines identity. But within every storm lies a story of survival. This is my substance use disorder recovery story — a journey that took me from chaos and addiction to a platform of purpose, helping youth fight the very disease that once consumed me.

Understanding the Reality of Substance Use Disorder

What is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex brain disease that affects a person’s ability to control their use of substances like alcohol or drugs, despite harmful consequences. It’s not about weakness or lack of willpower. It’s a condition that can affect anyone. Many individuals struggle with mental health and addiction and lack access to quality addiction treatment programs.

The Mental and Emotional Toll

For many, SUD starts as a coping mechanism. Over time, it becomes the dominant voice in your head—manipulating decisions, distorting truths, and damaging relationships. It isolates, suffocates, and eventually becomes a full-time identity.

The Importance of Language and Identity

I’ve often heard that people are not their disease. That’s true. But in the depths of addiction, it feels like your whole identity. That’s the cruel twist—what’s meant to numb the pain becomes the source of more pain. Understanding this helps us bring compassion to recovery.

High School Days: A Reputation I Didn’t Want

I graduated from Lake Oswego High School in Oregon with the titles of “Biggest Partier” and “Best Dressed.” Behind those superlatives was a young person deeply entangled in the chaos of addiction—using popularity to hide pain.I have been sober for 21 years. I graduated from Lake Oswego High School in Oregon and my only notable honors were winning “biggest partier” and “best dressed.” So you can imagine how ironic and just the universe has been by ultimately bringing a prevention youth task force to me … another gift.

College Years: Running From Myself

Three universities later, I landed at the University of Southern California, where I clawed my way to graduation. I didn’t belong there academically, but somehow—I made it. With an attorney’s help and sheer will, I became a second-generation USC grad. Another gift in disguise

The Breaking Point and Turning Around

In Washington, D.C., while working for a state senator and later for NFL legend Roger Staubach, my drinking hit rock bottom. I met someone who saw through it all. When he told me he couldn’t continue unless I changed—I finally listened. I got sober the next day.

Photo of a Sober Woman telling her substance use disorder recovery story

Staying Clean for 21 Years

Sobriety isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a lifestyle. For 21 years, I’ve chosen recovery every day. And each day brings its own set of challenges and triumphs.

The Irony and Gratitude of Sobriety

It’s ironic how the disease that once nearly destroyed me gave me my greatest gifts—clarity, compassion, and community. Sobriety, as a friend put it, is “a gift wrapped in a funny box.”

Embracing Recovery as a Calling

Recovery gave me a platform. I was asked to lead a non-profit, the West Linn Community Task Force. Its mission? Prevent youth substance abuse and educate families. I was chosen unanimously. That, too, was a gift.

Because this disease tends to run in families, the normalizing of high school partiers gets passed down and social norms gets created. Some of the most charismatic, smart, generous people I know suffer from this disease. There is no shame in it, as we do not choose it. It chooses us. If someone who suffers can find sobriety and recovery, it will be their greatest gift. It is mine.

Giving Back: Leading the Charge Against Youth Substance Use

Taking Leadership of a Youth-Focused Non-Profit

In 2023, I stepped into the role of leading a youth substance prevention organization in Oregon. The mission aligned perfectly with my recovery: helping teens make informed choices.

West Linn Community Task Force Mission

We focus on equipping youth with facts, resources, and support systems that empower them to choose wisely when faced with drugs or alcohol.

Educating Teens About the Power of Choice

Our goal isn’t to scare teens. It’s to educate them. Knowledge gives them the power to say “yes” to their future and “no” to addiction.

The Role of Community in Sustaining Sobriety

Why Support Networks Matter

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. I wouldn’t be 21 years sober without the unwavering support of my family, friends, sponsors, and recovery community. Whether it’s a shoulder to lean on or someone to hold you accountable, connection is the backbone of lasting sobriety. We recover together, not alone.

The Ripple Effect of One Recovery Story

Sharing my substance use disorder recovery story has opened doors and hearts. It’s not about spotlighting my past—it’s about giving hope to those still in the storm. Each story shared becomes a ripple that reaches another struggling soul, reminding them they’re not alone and that healing is possible.

Challenging the Social Norms Around Drug and Alcohol Use

Dispelling the “Everybody Does It” Myth

One of the most damaging beliefs among teens is the idea that “everyone drinks” or “everyone tries drugs.” This illusion of normalcy fuels peer pressure and risky behaviors. But statistics show the opposite—most students don’t abuse substances. Shining a light on this truth helps shift the narrative.

The Influence of Family Culture and Peer Pressure

Substance use patterns often run in families, not because of genetics alone, but because of normalized behavior. High school partiers often raise kids who believe the same lifestyle is acceptable. My mission is to interrupt that cycle—one classroom, one family, one story at a time.

Life After Addiction: Discovering Purpose and Power

Embracing Leadership Roles

Recovery gave me more than sobriety—it gave me purpose. From being elected to public roles to leading a 200+ youth coalition, every opportunity to lead is a chance to rewrite the narrative around addiction.

Using the Platform for Prevention

Every speech I give, every youth I mentor, and every parent I speak with is part of a larger mission: to build a world where prevention is as valued as treatment. We don’t have to wait for rock bottom to intervene.

Building an Army of Change

Since taking leadership of the West Linn Community Task Force, I’ve felt a movement grow. Volunteers, youth leaders, educators, and parents are stepping up, forming an army against the epidemic of addiction. Together, we’re creating real change.

Lessons Learned on the Path to Recovery

Recognizing the Signs Early

If I had understood the warning signs in my teens—like using alcohol to feel normal or hiding my drinking—I may have asked for help sooner. Early education is vital.

Rewriting Your Story

You are not the sum of your worst choices. Recovery allows you to rewrite your narrative—not erase the past, but use it as a foundation for something better.

Viewing Recovery as a Superpower

The resilience, empathy, and insight that come from battling addiction are superpowers. I don’t hide my journey—I wear it as armor. My mess truly became my message.

Hope for the Future: A Message to Those Still Struggling

Why Recovery is Always Possible

No matter how far gone you feel, there’s always a way back. The first step is the hardest, but it leads to freedom, healing, and self-discovery.

How Sobriety Opened Every Door

From prestigious internships to marriage, children, and community leadership—none of it would’ve happened without sobriety. Every good thing in my life today stems from the moment I chose recovery.

What I Wish I Knew Earlier

I wish I knew that addiction wasn’t a moral failing, and that asking for help wasn’t weak—it was brave. If you’re struggling, ask. There’s a whole world ready to support you.

My Mission Moving Forward

Empowering Youth Through Education

Education is our strongest defense against addiction. I aim to arm youth with truth—not fear—and encourage them to build futures free of substance dependence.

Continuing the Fight Against Stigma

Breaking the stigma around addiction starts with honesty. By sharing stories like mine, we humanize the struggle and amplify the hope that recovery brings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the biggest challenge in staying sober?

Staying mentally and emotionally balanced is the hardest part. Triggers never disappear, but with support, you can manage them and thrive.

2. How can family and friends support someone in recovery?

Be patient, listen without judgment, and offer consistent support. Encourage professional help and educate yourself about the disease.

3. What resources helped the most in your journey?

12-step programs, therapy, sober friends, and community leadership roles all played vital parts in my recovery.

4. Is relapse common?

Yes, but it’s not a failure. It’s a detour, not the end. With the right help, many return stronger than ever.

5. What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t confuse fun with freedom. Ask for help, and never let shame stop you from healing.

6. Can addiction really become a gift?

Absolutely. It taught me resilience, purpose, and gave me a mission that’s changing lives every day.

Turning Pain into Purpose

My substance use disorder recovery story isn’t about where I came from—it’s about where I’m going and who I’ve become. The disease that once defined me is now the very reason I get to lead, educate, and inspire others. If you’re in the midst of your struggle, know this: your mess can become your message too. Recovery is possible. And it may be the greatest gift of your life.

External Resources for Recovery and Prevention

Organization	Purpose	Website
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)	Free helplines, treatment locators, support	samhsa.gov
West Linn Community Task Force	Youth prevention, community outreach in Oregon	westlinncommunitytaskforce.org
Alcoholics Anonymous	Peer support, global network for sobriety	aa.org
Al-Anon/Alateen	Support for families and teens affected by addiction	al-anon.org

Addiction Help Needed, I’m Stalking My EX on Facebook

by Sally Rosa | Mar 23, 2017 | 12 Steps, Sobriety For Women, Stories from Women in Sobriety

Do They Have Addiction Help for Facebook Stalking?

I’ve been staking my ex-boyfriend on Facebook and I cannot stop and I need addiction help for what I’m calling the Jim problem. Let me back up. 5 years ago I was dating Jim. We dated for about a year after we both sought addiction help for our problems with heroin. We didn’t date in treatment, but shortly afterwards we began our time together. We loved each other very much. Jim was very cute and by far the funniest person I had ever met. He thought I was just the best, he loved me so much and I appreciated that. Jim’s AA program always came first and it was a huge turn on to me that he did so much service work and helped so many men stay sober, he was seriously like the most famous man in the anonymous program. His example made me work harder at recovery too.

I’m Was Showing Signs of a Drug Addict Towards School

No one had ever cared about me like Jim did. I was simply a heroin junkie from New Hampshire. Jim helped me light the fire of my soul and we were great together, until we were not. Jim was 10 years older than I was and wanted to settle down and get married to me. I was not ready and was very focused on graduating college. I loved school and I loved Jim, but both were too intense to co-exist. I was into school, like really in to it. I was like a druggie for school. I was all I did and all I wanted to do, so one night, Jim and I broke up. Well, I said I needed 7 days away from him to gather my thought and he ended it.

Jim Found Addiction Help for Dealing with The Loss of Me

For the better part of a year Jim would e-mail me and beg to get back together and for that year I never responded. I was too focused on school. I didn’t date other people I just studied. Jim having a hard time with us being apart threw himself in to AA even more and his recovery grew even stronger, God I think he even got better looking. I moved out of my apartment and into a condo with a friend, then one morning I opened my front door to find Jim moving a mattress in to the condo next to mine. He had just purchased, not rented, purchased the condo next to mine and he had no idea. I t was luck, fate, a horrible coincidence.

Am I addicted to Jim or Just Addicted

Our eyes locked and that was it, we were back together. I missed him so much and he missed me. We spent every night together and I was so happy. Jim seemed to skip everywhere he went, but there was a secret I hadn’t told him. I was moving back to New Hampshire in a week. Jim had to stay in Florida, HE JUST BOUGHT A CONDO! Plus he had a career. I had gotten a full ride to a great school up north. He fought to keep me but I didn’t back down. I left him again. For 3 weeks after I left I thought about him every second of the day. Jim was seeing a therapist and getting addiction help for, well dealing with me again. I was obsessing over him and showing signs of a drug addict. So I bought Jim a plane ticket to come see me and called him to tell him the news. He told me that he was trying to move on. I begged for him to come see me, begged for him to sell his condo. So, he tried. Over the next 24 hours Jim put his condo on the market and he did one other thing. He met someone. Next to a bike rack outside an AA meeting Jim asked a girl on a date. He told me about and I said…

“If you think this girl is the one, the go on that date, if even the tiniest bit of you thinks she is not then get on that plane.”

He never got on the plane.

Jim Got Married and Not to Me

It’s been 3 years and Jim has a wife, live in the mid-west and they are expecting a child in April. It’s going to be a girl. They haven’t picked out a name yet. They have a great house and love to go for walks with their dog by the river. I have not spoken to him since the day he chose her over me. All the information I have is from the Facebook posts I glance at while my boyfriend runs to the bathroom or while I’m at work, or driving to work. Yeah I’m with someone but I wish it was Jim not the goof ball I sleep with now. I actually can’t go to sleep until I check out his Facebook page. Do they make addiction help for Facebook? Do the make addiction help for stalking? Do they make addiction help for love?

Together We Stand a Chance.

by A Women in Sobriety | Mar 2, 2017 | Addiction Articles, Stories from Women in Sobriety

Story Submitted By Kori

My name is Kori. I’m a grateful recovering alcoholic/addict. I’m 36 years old and mother of 3. I just celebrated 6 months of sobriety. I owe this new way of life to a 12 step recovery program and my faith in the God of my understanding. I truly have never felt more peace and freedom in my life than I have today. I’m more excited about the future and less afraid if it than I’ve ever been.

My story might sound familiar to some and tragic to others. I only hope it gives hope to someone.

My parents and grandparents were alcoholic. I grew up in a loving but dysfunctional home. I was the youngest of 3 and so my older sisters paved the way for me to follow in their footstep as they followed in my parent’s footsteps. I didn’t stand a chance. All I ever wanted was a “normal” and “happy” life. I didn’t know the hell I would endure until I learned to love myself and accept that while I may never be “normal” there is hope for change. There is hope for healing. This is how my drug use started which has made me appreciate everything I have today. Some don’t get so lucky to have the life I have today. I should be dead.

recovering alcoholic and addict

I took my first drug at age 13. It started with a little bit of pot. When I was caught by my mother instead of being punished or having consequences; I now had someone to supply my needs. My parents were the neighborhood pot dealers. She gave me the drug behind my father’s back, or; I was stealing it. Later, I found out their drug use also included meth, heroin, cocaine and acid. Most of that ceased before I was born. My father sobered up but enabled my mother’s behavior. After I tried pot then came the pills then alcohol. My mother also helped me acquire those substances. My father never knew. I went from telling myself I will never be like her to very curious what all this was about. What was so powerful that kept my mother in its clutches the times I begged and cried for her to stop getting falling down drunk? Or listening to her heart beat when I was 6 years old checking to see if she was alive when I got home from school when she passed out on the couch. She promised she would stop but never could. If she loved me why couldn’t she stop? I would later understand that for myself that she didn’t love herself. I saw her in and out of institutions at a very young age. I was traumatized. I was a very nervous, anxious and withdrawn child and I carried a lot of pain. My biggest fear was that my mother would die. I quickly took comfort in the effects drugs and alcohol had on my moods and personality. I was more comfortable in my own skin and confident with others. I could forget my worries for a while. So I’m now growing in active addiction drinking every day and smoking a lot of pot as a teenager also developing issues with anorexia and bulimia. I craved the attention of my father and I would never receive it. This was the foundation of dysfunctional relationships for me later in life. I was an all-around mess. My drug use which was more experimental than full blown addiction would take a halt shortly after the birth of my first child in 1996. I had my first spiritual experience at 16. I never wanted to hurt my children by my lifestyle the way my parent’s lifestyle hurt me. So when God entered my life the first time and by surrender to my faith that kept me sober a number of years. If God didn’t intervene when he did I would have killed myself before my 18th birthday. I have no doubt about that.

When I was 19 my mother’s addiction took her life. Three months’ later addiction took the life of my daughter’s father. He died on her 5th birthday. I got married and my husband became abusive towards me. I stayed in that marriage 3 years too long. I was now a battered woman grieving the deaths of two very important people in my life. I was “mostly” sober during that time and highly functional but terrified of being a parent and felt very alone. The people I needed to help me raise my daughter either died on me or betrayed me. I couldn’t imagine the turn my life was about to take.

recovering alcoholic addict

I met my sisters drug dealer when I finally left the abusive husband. I was 22. He was handsome and treated me gently BUT He introduced me to Crystal meth, ecstasy, cocaine, inhalants and a lot of it. We went to rave parties and clubbing every weekend. That became destructive fast. Crystal meth being the primary problem. I was hooked. I used nearly every day, or at least 5 times a week for 10 months. It worked wonders for my eating disorders. I lost a lot of weight and was obsessed with being a size 0. I didn’t think I had a drug problem though and I didn’t as long as I was high. The come down was too much and it was then I had a problem. I needed to fix that feeling by doing more. I was an addict and couldn’t believe it. How could I let this happen? I finally had enough and knew it was life or death. If I continued to use the way, I was I would die and I knew it. I cried out to God and by a series of events and some tragedy I was able to fight and I mean literally fight to put the meth down. I never thought I could but I did. It was coming up to the anniversary of my daughter’s father’s death (also her birthday) and I couldn’t let her loose her mom the same way she lost her father and same way I lost my mother. My boyfriend quit meth with me and he stopped selling drugs. We spent 7 years together and I had my 2nd child. A little boy. I put myself in outpatient treatment and began to touch some of my issues with PTSD, anxiety, depression and disordered eating. I didn’t disclose to my therapist I had issues with substance abuse. I stopped using meth but turned to alcohol which also quickly began to take over my life. Then cocaine came on the scene. My new drug of choice was alcohol and cocaine. I could do that “socially” or when I worked as a bar tender and felt like it was nowhere near as bad as my meth addiction because I thought I had more control over it. Not true. That was an illusion. Drugs and alcohol would be the downfall in the relationship with my son’s father. He went back to using meth and I would not and could not. I haven’t used meth since 2010. I continued to “socially” drink and use cocaine. I eventually put down the drugs and only drank for about 3 years sometimes moderately sometimes not. I was putting forth effort anyway. I was “trying” to be better for my kids. Drinking always led to other drugs and I knew I couldn’t drink like a “normal” person when all my efforts failed me. I was able to keep appearances kind of “normal” keeping a job, clean house, bills paid, etc on my own with two kids but still struggling to like myself and still carrying a lot of pain. My children deserved a happy and healthy mom and I didn’t know how to give that to them. I felt lost, empty and hopeless. I continued to drink after I met the man who would be my 2nd husband who was also an alcoholic. He might of been worse than the meth head! Each one sick in their own way. I was growing sicker as well but I was able to keep some fight in me for my children. Now having my 3rd child I couldn’t fail them. I reached a place that I knew something had to change. I was desperate to try anything. I tried a 12 step recovery program for the first time in 4/20/14. With the support of that program and tools I learned to use I achieved 9 months of sobriety. I did have a relapse that lasted 18 months when I let my husband back after a separation. I learned the hard way there and on my way to divorce again. I made my way back to the rooms and surrendered to the program again. I found a sponsor and I’m learning to work the steps. For this woman in recovery it’s the only thing that I have found to work for me. This program has provided me the opportunity to give my children the happy, healthy and sober mom I always wished I had and always tried to give my children before but didn’t know how. I’m living in the solution now not the problem. I’m still learning about me, my disease, codependency, healing past Trauma and it’s a daily struggle sometimes but I now stand a chance because of my faith in my Higher power and connecting to others in recovery. I’m not standing alone. Thanks for letting me share.

Choose Life Over Alcohol

by A Women in Sobriety | Feb 23, 2017 | Addiction Articles, Blog, Stories from Women in Sobriety

Submitted By Frances

At a Crossroads

I have made it over two years without taking a drink and yet hours ago I found myself at a crossroads. I was at the supermarket staring down a six-pack of beer as if the liquid inside those dark bottles had all of the answers. I pictured myself bringing the six-pack home, treating the bottles as if they were royalty, taking a swig and feeling my insides melt in warm, delight. This is day two of wanting to drink. Yesterday, as I admired park goers lounging around enjoying an alcoholic beverage my insides screamed for a drink with an intensity that rivaled early sobriety. But, as the urge splashed over me I closed my eyes tightly and remembered that the past two years without alcohol have given me life, interests other than drinking and, most importantly, joy.

Life

Yes, my sobriety has given me life, but sometimes life is not easy. Lately I have had trouble making decisions about the future and this weekend my body wanted a drink because it understands (more than I do) the instant relief that comes from drinking. But, no matter how strong the desire, taking that drink is no longer an option. I have way too much to lose and past experience tells me that there is no negotiation on whether drinking will or won’t wipe away the ability to even have freedom to make decisions in the first place. In the not too distant past I was under the impression that after I quit drinking life would be a breeze. That hasn’t been the case. But, I’ve learned that even though some weekends are harder than others drinking will not eliminate any difficulties I experience. This time around I am willing to fight for my sobriety and give myself the chance to see what life is like without drinking. How will I ever know what sober me is like if I shut the door on her. Alcohol will always be waiting for me, but time will not.

One Day at A Time

by A Women in Sobriety | Feb 9, 2017 | Addiction Articles, Blog, Stories from Women in Sobriety

Submitted By Ashley L

I was only 17

My addiction started when I was 17 years old I met a guy who was into using drugs and started using cocaine at 17 I come from a very normal home my father was a minister and my mother was a stay-at-home mom 18 I got pregnant with my first child I didn’t use when I was pregnant with him he was born 10 weeks early and only weighed 3 pounds I got pregnant a month after he was born and I had another son as well during this time I didn’t really use 18 months later I had a daughter when she was 6 weeks old I started taking prescription pain pills and smoking marijuana I can’t tell you when I really discovered that I was addicted by the time I knew it I couldn’t stop my kid’s dad was in and out of jail cps had got called and they drug tested me and I had to get clean or lose my kids.

30 days clean, free and clear…

I was clean for 30 days and they closed the case, probably 20 mins after they closed it I was using again. I stared stealing to afford my addiction and was caught I went to jail overnight and bonded out the next day and not even one month later I was caught again I spent 5 days in jail and was released while on probation I failed numerous drug test and spend a couple months in jail at a time I had to sign guardianship of my children over to their grandma my mother-in-law I served all my time in jail and was released without probation I really thought I was going to get out and get my life together and get my children back I stayed clean for about 3 months then ran into old friends and started using again by this time we are using heroin because it’s cheaper than pain pills I was out of jail for maybe a year using the whole time and having nothing to do with my children I worked at a hotel where I was stealing people’s credit card information I was picked up and questioned by police.

Something had to change

I knew I had to change this was not the life for me, I was staying with random people and I didn’t have a place to call home at one point I just wanted to die. I even told my mom that, because I was so low in my addiction that I thought everyone’s life would be a better place if I wasn’t around. I can only imagine what that did to my mother hearing me say that…. I started praying to God that I get to where I need to be in life and one day an old friend showed up to where I was staying (I don’t even know how he knew where I was) and offered to help me get treatment so I took it. It was Jan 27th 2014 my daughter’s birthday. I went to her party and left that night for rehab, I completed 30-day inpatient and by this time I had a warrant for my arrest I went home for 3 days spent time with my family and kids. And turned myself in though the jail. I was being charged with 16 counts of fraud and 16 counts of forgery. I thought I would never get out. In our county jail we have a program called j-cap and it’s like a drug treatment for people in jail I got into that program and I was in it for 11 months. I was sentenced to 2 years in prison and 10 year’s probation. I went to prison and was released.

I’m free in more ways than one

Since being out of prison I have bought my first house and got all my children back, which wasn’t easy. It was about a year after I got out that the judge gave my children back. I have worked at the same job since I got out and that’s never happened. My life has changed in so many ways. I am started to become a productive member of society. And a soccer mom again. I can’t even tell you how grateful I am for second chances I get threw everyday one day at a time. And if thats to hard I take it one hour at a time, because no matter how bad my day is if I didn’t pick up and use that day it was a great day! I have been clean since Jan 27th 2014.

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