“It started with pain pills I got after getting hurt at work.  At the time, I was taking care of my mom, my little brother, and my two sons (16 and 13).  The pills made me feel like I could get through it.  

When I couldn’t get more, I started using heroin.  Things went downhill fast.  I lost my apartment and got separated from my kids.  Then their dad died from an overdose.  My son texted me: “Mom, we lost pops.  We can’t lose you.  We need you to get help.  We have nobody else.”  That was heartbreaking because I didn’t think they knew.  

I went into treatment and haven’t looked back since.  It has been truly amazing.  I want to break the cycle: my brother and I struggled, and so did my parents – and I don’t want that for my kids.  I’m trying to make up for lost time.”