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Marilyn's Story
Hi My name is Marilyn and I am an addict and today I have 6 years and 27 days clean. My story isnt much different from other addicts, I started using when I was 13 years old, first it was pot then alcohol, then acid, by the time I was 18 there werent too many drugs I hadnt tried. After coming down off a 3 day acid binge I looked around at where I was and the people I was with and decided I needed to make a change in my life so I joined the Army. That worked to get me off the drugs but only allowed me to drink more. I had several offenses in the military that I was punished for under the UCMJ everyone of them alcohol related. I sobered up for a few years after I had my first child and got married, after 10 years of marriage, it fell apart and I started smoking marijuana again and drinking heavily, next thing I know I was using methamphetamines on a daily basis. Then someone showed me how to shoot up. I was gone then, my life totally fell apart when I stuck that needle in my arm, up until then I was very judgemental about other addicts always telling myself "Im not that bad, or Im not like them" it wasnt until I hit the YET part and realized I was just like them, I was homeless, lost my children, lost all my self respect, lost trust from those who I loved the most because of my lying and stealing. I prayed to god everytime I used and asked him to please let it be the last time. Finally after three attempts to get to rehab I finally made it. I contribute my success in the recovery process to the fact that I attended meetings on a daily basis, found a sponsor, worked the 12 steps and got involved with helping others, giving back what I had so freely been given. Its a constant reminder when I look at the pain in a using addicts eyes as to why I dont want to go back to using.
Today I am 6 years clean, have remarried, have earned back the trust of my family and children and am truly blessed. I am looking for ways to give back. Going to college now to get my license to be a addiction councelor and am truly grateful that more awareness and compassion about this horrible disease of addiction is out there. God bless anyone who has struggled or is struggling with this just belive there is hope and help out there..Dont give up.
Lincoln, Nebraska
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