My addiction began when I was 13 after the death of my beloved mother and brother.  I was lost in addiction for 21 years.   The barriers to my recovery were unresolved grief, a lack of support (family/financial), and a lack of services.  However, Recovery has given me the life that I deserved.  Life now is richer in every way.  I have healthy and rich family relationships; an interesting and gratifying career, a home, and a passion for helping others find their way out of difficulty.   

I have been in recovery now for 12+ years and I am currently completing a doctorate in clinical psychology. My research interest is Stigma of Addiction.  The higher I go in my education and career, I can't help but wonder if my past history of addiction effects the way people will view me, and  if the social stigma associated with addiction and the discrimination that grows from this stigma will be a barrier to my future success.  It makes me wonder how anyone can find the hope to recover when they face so many obstacles, especially if they have gotten into trouble with the law as a result of their addiction.  As I study stigmatizing attitudes and stereotypes that people hold about those who have struggled with addiction, I am amazed at the obstacles that people face and yet still recover!  It takes a lot of courage and determination.  If you are struggling, don't give up.  If you know someone who has had an addiction, please remember that this does not mean that they are bad or untrustworthy but more likely that life events, genetics, personality, the era that they grew up in, and environmental factors have all converged into this problem.  It is not a life sentence.  Change happens.