Jenni's Journey

To the outside world I had a pretty good life - a beautiful home in Forest, a great career as a respiratory therapist, three beautiful children and a loving husband.  But the truth was very different. I was lost. I felt alone, and I felt like a failure most of the time. I didn't know what was going on inside; I just felt hopeless. Issues with chronic back pain introduced me to opiates. After taking pain pills for an extended period of time, I began to use them to self-medicate my depression and anxiety. The drugs seemed to be my only temporary escape. But then I ran out of drugs and I couldn't stand to be sick from the withdrawls any longer. So, I decided to rehab.

I was very fortunate to have a supportive family during my stay. My parents were very involved in my recovery and wanted to learn all they could. After I finished rehab, I went back to my family but I didn't change anything about my life, or my way of thinking. The drugs were out of my system, but my mind and spirit were still dark with addiction. I relapsed.

After relapsing, my using progressed very quickly, and I did whatever possible to support my addiction. I stole medicine from my job and I was caught.  I lost my job and gained a misdemeanor on my record. But more devastating than that, I let down my family. I was on the verge of losing everything - my career, my husband and my children.

So, I turned to Horizon for help in November of 2013. I have now been clean for two years. Horizon's clinicians helped me realized that addiction is a moral and spiritual disease. I knew that if I didn't take care of myself I was going to be in jail or dead. I have learned that this disease will never be cured, and that it is cunning, insidious, and progressive. I have also discovered that with help I am stronger than my disease and I am responsible for my recovery. By healing my mind and spirit, I know I can find enjoyment in life, clean.