Sarah’s story begins in a place many of us recognize—feeling lost, hopeless, and trapped in a cycle that seemed impossible to break. Today, she’s celebrating three years in recovery, working as a peer support specialist, and helping others find their own path to healing. Here’s her journey from darkness to light.
The Descent: How It All Began
Sarah’s struggle with addiction began in her early twenties, following a car accident that left her with chronic pain. What started as prescribed pain medication gradually became something much more dangerous.
“I remember the exact moment I realized I was in trouble,” Sarah recalls. “I was taking pills not for pain anymore, but just to feel normal. When my prescription ran out, I found other ways to get what I needed. That’s when I knew I had crossed a line I never thought I would.”
Over the next decade, Sarah’s life spiraled. She lost jobs, relationships, and eventually her apartment. The person she had been—a college graduate with dreams and ambitions—seemed like a distant memory.
The Reality of Addiction:
Sarah’s story illustrates how addiction can affect anyone, regardless of background, education, or circumstances. It’s a disease that doesn’t discriminate, and recovery requires comprehensive support and understanding.
The Turning Point: Rock Bottom and a Moment of Clarity
Sarah’s turning point came during what she describes as her “darkest moment”—waking up in a hospital emergency room after an overdose, with her estranged sister holding her hand.
“I saw the fear in my sister’s eyes, and for the first time in years, I felt something other than numbness. I felt ashamed, but I also felt a tiny spark of hope. If she was still there after everything I had put her through, maybe I was worth saving.”
That day, Sarah made a decision that would change her life. She asked for help. Her sister, who had been researching treatment options, told her about Journey to Solutions and their network of recovery resources.
The Power of Family Support
Sarah’s sister had been attending family support meetings and learning about addiction as a disease. This education helped her maintain hope and be ready with resources when Sarah was finally ready to accept help. Family education and support are crucial components of the recovery process.
Finding Help: The Journey to Solutions Connection
Within 24 hours of reaching out to Journey to Solutions, Sarah was connected with a treatment facility that specialized in dual diagnosis treatment—addressing both her addiction and the underlying trauma and mental health issues that had contributed to her substance use.
“I was terrified,” Sarah admits. “I had tried to get clean on my own so many times and failed. But the team at Journey to Solutions didn’t make me feel like a failure. They made me feel like someone worth investing in.”
Treatment Components
• Medical detoxification
• Individual therapy
• Group counseling
• Trauma-informed care
• Life skills training
Support Services
• Family counseling
• Peer support groups
• Vocational training
• Housing assistance
• Aftercare planning
The Work: Recovery is a Daily Choice
Sarah’s recovery didn’t happen overnight. After completing a 90-day residential program, she transitioned to intensive outpatient treatment while living in a supportive sober living environment.
“The hardest part wasn’t getting clean—it was learning how to live,” Sarah explains. “I had to relearn basic life skills, rebuild relationships, and most importantly, learn to forgive myself for the harm I had caused.”
Through therapy, Sarah discovered that her addiction wasn’t just about the physical dependency—it was also about unresolved trauma from her childhood and a lack of healthy coping mechanisms. Working through these underlying issues was crucial to her recovery.
Giving Back: From Survivor to Thriver
Two years into her recovery, Sarah made a decision that would transform her healing journey from personal to purposeful. She became a peer support specialist, using her lived experience to help others navigate their own recovery.
“Working with Journey to Solutions as a peer specialist has given my experience meaning,” Sarah says. “Every person I help reminds me of how far I’ve come and reinforces my commitment to staying in recovery.”
The Value of Peer Support:
Peer support specialists like Sarah provide unique value in recovery. They offer hope through their lived experience, practical guidance from someone who has walked the path, and authentic understanding that can’t be replicated through training alone.
Life Today: Building a Future Worth Living
Today, Sarah lives in her own apartment, has rebuilt her relationship with her family, and is pursuing a degree in addiction counseling. She sponsors two women in early recovery and volunteers at community events focused on addiction awareness.
“Recovery isn’t perfect,” Sarah acknowledges. “I still have hard days, and I still have to make the choice to stay in recovery every single day. But now I have tools, support, and most importantly, I have hope.”
Her relationship with her sister has healed and grown stronger. They now work together on family advocacy projects, helping other families navigate the challenges of having a loved one in active addiction or early recovery.
Sarah’s Message of Hope
When asked what she would say to someone currently struggling with addiction, Sarah’s response is immediate and heartfelt:
“You are not broken beyond repair. You are not too far gone. You are not alone. Recovery is possible, and you deserve a life of joy, purpose, and connection. Take it one day at a time, ask for help, and don’t give up. Your story isn’t over—this could be the beginning of your greatest chapter.”
Ready to Start Your Own Recovery Story?
Like Sarah, your journey to recovery can begin with a single phone call. Journey to Solutions is here to connect you with the resources, support, and hope you need to transform your life.
Sarah’s story is shared with her permission to provide hope to others in similar situations.
Resources for Your Journey
Emergency Resources
• Emergency: 911
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Prevention Resources
• Local naloxone distribution programs
• School-based prevention programs
• Community education events
• Family support groups
