04/05/2021
"I started using drugs and alcohol at 12. I dropped out of high school and ran away from home in 10th grade. I was in an abusive relationship during this time. I had minor altercations with the law until about 21 when I started regularly going to jail following a DUI and subsequent drug charges. I became addicted to opiates by 21 and was a full time he**in and crack user by 22. From 22-26 I was either in jail, rehab, or living on the streets between DC, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. I stole from people and stores as well as prostituted to support my habit. I was hospitalized twice following overdoses in which I was revived by Narcan administered by EMTs. I got clean in November 2011 when I turned myself in for probation violations.
After serving 8 months at MCIW I was court-ordered to a women’s rehab for another 6 months. It was at the rehab that I got involved with NA and really engaged in a life of recovery. This included therapy, volunteer work, reconnecting with my family, and building a supportive and healthy network of people around me.
After finishing rehab I went to cosmetology school and have since been doing hair for almost 8 years. I'm still involved in NA and connected to my recovery community. I’ve also done a lot of volunteer haircutting for halfway houses, shelters, and prisons.
I wholeheartedly believe that there should be way more access to Narcan, clean syringes, shelters, and drug treatment resources. I also believe drugs need to be decriminalized and all of the money spent jailing drug users should instead be used for treatment and safe use availability.
When I was homeless and using in Philly I only encountered a needle exchange once. They actually helped direct me to a place that would get me into treatment but I wasn’t able to get a bed that day so I went back to the streets. I think back on all of the times I was desperate for help but felt like my only option was jail so I just continued to subject myself to unsafe living and using conditions that resulted in further trauma. I often wonder if help was more available, would I have either gotten clean sooner or at least taken better care of myself.
My life today is nothing like it was 9 years ago, and for that, I feel very fortunate. I also know that I am lucky to be alive. I wouldn’t have the life I have if it weren’t for the treatment and assistance I received after I got out of prison. Because of this, it is my lifetime commitment to making myself available whenever possible to help other addicts and folks who use but also to help break the stigma that goes with being someone who used drugs."
