Sharing your story contributes to this collective, creating a network of solidarity and mutual aid. Withdrawing from alcohol or opioids such as heroin without medical supervision can be dangerous, sometimes lethal. I got into AA because hearing other people\u2019s stories and how they made it was like hearing voices from beyond. I\u2019m not as much into AA anymore because I\u2019ll be honest, my life is fantastic. After researching several units and facilities, we found one that worked.<\/p>\n
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I prepared as well by finding a treatment center that used the CRAFT method and in my son\u2019s case waited for the consequences (legal) to use as leverage-i.e. When his case finally came to court they would look more favorably on him if he had voluntarily already gone to treatment. I hoped they would and they did-he is on 5 years\u2019 probation instead of possible jail or prison time which I feared would only alienate him further.<\/p>\n
I had 6 or 7 months sober, maybe even a little bit longer. Like too many people, substance use disorder had taken over Gina\u2019s life \u2013 that is, until one day when she found the inner strength to ask for help. Drug and alcohol addiction stories are usually shadowed by short, faceless segments on the news.<\/p>\n