A Story of Hope

When I was little I was a Daddy’s girl. I was never very close to my mother or my brother. When I was eight years old my Dad died of cancer. It was really hard for me to get closure with my Dad’s death. I was extremely angry no one had told me that he was going to die. For several years after I would still cry myself to sleep.

I started using drugs at 13. It was “cool” with my friends and most of my family were users at the time so it didn’t even seem wrong. I did
my first line of cocaine, and smoked by first joint all in the same night. Later that night the same guy who gave me those first drugs also gave me my first sexual experience. He raped me.

At 17, I met Frank who “swept” me off my feet. Shortly after Frank and I started dating my best friend died in a car accident. Deep down I knew there was nothing I could have done to prevent the accident so I could only mourn her loss. For three months after her death I visited
her grave every day. Frank was there for me and I think at that point he really did care about me.

Six months later I found out I was four months pregnant. I quit everything immediately but was scared because I was still using before I knew I was pregnant. I gave birth – thank God – to a very healthy baby boy.

But thee weeks after my son was born I started using again. For years, Frank and I fought constantly, broke up and got back together many times. Unfortunately my son witnessed all of that destructive behavior. I ended up living with my uncle and his girlfriend in a very chaotic
situation. Finally at 21, I realized that I was working dead-end jobs and didn’t have a high school diploma or GED. I knew I needed to quit and quickly get my life on track.

I told my Aunt that I needed help and she told me about STEP2. I was told I could get clean and go through this program and still be with my son.

I left my son with my Mom to begin my recovery at STEP2.Today I have 5 months clean. I now have my GED. I also got an acceptance letter from a college. My son is with me and I am the best mother I have ever been. My mother is my best friend and I now have a relationship
with my brother.

Every morning I wake up next to my son and I thank God for the life I live today. I am grateful for being here because in all my life I have never been happier. If it wasn’t for STEP2 I wouldn’t be at this point.

Kristen – a STEP2 client

*Names have been changed