From Grad School to Recovery
Created by Geraldine M
From Grad School to Recovery
My story begins back in November 2014. We were completely blindsided when we found out Kate was using opioids and Xanax. She was a second-year grad school student for speech language pathology. She was living with us and getting really good grades in school. I knew she wasn't so happy, it was a very competitive program and a lot of work. There was money missing from my bank account and she admitted to taking it. I was shocked at what she continued to tell us.
Kate told us how depressed she was and how she was feeling that way for a long time. She said she wanted to kill herself and that was heartbreaking to hear as a parent. She tried to stop on her own, I really did not know the enormity of it. Needless to say three weeks later she couldn't do it and she went off to a 30-day program. We are very fortunate, our health insurance covers substance abuse unlimited so everything was paid for.
She was discharged in January, came home and two weeks later relapsed. I told her she could no longer live with us (people, places and things) so she went to live in a sober house two hours away.
That worked for a while, she was going to IOP and getting drug tested, she got a job and eight months later moved in with another girl in recovery. She then relapsed two months later for the whole month of December. We didn't have a clue, she came home high one night and asked for help.
She went to a different 30-day program where it was very therapy based. She was there for 53 days. She got a lot of therapy and I was very involved with her therapist, we spoke on the phone a lot.
After that she went to a sober house in Florida and she celebrated her one year this past January. She is living in Colorado right now and has a job that she really loves. She has been dating a really nice guy for the past year who is also in recovery. He just recently relapsed and so I am worried about her, however, she sounds strong and determined. He is getting help and she wants to stay with him but she said she will leave if he relapses again.
It's not easy being a parent of a recovering drug addict! I am not ashamed and I do freely share my story with people. I have had other parents call me and I like that I can be there for them because I know how horrible it feels when your child is in the throes of addiction. I pray for all of these addicts who struggle every day -- it's not easy for them either.
Kate told us how depressed she was and how she was feeling that way for a long time. She said she wanted to kill herself and that was heartbreaking to hear as a parent. She tried to stop on her own, I really did not know the enormity of it. Needless to say three weeks later she couldn't do it and she went off to a 30-day program. We are very fortunate, our health insurance covers substance abuse unlimited so everything was paid for.
She was discharged in January, came home and two weeks later relapsed. I told her she could no longer live with us (people, places and things) so she went to live in a sober house two hours away.
That worked for a while, she was going to IOP and getting drug tested, she got a job and eight months later moved in with another girl in recovery. She then relapsed two months later for the whole month of December. We didn't have a clue, she came home high one night and asked for help.
She went to a different 30-day program where it was very therapy based. She was there for 53 days. She got a lot of therapy and I was very involved with her therapist, we spoke on the phone a lot.
After that she went to a sober house in Florida and she celebrated her one year this past January. She is living in Colorado right now and has a job that she really loves. She has been dating a really nice guy for the past year who is also in recovery. He just recently relapsed and so I am worried about her, however, she sounds strong and determined. He is getting help and she wants to stay with him but she said she will leave if he relapses again.
It's not easy being a parent of a recovering drug addict! I am not ashamed and I do freely share my story with people. I have had other parents call me and I like that I can be there for them because I know how horrible it feels when your child is in the throes of addiction. I pray for all of these addicts who struggle every day -- it's not easy for them either.
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Comments
1.
Bunny Music
Bunny Music
I grew up in a nice town in NJ and had a great childhood. I had a boyfriend in FL who smoked cocaine and I asked him if I could try. That was it. I was a functioning addict and smoked it for 14 years. In 2001 I was diagnosed with COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and prescribed oxygen 24/7. That was the end of my smoking coke and cigarettes. I have been blessed by God and thank him every single day. Even though I still breathe with oxygen 24/7 I I consider myself pretty healthy considering what I went through. Have faith and trust that your daughter knows what not to do.
2.
Katrina
Katrina
Thank you!
3.
AnnMarie
AnnMarie
Your story shares that there is always hope. God bless.
4.
Melissa
Melissa
Thank you for sharing your story and strength...so many are touched by this disease and we need to stop judging and start helping.
5.
Jill Gardner
Jill Gardner
I have been on the parent's road of addiction & recovery for more than 10 years. In your wildest dreams, you could never write such a horrible story for a family to endure. I am blessed that my son has graduated from a year long recovery program and is rebuilding his life. I am proud of him. But all of our family relationships have suffered. We may never have the closeness we once did. But as long as he stays clean and creates a productive life, I am ok with that.
Thank you for sharing. BTW it took by son 10 year to complete his college degree and several recoveries. Sometimes it IS the small stuff in life that become worthwhile. Peace and blessings.
6.
JANEIL ANDERSON
JANEIL ANDERSON
My son is a recovering opioid addict. He has been clean for 6 years. He came to us and said I"m afraid i'm going to die. We had him is a facility that night. We also had insurance coverage on him to it was paid in full. I"m not afraid to tell someone of his addiction and our struggles through it. We are very proud of him and continue to support him in his recovery.
7.
Margarita Rozillio
Margarita Rozillio
I think you said the truth. I??ts not easy just being a parent.. I wish you good luck.
8.
Julie
Julie
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and for your honesty and willingness to help other families. Congratulations on your daughter's recovery. Wishing you and your family all the best.
9.
Bunny Music
Bunny Music
I grew up in a nice town in NJ and had a great childhood. I had a boyfriend in FL who smoked cocaine and I asked him if I could try. That was it. I was a functioning addict and smoked it for 14 years. In 2001 I was diagnosed with COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and prescribed oxygen 24/7. That was the end of my smoking coke and cigarettes. I have been blessed by God and thank him every single day. Even though I still breathe with oxygen 24/7 I I consider myself pretty healthy considering what I went through. Have faith and trust that your daughter knows what not to do.
10.
Katrina
Katrina
Thank you!
11.
AnnMarie
AnnMarie
Your story shares that there is always hope. God bless.
12.
Melissa
Melissa
Thank you for sharing your story and strength...so many are touched by this disease and we need to stop judging and start helping.
13.
Jill Gardner
Jill Gardner
I have been on the parent's road of addiction & recovery for more than 10 years. In your wildest dreams, you could never write such a horrible story for a family to endure. I am blessed that my son has graduated from a year long recovery program and is rebuilding his life. I am proud of him. But all of our family relationships have suffered. We may never have the closeness we once did. But as long as he stays clean and creates a productive life, I am ok with that.Thank you for sharing. BTW it took by son 10 year to complete his college degree and several recoveries. Sometimes it IS the small stuff in life that become worthwhile. Peace and blessings.
14.
JANEIL ANDERSON
JANEIL ANDERSON
My son is a recovering opioid addict. He has been clean for 6 years. He came to us and said I"m afraid i'm going to die. We had him is a facility that night. We also had insurance coverage on him to it was paid in full. I"m not afraid to tell someone of his addiction and our struggles through it. We are very proud of him and continue to support him in his recovery.
15.
Margarita Rozillio
Margarita Rozillio
I think you said the truth. I´ts not easy just being a parent.. I wish you good luck.
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