Washington County Stories

Monica

I began using illicit substances at the age of 10 and finally found recovery on 3/14/2014. As a result of my using I have experienced many consequences but am slowly gaining the things I lost back.

Robbie

Candidly, I have several drug addicts in my family and grew up seeing how that destroys people and families. I became a pharmacist and minister to love people until they learn to love themselves.   

Sherry 

I personally do not think “impacted” is a strong enough word. I redefined it. I did not submit to my active addiction until late in life. If I could provide a short narrative, it would be the “perfect storm.” A perfect storm that pushed me to use that one Roxicodone. That day, IT redefined how I would live life day by day. No longer having goals or aspirations. No longer working on my education. Just searching and needing to plan my day to not feel sick. It no longer became about being numb, it was about surviving. A year later, with the death of a spouse and 50-60 a day Roxicodone 30 habit, I lost life as I knew it. I was a Nurse Practitioner, working on my doctorate and was raided by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. After several failed attempts at recovery, this was my rock bottom.

August 21, 2014 became the day my life was no longer dictated and defined by IT. I started redefining my life and chose recovery. My recovery encompassed a near death experience, loss of professional license, incarceration and so much more. I wouldn’t trade it.

Today, I see that experience redefining my life for the positive now. I serve as the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist for Region 1 in Tennessee. I am a SMART Recovery Facilitator. I am actively working on my licensure.

It sucks to hear it, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.