Karla's* Story

My name is Karla, and I am an addict. Addiction has shaped my life from the very start. Neglect, abuse, and abandonment due to my mother's substance use deeply affected me. I grew up feeling different from my peers, disconnected, and afraid of rejection. When puberty hit, rebellion sprang forth and I found myself being drawn to doing all the wrong things with all the wrong people--but I finally felt like I belonged. As life progressed I reassured myself that I wasn't an addict because I didn't use "hard" drugs. I got married, had children, and held the same job for 12 years. My relationship with my husband was tumultuous from the start and got progressively worse as the years went on. We were both physically, verbally, and mentally abusive towards each other. I felt stuck and had lost all hope. On the brink of mental collapse I was told the devastating news that my grandmother had stage 4 cancer. The woman who stepped in when my mother stepped out was sick, and she wasn't going to get better. Unable to grapple with the reality of my life, I ran. I wasn't able to hide my use any longer. Those closest to me could see the changes. I lost my job, left my family, and became homeless all in a matter of months. Staying high was my #1 priority for 2 years. I wasn't able to hold a job, I never attempted to see my children, and I engaged in very high risk behaviors. Then in January, 2019 I decided I could no longer live that lifestyle. After participating in two Intensive Meth Treatment programs, living in an Oxford house, and working a program of recovery through Narcotics Anonymous, I was able to celebrate 1 year clean on January 13th, 2022. Today I get to go to work, pay my bills, and be a mother to my children. The love and support that I receive from the fellowship I experience in recovery is not something that I could have ever imagined. This is what I've always wanted.

*Pseudonym used for privacy

Kenny's Story

Kenny knew that Alan worked at Glory House, and Alan knew that Kenny was a heavy drinker.  Still they were friends.  Alan would sometimes share his concerns about the pitfalls of alcohol abuse, without being obnoxious about it.  When the drinking led to narcotic use, and eventually, daily meth use, Kenny’s world began to crumble.  He lost his job, his apartment and his relationship.  His entitlement mentality caused him to think his problems were someone else’s fault.  He was couch surfing for places to stay.  When he realized that everything he owned would now fit into his SUV, Kenny started to look at himself and ask, “What am I doing?” Kenny mustered up the courage to call Alan.  “Remember when you said to call when you’re ready to do something to change your life?”  Kenny was ready.  Alan put him in touch with a Glory House counselor who did an evaluation and referred him to a local inpatient treatment program.  He sometimes wanted to leave, but his family and friends encouraged him to stay and get help--and he did.  Kenny is gratefully celebrating two years of recovery this month, thanks to the professional and caring direction given by Glory House staff.

Jody's* Story

Jody had lost custody of her infant daughter because of the ways her meth use had affected her parenting. Jody didn’t want to be here, and was not afraid to say so. She appeared to be withdrawn and uninvolved at first, thinking about how far she was from home. But she started paying attention, and one day something clicked for her. Jody realized where she was, and it was not the life she wanted to have. She gave her full attention to her counselor and other group leaders, attended every session, stayed on track, and after four months was discharged successfully. Since home was too far away to return for after-care, Glory House staff helped her to set up Zoom sessions. For the next 3 months Jody participated in Dialetical Behavioral Therapy for 90 minutes every week, until she finished the program—and she has now obtained full custody of her daughter! Jody’s hope was rekindled at Glory House.

*Pseudonym used for privacy