Stories of Hope in Addiction
Recovery is possible. Patients at UK King's Daughters Wellness Recovery have experienced it for themselves, and now they're sharing their stories of hope in their own words.
Ready to begin your recovery journey? Call us at 606-408-7800.
M.W.'s Story of Hope
My journey with addiction began long before I ever realized what addiction truly was. I grew up in a home where both of my parents struggled with alcoholism. Alcohol was a normal part of everyday life, and from a very young age, my siblings and I would sneak our dad's alcohol and drink it. Looking back now, I realize I was exposed to addiction long before I understood the consequences.
By the time I was 18 years old, I had become a full-blown alcoholic. From the ages of 18 to 21, I drank every single day. It didn't matter what kind of alcohol it was – I would drink whatever I could get my hands on. During that time, I was also in a domestic violence relationship. Alcohol became my escape. I used it to numb the emotional and physical pain I was experiencing because I didn't know any other way to cope. My drinking eventually led to alcohol poisoning, a frightening experience that could have cost me my life.
In 2018, my life took another difficult turn. I moved from Tennessee to Kentucky with a new partner. It was during this time that I was introduced to heroin. What started as trying something new quickly became a daily addiction. For the next six years, I abused heroin every day. This was the lowest point of my life.
My addiction took everything from me. I became homeless for about a year, and I lost my sense of self-worth. I was in an unhealthy and abusive relationship where my partner pressured me into having sexual encounters with other men in exchange for money or drugs for years. I felt trapped, hopeless, and believed there was no way out. Everything changed after I was hospitalized in October of 2024. During that hospitalization, I met people from the Wellness Recovery program. That moment became the turning point in my life. After leaving the hospital, I established services with their program, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Today, I am proud to say that I have been sober for a year and a half and recovery has completely changed my life. Through the Wellness Recovery program, I found something I had never truly experienced before – a sense of belonging, acceptance, and self-worth. Members of the staff genuinely care about me. They listen without judgment, encourage me, and inspire me to become the best version of myself.
The program has also helped me recognize unhealthy relationship patterns and taught me how to establish healthy boundaries. I have built meaningful friendships with people who understand my journey and continue to support my recovery. For the first time in a very long time, I have found genuine happiness and hope for my future.
I know my story is not defined by my past. It is defined by my resilience, my growth, and my commitment to living a healthy, sober life. I am incredibly grateful for the Wellness Recovery program because it gave me the opportunity to reclaim my life. Today, I have hope, purpose, and people who truly care about my success.
L.G.'s Story of Hope
I don't remember much before coming here because I was too zoned out from having withdrawals from trying to stay clean. I have been here for over two years now, and I love it. I always look forward to coming here. I have been clean for almost three years now and it's all thanks to group [therapy]. I always look forward to coming to group because the girls here are nice and friendly, and I always enjoy having conversations with them. I will always come to group and stay clean.
C.R.'s Story of Hope
It was mid-December 2024. I remember that I sat in my living room before church on a Sunday morning. I knew at that time I needed help. I spent Christmas at home but was admitted to the hospital and was in there over the New Year. I had been to detox in the hospital once previously but I relapsed. I spent about 3-4 days in the unit. I slept the first day and a half. I got along with the other patients in the unit very well. I was lucky that I did not have any withdrawal symptoms. I realized that the others around me had it much worse than I did.
Once released, I began attending the group at the hospital. I did this for several months. I also began seeing a therapist. The nurse practitioner at the hospital and my therapist finally told me that I needed to begin attending AA. I had felt I didn't need it before that but I decided to give it a try. I attended one other group but someone there suggested a different group to me. I began attending AA regularly on Wednesdays as well as the women's group.
I found that I am now associating and befriending people in recovery that I would have turned my nose up at in my old life. I feel I am good at encouraging others and feel I am called to it. I have now been sober nearly 18 months now. I am the happiest I can ever remember being.
I spend time with God every morning. I have become a regular at church, and a small group. I have friends that I love and I can depend on. I have more friends now than I have had in years. I have a good support system in place from my family.
I am thankful for the support I get from my daughter and sister. I am working on relationships in the family. I would like to spend more time with my great-granddaughter. I feel a void in myself because I am not a big part of her life. This is one area that I fear could make me stumble.
I am active at church, go out with friends and work at my daughter and son-in-law's quilt
shop. I am staying busy and being productive. I am very happy with my life now.
M.P.'s Story of Hope
The day I went in the hospital, I was very sick. This was due to alcohol. The doctor gave me a high mortality rate. As I was in the hospital, the Wellness Recovery team came in and told me about their program. This by far was a changing point in my life. They didn't give up – they went and made an appointment for me.
I showed up and these people here at Wellness Recovery have been wonderful. They understand and treat you like family. A year and three months, and I still show up to this program. Easy to talk and really good listeners. I plan to always come here for alcoholism, it is an ongoing disease and the therapy and group help with coping skills. I am very grateful for the Wellness Recovery program.