Anderson County Stories

Rachel 

The opioid crisis has affected my life in several ways. After receiving my Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2003, I began working full-time as a Social Worker and also part-time as a local recovery provider. I have seen addiction affect people I love and care about and wanted to give back to the community, the way others had received treatment.  In 2007 I had major dental work done and not long after became addicted to opiates myself. I found myself in the never-ending cycle of making poor choices and paying the consequences time and time again.

August 20, 2015 is the day my life changed. I was court-ordered into treatment and because of that I was able to realize I could indeed live again without the use of alcohol and drugs. I started treatment and began attending regular 12-Step meetings. I took one day at a time and slowly but surely my life started improving. I now have the privilege of working in the field of recovery again with the first-hand knowledge of what addiction can and will do. I have to work towards my recovery each day of my life for the rest of my life.

Almost four years later I still attend 12-Step meetings on a regular basis and continue working on myself. I don’t work a perfect program, but I strive every day to be the best person I can be. Thankfully I have family, employer and friends who are willing to support me through this process. Hopefully, in my work and in life in general, I am able to provide the same hope that was given to me.