Hamilton County Stories

Ashley

Opioid addiction affects millions of Americans and their families. It is an epidemic without boundaries, affecting every corner of the country, every income group and almost every age. Tennessee is no exception. As the Harm Reduction Manager at Cempa Community Care, I serve over 350 people struggling in the grasps of addiction through the Syringe Trade and Education Program of Tennessee (STEP TN). They all have one thing in common: the opioid epidemic has in one way or another devastated their lives and their families.

I see pain in their eyes, shame in their stature and heaviness in their heart all without even knowing their name. These people are sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, friends, neighbors—all battling their personal demons. Drugs only mask the pain to a deeper issue; nobody chooses to become a slave to their own devices. In the throes of my addiction, I just needed someone to listen, tell me I wasn’t crazy and to validate my experiences.

This inspires me every day to come to work with a mission—to give my clients what I wish I had during my struggle. I’m here to meet my clients where they are, even if that isn’t recovery just yet. There is hope. There is a way out. Recovery is the most humbling and courageous experience. I wouldn’t trade any day in recovery that I’ve had for a day in addiction.