Addiction Stories - Shanna - Suffolk County Community College

Summary

Shanna, a 26-year-old recovering heroin addict, recounts her journey from high school drinking and marijuana use to heroin addiction with an ex-boyfriend. Despite coming from a loving family, she experienced denial and relapse, leading to theft and imprisonment. A pivotal moment in jail, detoxing and witnessing a fellow inmate's suicide, led to her surrender to recovery. Shanna's story emphasizes that addiction affects everyone, regardless of background, and highlights the importance of support and treatment in overcoming addiction.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Shanna, at 26, has been clean from heroin for nearly three years, showcasing the possibility of recovery.
• 🍻 Her journey began with excessive drinking and marijuana use in high school, highlighting how substance misuse can escalate.
• 💔 Shanna's introduction to opiates and later heroin by an ex-boyfriend illustrates the influence of relationships on addiction.
• 🏥 Her first experience in rehab was challenging, marked by denial and a sense of not belonging, reflecting common feelings among those in early recovery.
• 🌱 Despite initial denial, attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings was a step towards acknowledging her struggle with addiction.
• 🔁 Relapse with a new partner who was also an addict underscores the complexity of recovery and the triggers that can lead to setbacks.
• 😔 Shanna's feelings of loneliness and isolation, despite a supportive family, reveal the internal battles addicts face.
• 🏡 The impact of her addiction on her family, including theft and causing fear, shows the far-reaching effects of substance abuse.
• 🚓 An arrest and time in jail, including the suicide of her boyfriend, served as a wake-up call and a turning point in her recovery.
• 💪 A pivotal moment was her father's intervention, urging her to commit to long-term treatment, which was crucial for her turnaround.
• 🏫 Post-rehabilitation, Shanna pursued education, demonstrating that rebuilding one's life is an integral part of the recovery process.
• 💌 The letters from her sisters were a source of motivation and a reminder of the importance of her role within her family, providing emotional support.

Q & A

How old is Shanna and how long has she been clean?

Shanna is 26 years old and has been clean for almost three years.

What substances did Shanna use before getting involved with heroin?

Shanna used to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana before she started using heroin.

How did Shanna get introduced to opiates and heroin?

Shanna's ex-boyfriend, who was a heroin addict, introduced her to opiates and later to heroin because it was cheaper and easier to get.

What was Shanna's initial reaction to her first treatment experience?

Shanna had a hard time during her first treatment and felt out of place, as she came from a loving family and didn't see herself as having the same problems as others in rehab.

Why did Shanna relapse after her first treatment?

Shanna relapsed because she wasn't completely ready to accept that she was an addict and couldn't do the things everyone around her was doing.

How did Shanna's addiction affect her family?

Shanna's addiction led her to steal from her family, including her mother's engagement ring, and caused her family to live in fear and constant watchfulness.

What was the turning point for Shanna that led to her second treatment?

The turning point was when Shanna was arrested and put in jail, where she witnessed her boyfriend commit suicide, which made her realize the depth of her situation.

What program did Shanna attend for her second treatment, and how long did she stay?

Shanna attended Daytop, an all-woman's program, for six months.

What support did Shanna receive from her family during her recovery?

Shanna received letters from her sisters during her treatment, which kept her motivated and helped her stay on the path of recovery.

How did Shanna's perception of her family background change after her experiences with addiction?

Shanna realized that addiction doesn't discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of their family background or history.

What steps did Shanna take after her treatment to regain her life?

After her treatment, Shanna went to a sober house, returned to college, and slowly started to rebuild her life.