People get sober in all sorts of ways. Sometimes they just quit on their own. Sometimes they go to rehab. They show up in 12-step rooms, ashrams, churches and their parents’ basements. There is no one right way—something we’ve aimed to show in our collection of How I Got Sober stories. While we initially published these as either first person essays by our contributors or as interviews with anonymous sober folks, we eventually began to realize that there were other stories to tell: yours. This is our reader spotlight and this, more specifically, is Kasie:
Click here to see all of our How I Got Sober stories. Do you want to be featured in How I Got Sober? Email us for details.
What is your sobriety date?
February 2, 2012
Where did you get sober?
Ohio
When did you start using?
I began using pain pills when I was 19 but it didn’t get really bad until I was 21.
How would you describe your life before you quit using?
I completely hit rock bottom.
What were your childhood and teenage years like?
My life was great. I have an awesome family! We have always been very close.
When did you first think you might have a problem?
When I would wake up and the first thought in my head was how I was going to get drugs. What could I sell?
What do you consider your bottom?
I ended up getting busted for trafficking and I lost custody of my son. I did six months in jail. I have felonies in two different counties. I was on probation in two counties. I completed Licking County successfully after being sentenced to three years of probation and I am currently still on probation in Fairfield County where I was given five years—working my way to get off probation early. I got full custody of my son back as well.
Did you go to rehab?
Yes, in February of 2012, I did two days at Shepherd Hill in Newark, Ohio then went straight from there to Summer Rays in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Did anything significant happen while in rehab that is important to your sobriety?
I went to church a lot. I helped out at the homeless shelter. Once my son was taken I knew what I had to do and I had to stay clean.
Did you go to AA? If so, what did you think of it at first? How do you feel about it now?
Yes I went to AA. It was court-ordered. I wasn’t a huge fan of AA.
What do you hate about being an addict?
I hate when people judge.
What do you love about being an addict?
I love that my husband is also a recovering addict. We met at Summer Rays. I feel it’s been easier because we know what the other is going through.
What is the most valuable thing that has happened to you in recovery?
I have repaired relationships with family and friends.
If you could offer a newcomer or someone thinking about getting sober any advice, what would it be?
Just know you can do it! It’s a tough road but definitely worth it!
Any additional thoughts?
I never thought I would be where I am today. I have been married for three years. I have an eight-year-old (which is the one I lost custody of a while back), a three-year-old and a two-year-old. We have a nice house and my husband has an awesome job. I am able to be a stay-at-home mom. Getting clean was definitely worth it! Get help before it’s too late. I will forever be a felon due to how many felonies are on my record!
Click here to read all our How I Got Sober stories.
Photo provided by Kasie Huffman. Used with permission.
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