Darcie J.

Darcie-J-PhotoBefore recovery I was a single mom of two boys working as a bartender and selling drugs and alcohol across the bar. Not going to lie, it was a good income, but the lifestyle that came with it was dark. While I felt I was still being a good mom during this time, it was more about the routine of being a mom.

After my legal intervention, huge changes were made. The one year probation helped me to stay accountable but it was after that one year that the true desire for sobriety came. My kids were starting to act out, as any teenagers do, and I had to really parent. It was difficult but I persevered. A few years later their dad would die and I was presented the opportunity to go to college. Something I always felt I was not smart enough to do. I started with one class and eventually worked myself to a full schedule. After much hard work and perseverance I would receive my Associate Degree. My biggest surprise was being nominated for a public speaking contest where I spoke of my transformation from dealing drugs to dealing with college life. I would win the contest and a full scholarship for a Bachelor’s degree. I had no intention of moving pass the Associate degree but today I hold a Master’s Degree. Truly an accomplishment I never thought possible.

My greatest gift of recovery is the better relationships in my life. Coming clean was not just from the drugs and alcohol, it was coming clean to my family and friends. The gift of forgiveness that was extended to me and the constant support to help me to keep moving forward with unconditional love. My kids and I have a great relationship now. We are there for each other, even as they too deal with the struggles of making better choices in their lives. My parents have been my biggest supporters and make me feel proud of the changes that I have made in my life.

I want to volunteer with Navigate Recovery Gwinnett because I wish I could have had someone that could have helped me when I was trying to figure out how to balance my life and recovery. Knowing what resources are available and reaching out for help when I needed it would have made this transition more manageable. Going thru this life event has made me a stronger person and if I can assist one person make this transition, than that is success for me.

What excites me most about Navigate Recovery Gwinnett is that is made up of people from all walks of life that all have one thing in common…overcoming addiction. It’s not a dirty word any more. It is something that we all deal with but maybe in different forms. Every family in America is in one way or another affected by addiction. Navigate Recovery Gwinnett is there to support anyone in the family.

Since addiction affects every family in one shape or another it would only seem logical that others would want to help. You may not be the one directly helping your family member, but you are helping someone’s family member. It has to start somewhere, why not with you?

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