The opioid epidemic is gripping our nation. More than two million Americans have become dependent or abused prescription pain pills and street drugs. Amanda didn’t want to become another statistic. Thanks to you, she received support she desperately needed.
Amanda was introduced to heroin when she was just 26 years old. At the time, she had no idea the emotional toll it would take on her life.
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug. Opioids drive up levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine in the brain. As the brain becomes used to the feelings, it often takes more drugs to produce the same levels of pain relief, leading to dependence, and later, addiction.
Amanda struggled with addiction for years.
“Drugs caused so many problems,” she said. “I was fighting with my partner, unstable, and unhealthy.”
Worst of all, she lost custody of her three children. It was this wake-up call and the help of a supportive partner, that finally motivated Amanda to get clean, and stay clean.
When Amanda became pregnant again, she tried to quit drugs for good. Unfortunately, the addiction was too strong, and she relapsed.
“I just couldn’t do it on my own,” she said. “I was scared for my baby, so I called Child Protective Services for help. They worked with me and referred me to Highfields.”
Amanda began working with Kelly Fox in Highfields’ Family Maintenance Program. For 12 weeks Kelly worked with Amanda to prevent out-of-home placement for her newborn daughter. During counseling sessions, they talked about Amanda’s stressors and discussed ways to cope and stay clean.
“It was great to have extra added support from Kelly and Highfields,” said Amanda. “They helped me stay on the right path.”
Amanda has stayed clean ever since her relapse. She reconnected with her oldest child and is using the tools she learned from Kelly to be more present. She is committed to recovery and living a happier, healthier life.