A Dedicated Mother Against All Odds: A Story About Overcoming Addiction
- Jay K
- Apr 15, 2022
- 4 min read
This month’s inspirational story is Stephanie, an established writer for several magazines.
Stephanie hails from Rijkevoort, Netherlands. She is a dedicated, loving mother who recently overcame alcohol addiction, in spite of her past childhood trauma, substance abuse, and family upbringing. In this interview, she shares the dark and bright moments of her journey to recovery. Her story is inspirational, especially for those who struggle with substance abuse.
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If you were inspired and would like to learn more about Stephanie, you can follow Stephanie's
Instagram (Link: https://www.instagram.com/stefskes87 ) and check out her website (Link:
Enjoy!
Why do you want to share about substance abuse?
My goal is to lessen the stigma of substance abuse users by educating people from sharing my story. I’ve noticed once people know you have used an abusive substance, they are quick to judge and stigmatize you as a “junkie” or an "addict". They usually have already made up an opinion in their mind before they even get to know you. Little did they know that I’m still an amazing human being. I am normal like everyone else. I have a job, a beautiful son, and I’m an established writer for several magazines.
What inspires you?
The turning point for me was when I got so depressed last year that I overdosed on sleep medication. The next day, I woke up in the ICU.
The experience inspired me to change but it truly wasn’t until my best friend who has been supporting me for over 19 years. She has always been a strong person but she couldn’t handle seeing me suffer to the point that she cried. She is a very strong person but I’ve never seen her really shed any tears for anyone. That was the moment that I knew I needed to check myself into a rehab center. My best friend inspired me and continues to inspire me to this very day.
How did substance abuse all start?
It all started in childhood. My parents had extreme marital issues. My father was an addict as well and very abusive. My mother suffered from codependency during their marriage. Eventually, it ended in a bad divorce while I was a teenager. After the divorce, my mom gave me too much space to express myself. I remember my 1st substance abuse was at age 13 and it did not stop until I was 21. During this time, I also got myself into many unhealthy relationships that drove me down a dark path. However, I somehow managed to get my life straight, got my own place, diplomas, and a job. At age 22 I found out I was pregnant and in 2010 my son got born. I married his father six years later. But things didn’t turn out shortly after. Since then, I went on taking care of my son on my own up until I admitted that I was addicted and needed help.
What would you like to share regarding your substance abuse experience?
Substance addiction creeps slowly. First, you start to drink occasionally. Then you start drinking every Friday. Later, you start drinking every weekend. Finally, it becomes a normal daily routine where you drink every day. After COVID happened, the lockdown, homeschooling, working from home, the combination of it all caused so much stress that everything went downhill from there. I’ve kept making excuses for drinking. If it’s bad weather, I need to relax so I’ll have a drink. If it’s a sunny day, I can still have a drink to enjoy the weather. I even disguised normal drinks like iced tea but mixed it in with wine. I did whatever I could just to get a drink. It reached a point where my body physically needed the alcohol, otherwise, I would get tremors all over my body. It’s a very traumatic experience that no one would want to go through.
What are the current challenges for you?
I’m still facing the stigma for being known as a past substance abuser. I’m currently working on my recovery. I’m still rehabbing and working on my social skills. It’s a process I know that will take time. However, I’m very blessed to have a support group like my family and close friends.
What would you like to say to those reading this? Do you have any advice to overcome substance abuse or if they know someone who does struggle with substance abuse?
Be there for them.. just listen…the addict needs to make the choice to quit on their own. It’s their choice. Support them in whatever they do. Everyone tries to fix them and offer help, but listen to their story and empathize with how they feel so that they are being heard. For me, I just want to be noticed, seen, and heard.
If there is 1 inspirational word that connects with you, what would that be and why?
Butterfly, because it represents new life. In a butterfly cycle, a caterpillar forms into a cocoon, then finally into a beautiful butterfly. I used to be a caterpillar with my addiction, I was a cocoon in my recovery and now I am a butterfly, finally free.
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Stay tuned for our next inspirational story next month. Be inspired, be inspiring, be an inspiration.
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