Rising from the Depths: Amanda’s Journey of Triumph and Transformation
In a world where addiction's grasp can feel relentless, there are stories of hope, resilience, and redemption that shine brighter than the darkest of nights.
This is the story of courage, determination, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity – a story that will touch your heart and ignite a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own battles with addiction.
Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now.
Meet Amanda
For as long as I can remember I have struggled with relationships, depression, and depending on external things to define my internal condition. I thought I needed people, places, and things to make me happy. I prayed to the god of other people’s opinions of me. I was full of fear and insecurity before I ever picked up a drink or drug.
Although I had tried alcohol a couple of times before, at the age of 15, I discovered that alcohol solved my problems. I was no longer depressed or afraid while I was drinking. I was able to be myself and not care what others thought of me. Soon after, I discovered drugs, and my life became consumed with feeling good and chasing that next high. I fully gave my life over to my addictions: alcohol, drugs, and men.
After years of constant turmoil, being in abusive relationships, getting married and divorced a few times, losing my kids multiple times, court battles for years, near constant suicidal thoughts, outpatient treatment programs, brief periods of not using or drinking followed by misery, depression, and relapse, I was forced to make a decision. Ultimately, I chose death. I wanted more than anything to leave this world. After two failed suicide attempts within weeks of each other, I was hospitalized for two weeks.
When I was released, I attempted to go to AA and CA meetings but gave up very quickly and was off again for about two months. I had lost a person I loved dearly, became homeless, and completely lost all control. I experienced “incomprehensible demoralization”. I was full of self-pity and self-hatred.
I was hospitalized again, this time with only the threat that I would overdose in the ER if they didn't admit me immediately. I was released from the psych ward to an inpatient faith-based rehabilitation facility, and although it helped build my spirituality some, I was kicked out for not following the rules.
With just over 30 days sober I knew I was not ready to face recovery on my own, but I did not have the finances to enter a different inpatient program. That's when I attended a recovery event and met a member of Operation Rise Again. They were the first person I spoke to there, and they told me about their scholarship program. I contacted them and the rest of the staff the next day and was offered a scholarship but had to choose between a couple of different places. After discussing my options with a few people, I decided on Potter House Recovery, in Florence, SC.
While in the program I was taught about the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and worked my steps while attending workshops and daily meetings.
Operation Rise Again followed up with the director of the program the entire 90 days I was there and once I commenced, we have continued to stay in contact. They offer support and encouragement as I continue my recovery journey. I'm 11 months sober; I have a Higher Power that I continuously seek, work the 12 steps daily, attend meetings often, and I have the greatest life I have ever known!
None of this would've been possible without the help of Operation Rise Again and I am eternally grateful to them for giving a hopeless addict/alcoholic like me a chance at a new way of life.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, don't hesitate to reach out for help and support. Recovery is possible, and a life free from addiction is worth it!