Sarah Escapes Fentanyl’s Grip

My name is Sarah. I’m 21 years old and I’ve been clean from Fentanyl since 12/23/22.
My childhood was very normal, and my home life was great. My dad is a cop, and my mom is a teacher. I thought addiction couldn’t happen to me, but outside circumstances put me into depression at age 11. I started using at age 17. At the height of my addiction, I was homeless, had no contact with anyone, and I weighed 84 pounds (without even knowing). I was in an abusive relationship and wanted to die. I was actually angry that this drug was killing everyone but me.

The turning point was when my dad came and got me, and forced me to go to the hospital. I was taken to a mental health facility, and there I met a man who was 15 years clean from heroin. I can’t remember the details of the conversation, but I know something happens where I wanted to be clean. I am so thankful for my dad.

I go to NA meetings, outpatient appointments, and therapy. I also spend a lot of time with family. But one of the things that helps me the most, is sharing my story. I got to share with students from 150 different schools in Washington and Idaho about fentanyl, specifically. Sharing my story helps others and makes this all feel worth it, but it also really reminds me where I came from, and why I don’t want to go back.