My New Life

My name is Jessica and I’m a recovered alcoholic and addict. My sobriety date is February 8th 2020. I’ll speak briefly about my past and then speak on how it is Today!

I was blessed to grow up in a loving, wholesome community. I give thanks to my mother, aunt, and grandmother for laying a sturdy foundation in the church. Ultimately, that’s what led me back home from a road of misery.

I started to drink and do drugs when I was in college. In the beginning it was controllable, or so I thought. A couple of years after graduating hygiene school, opiates were introduced to me and  it became increasingly clear, I had no control at all. My active addiction progressed extremely fast and continued until my mid-thirties.

Prior to entering the program of AA and the North Carolina Caring Dental Program, life was full of hopelessness, isolation, and despair. I remember contemplating suicide often and realized what a waste of life that would’ve been. The moment I walked into the doors of AA, I felt I was Home!  Finally, I was around others who thought like Me! For the first time, I felt I was a part of something Bigger than myself and that thought brought relief. I was tired of being consumed with myself.

This experience gave me the confidence to join the NCCDP in order to renew my career as a dental hygienist! At first, I felt very overwhelmed with all that was required of me. I went from having no responsibilities to having, I felt at the time, more than I could live up to. But, with a lot of support, I made it! It was the best decision I’ve ever made. Life changing! I have accountability all around me and I love it!

Changing your thought processes and behavior is hard work. Being in recovery isn’t for the weak. It takes a lot of courage to do what we All are doing today!  The continued work and determination to be a better, healthier version of myself has paid off. My life and my relationships are healthy and stable!

Today, I’m a reliable, loving friend. I have a wonderful sponsor, who has helped me navigate through life. I have two sponsees, who are so determined to learn this way of life. They are a delight to be around.  I’ve realized that helping others is what brings joy in my life and I pray I’m helping them as much as they help me!  I’m a trusted family member who they can depend on. I’m reliable at my office and love my coworkers and patients. I feel blessed to know I’m right where I’m supposed to be! I give all the glory to God!  God put the right people in my life to help facilitate His plan! Again, thank you, Bill, Lauren, and All of you for keeping me sober today!!

A Grateful Recovering Hygienist Living A Full Life