Our stories
Each month, Advocates publishes stories of hope.
Whether it’s stories of triumph from our clients, the calling of our staff, or the good work of other community agencies, there is always room for hope. And you’ll find it here.
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If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact us at 425.971.1774.
My Story: Hope’s Found Here
Each month, Advocates publishes stories of hope.
Whether it’s stories of triumph from our clients, the calling of our staff, or the good work of other community agencies, there is always room for hope. And you’ll find it here.
By JD (Name changed at the request of the Resident)
JD has a broad range of experience at Advocates: he’s been a client, volunteer, and now serves as an employee at our Respite Program. He’s currently finishing his training as a House Manager, just completed his GED, and is enrolling in college in the fall. He’s also a budding author.
*Trigger Warning* This story contains details of addiction, mental health, and suicidal thoughts. Please be aware as you read on. Also, please know that if you are reading this story and need help in any of these areas, we exist for you. Please call our hotline to speak with our addiction or mental health professionals (425.971.1774). There’s hope.
I’ve spent a lot of time in “institutions.” While I’ve moved around a bit, I was born in Washington and have lived here – in “juvie” or prison – for the better part of my life. I was what many would call a “frequent flyer”: often in jail, released for about a week, only to find my way back to a cell.
Somewhere in the blur of prison and brief “freedom”, I discovered ecstasy. Eventually ecstasy wasn’t enough. I moved onto crystal meth. First smoking it and, when that wasn’t enough, I started injecting.
My unstable life became even more unstable, crumbling around me. The cycle of numbing the constant anxiety and desperation began.
When not in jail, I spent my days and nights partying non-stop. Interacting with people all day and night - frenetically.
Without me even realizing, I started shifting away. The noise and the lights drove me off every time. I eventually drifted further away from people.
Eventually, things changed. My usage pushed me to isolation. Without me even realizing, I started shifting away. The noise and the lights drove me off every time. I eventually drifted further away from people.
On a particularly bad night, I felt the weight of my decisions seep into my bones. The rain and cold of living outside, the horrific infection in my knee I’d numbed with drugs - it all seemed to clear for a moment of reflection. My best option – in that moment of desperation – was suicide.
Thankfully, that wasn’t where it ended for me. I cried myself to sleep on the floor of an abandoned house that night. And my path out of the pit started somewhere about that time.
I found myself at this organization, and my life is better for it. I’ve been empowered to confront things I’ve avoided – numbed – for years. As a result, I’ve held down a job, purchased a car, and even been promoted. I’ve finished my education and am going to college in the fall. I’ve learned to process anger, hate, fear, depression, and anxiety through my writing.
I’ve become a part of a larger recovery community here. I thought I was alone in my struggles. But thanks to Advocates, I realized others struggled and found a path to hope. What I found at Advocates is lifelong, authentic relationships. The future I was planning to cut short now looks bright. I’m hopeful. And I’m at peace.
Subscribe below to see more content like this and receive the full Advocates Quarterly Newsletter.