#DrugAwareness: Jo’s story

June 21 to June 26 was Drug Awareness Week.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) membership is free, voluntary and anonymous. All ages, cultures, sexual identities and religions are welcomed. The desire to stop using is the only requirement. NA is not affiliated to or accountable to any outside entity, including friends, family, correctional services or employers. For more information about NA meetings visit www.na.org.za or contact their helpline (0861 00 6962) to be guided to the nearest meeting.

This is NA member Jo’s story: 

I started experimenting with mild-altering substances as a teenager.

At school, I rebelled badly, and eventually took an overdose at the age of 17 and was hospitalised. After this, once home, I couldn’t handle my reality and have never coped well with being told what to do.

I thought the best escape was to run away.

I went through so many different drugs. Moving cities, friends, party scenes and drugs were the norm. Getting into different relationships as each one got difficult was a way of life. I don’t remember a lot, blackouts were a constant thing. Waking up with broken bones and in strange places, not knowing how I got there, was a reality.

My life went from one drug-fueled party to the next with physical and spiritual consequences.

I went to my second rehab. I had hit rock bottom. I was in debt, alone and scared. Something clicked into place.

Part of the rehab programme included Narcotics Anonymous meetings. I found out there was more than meetings but an entire programme.

And so my life turned around from 2013.

ALSO READ: Drug Awareness Week: Kate’s story

I never realised how important a sponsor was until I met mine. She has helped me through so much already and has helped me to see things from a different point of view and to also not be so hard on myself. I have grown a lot since.

The meetings have been good for me and have also made me more focused on my recovery and with life in general. I now listen more carefully to the preambles ‘Thinking of alcohol as different from other drugs has caused a great many addicts to relapse. Before we came to NA, many of us viewed alcohol separately, but we cannot afford to be confused about this. Alcohol is a drug. We are people with the disease of addiction who must abstain from all drugs to recover’.

Whenever I do my step work, it helps and feels like more and more weight gets lifted off my shoulders. Also going through my step work with my sponsor is a brilliant reminder of where I have been.

I believe in God, the universe and angels. I’ve always been more spiritual.

NA is open to religion, spirituality or no religion the choice is mine. I hardly have anxiety, fear or sadness anymore, which is a blessing, as these emotions used to consume me. By learning to let go and let God, and by keeping present and focused on the here and now, I am full of happiness and peace.

I have done some service like sharing at meetings, giving other addicts lifts to meetings, helping others where I can, and I currently have a service position at the NA meeting.

My life has changed so much, and I have never been so happy, serene, grateful and proud all at the same time.

It has been a great journey so far.

Yes, I have had ups and downs, but definitely more ups and I’m also very fortunate that I’m a very optimistic person and I don’t have depression or anger issues.

I always try to take a lesson out of every situation, whether good or bad, and that has helped me to grow from strength to strength.

I now see a lot more of my family which I love and cherish, as when I was using, I tried to avoid them as much as possible.

Yes, I have had to change people, places and things.

I am also very fortunate that I have a lot of friends that don’t use, that supports me more than anyone could ever wish. I have had such fun in this last year! Who knew life could be fun without drugs. I sure didn’t.

I am a grateful recovering addict.

Thank you for letting me share.

ALSO READ: Vuka’s story