I am Amanda.
I am 29 years old.
I work full-time as an Employment Counselor to adults and adolescents.
I have an awesome family and friends, an amazing boyfriend, and an adorable English Bulldog.
Between the ages of 15-20, I had a severe opioid use disorder.
September 2017 will mark 10 years of sustained remission from an opioid use disorder.
My story is so similar to many already told. I was legally prescribed opioid medication for a medical condition. At 20 years old, I sought treatment. I would be lying if I said the last 10 years were trouble free. Many years were spent alone and isolated from the world, I feared the stigma society has on those with substance use disorders.
Two years ago, I became involved with the county prosecutor’s office opiate initiative. I was tired of being ashamed and afraid. I began to tell my story to students, at public forums and anyone who would listen.
I don’t consider myself an inspiration or a hero.
I see myself as someone given a second chance at life who has the ability to tell my story with the hope of helping to educate one person. I want people to realize this disease does not have to define them.
They can overcome this and be the person they were always meant to be. Xo