I started drinking at the age of 37. Before that my addiction was food.
I had a gastric bypass in 2001 and in 2005 started my downward spiral of alcohol and other drugs. In 6 short years, I divorced my husband of 18 years, my kids moved out of state to live with my sister, I lost my house, 3 DUI’s, two cars, and my freedom.
After I became homeless, and then raped, my boyfriend (now husband) was crying and found me a rehab. After rehab, I went to jail and that is where my journey started. After a few years of sobriety, I found my career. First as a baker and then to a radio personality. I was a co-host on a Columbus station doing a classic rock morning show. Then I started my own radio show in Stark County called “Addiction, Voices of Hope.”
I focused on recovery stories of addiction and mental health – and the stigmas that go along with it. Parents who’ve lost their children to addiction were the stories that killed me the most. The show became a quick hit with the locals.
I spoke all over Stark and Tusc counties. I am now a certified peer specialist. I have taken my show off the air to change it’s format. I have been asked to syndicate the show and will have that ready within the year. I have so many gifts today from recovery.
Sobriety is like air for me. I need air to survive and I need sobriety to survive. In July of 2017, I also married the love of my life, after 10 years of dating. This is a very short version of my story. I have been sober now for 8 years as of February 1, 2018