“Being a recovering addict, it has been easier to work with others who have been in my shoes, who have dealt with and still deal with addiction. I like helping others who are trying to overcome addiction.”

Details

Storyteller: Jade
Tribe: White Earth Band of Ojibwe
Created: 2018
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Transcript: I was born and raised on the White Earth Reservation. Growing up, my parents were not married, nor were they together when I was born. Both of my parents were alcoholics, along with other family members that dealt with addiction. My father had custody of me but we both lived with my grandparents, who played a really big role in raising me. Although both of my parents were in my life, my grandma was my main caregiver. 

I moved to Minneapolis the year I graduated high school in 1999. Not long after moving here I met Roger. We later had our son, Roger who is now 13. My addiction started not long after my son was born. I used for roughly ten years. In them ten years there had been times where I don’t know how we made it through. Everything we had went to my addiction. Having the Rogers in my life while going through this and them having to deal with my addition just as much as I dealt with it. I am forever grateful to have them in my life.

With working different places that were centered around addiction I felt shame to have to make that call and actually admit that yes, I am an addict and yes, I do need help. I did also know that completing a Rule 25 was the first step into the new life I had wanted to make ---for not just myself but my family as well. After deciding enough was enough I took the first step, called and completed a Rule 25. I am now four years sober as of October 14, 2014.  

Being a recovering addict, it has been easier to work with others who have been in my shoes, who have dealt with and still deal with addiction. I like helping others who are trying to overcome addiction.