Stories and Inspiration

Read stories from people with lived experience.

The Voices of Recovery

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Nick

Man slightly smiling with a blue background

Nick’s story is one of resilience and hope. After a childhood marked by addiction, violence, and instability, he turned to substances to escape his pain. Years of struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction followed. But now, 43 days into recovery and fully immersed in support groups and therapy, Nick is determined to rebuild his life, help others, and prove that no matter how hard the past, lasting change is possible. As he puts it: “Nothing is going to stop me. And I know I’m gonna do it.”

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Veronica

A woman and her young child smile at the camera

Veronica’s journey is one of strength, transformation, and unwavering determination. Raised in a home surrounded by addiction and instability, she began using substances as a teen and spiraled through years of trauma, abuse, and relapse. But when her children’s safety was at risk, Veronica chose change. Through treatment, therapy, and support from DHS and family treatment court, she rebuilt her life—earning her GED, becoming a substance abuse counselor, and working toward homeownership. As she puts it, “You wanna look back, but you don’t wanna stay there… what motivates me is the memory of how hard I worked to get where I’m getting at right now.”

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Melissa

A woman and her baby, dressed in winter clothes, pose outside next to a fence

Melissa’s recovery is rooted in self-awareness, spirituality, and learning to live in the present. Through meditation, Reiki, and open conversations with her daughter, she’s found peace in mindfulness and healing through connection. While her support system is small and family relationships remain complex, Melissa draws strength from what she’s already overcome. As she puts it, “If I could get out of that lifestyle like in the way that I did, there’s nothing that I can’t do.”

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Kelli

A middle-aged woman wearing a white shirt smiles

Kelli began using alcohol and marijuana at 14 and later sold and used harder drugs like cocaine, acid, and meth. Despite early struggles, she graduated high school and tried to stabilize her life after having her daughter. Her meth use deepened after her second child and led to a decade-long cycle of addiction, instability, and denial. A police raid became her turning point, prompting her to seek recovery through Narcotics Anonymous. Now 16 years clean, Kelli has earned a degree, rebuilt her life, and is committed to helping others through recovery. She hopes to continue giving back and staying grounded in her sobriety.

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Peter

A man wearing eye and ear protection works in a factory setting

Peter, 35, began using marijuana in eighth grade to cope with anxiety and a difficult home life with a single mother who had bipolar disorder. After high school, he worked, raised a family, and eventually fell into heavier substance use while working long hours in a factory. Motivated by mental health struggles and the desire to be present for his children, Peter sought treatment, joined NA, and has remained clean. Now, he’s focused on rebuilding relationships, staying involved with his kids, and maintaining stability through work and ongoing recovery support.

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Cornelius

A man wearing a ball cap stands in a field at sunset against some equipment

Cornelius grew up in a supportive family but began using substances at 13 to cope with grief. His drug use escalated, leading to years of addiction and instability. After becoming a father, he struggled to quit but eventually found recovery through a twelve-step program. He stayed sober for 14 years, raising his son alone, before relapsing after losing his job. With help from his recovery community, Cornelius regained sobriety and is now two years clean. He finds meaning in mentoring others, exploring job opportunities, and embracing personal growth. Looking ahead, he hopes to travel and keep building a fulfilling life.

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Telling your story is an important part of recovery. These are stories of people in Iowa who have experienced hardship due to substance use. Their stories and recovery experience may sound familiar, but know that your story is unique. People want to hear your story, and they want to share yours. Join a conversation.

Get inspired to tell your story, in your words. So, whether it's starting a new chapter, or picking up where you’ve left off, your story is up to you.

Stories and Inspiration

Read stories from people with lived experience.

The Voices of Recovery

You have the power to say "this is not how my story will end." -Unknown