“I started my addiction in my early teens. Running around the streets of Española. I was in and out of jail from the moment I turned 18. Sentenced to a rehabilitation program with Victory Outreach in Colorado Springs, CO. I completed the 12-month program with an additional 6 months in a sober living program. I completed the treatment successfully but at the end of the day, it wasn’t something that I personally wanted for myself. It was something I did to get out of going to jail. Because of this, the first hard knock of life that hit me, I quickly reverted to the only way I knew how to cope. When you use, you’re going to find it. You know how to find it. It doesn’t matter if you’re here or in Colorado or wherever the case may be. Falling back into my addiction took my life faster this time. My life begun to in a downward spiral quicker than I could keep up. So once again, I was in and out of jail, back and forth. Eventually, this just became a lonely life full of suffering. All the happiness was drained. All the joy was gone. Everything revolved around my using. This was my life.

I spent most of my early adult years in jail. This eventually leads to prison. I ended up doing time in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Never in my life did I think I would ever go to prison. I guess they can only send you to jail so many times before they decide jail isn’t working. So, this is it. All I could think was, “I’m not going home”, “How long will I be gone for?”

I was sitting in jail, waiting to see what’s going to happen. After spending so much time in jail, you get to know everyone who comes in and out. So, there I was sitting there with these people I knew, and I kept telling myself, “Wow, this is going to be my life forever.” I started thinking, “What the hell am I going to do?”, “What am I going to do with my life?”, “What do I want?” I came to a crossroad with only two decisions. I need to start cutting out my family, the people I care about, the people that I love, my daughter… I didn’t want her to know me like that, or…do I want to do something with my life? This is where I made my change!

I was sentenced to four years at the Colorado State prison. I got to the prison and went straight to work. I got my GED, I took college courses, obtained a certifications in various categories, took life skills classes and attended support groups. I even taught GED.

I went through my addition for 10 years. Every single day I wake up and I’m grateful because five years ago I never thought this would be me. I’m here to tell you. It is possible! Recovery is possible! And it’s possible for you!”