Jacquelyn
Has a lived experience of addiction
![Jacquelyn](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3566ae_06489d1561834ee5ba72846835d2651e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_185,h_185,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
I was a teacher in my late 40's when I was coerced into using meth by an abusive partner. I had never used drugs before, with no real idea of what meth was. Within 18 months, my meth use led to the darkest period of my life. I couldn't work, I had alienated family and friends, and death seemed to be the only solution to escape the pain. The last time I used was the night I fled from that partner after a horrific night of abuse.
Coming back from such a dark place has been incredibly hard yet healing. I worked with a Drug and Alcohol counsellor during my initial recovery, and then I learnt to heal through writing about my experience to help others and through Art therapy. I want people to know that no matter how dark it gets, there is always hope and that they are worth so much more.