Jessica’s substance use started early. She experimented with alcohol and marijuana at the age of 12; and at the age of 19, she moved on to harder drugs. But this wasn’t always her life. She once had goals, achieved academic success, and was a year-round athlete, but she found herself on a 12-year downward spiral of addiction. Drugs became her priority, and her family bonds were destroyed.
Fortunately for Jessica, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) connected her to Gateway Foundation’s Aurora Treatment Center. At first, she didn’t think recovery was possible. She just felt broken. Her Gateway counselors guided her through underlying issues by helping her learn more about herself and helping her build a firm foundation of life skills that ultimately saved her life.
Jessica found the support she needed with Gateway Foundation. She completed in-patient and outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, and received after-care support. Now, Jessica has completely turned her life around. Gateway resources have helped Jessica learn how to be a better mom, daughter, wife, sister, and friend. She got her life back. Jessica is thriving and she continues to give back, too. She helps others suffering from substance use disorders by running a peer-led support meeting out of Gateway Aurora. She loves to carry the message of hope to people.
“Gateway played an instrumental role in the beginning of my journey to recovery. It was there for me when I had no other direction to turn. Gateway taught me skills and tools that ultimately helped me to get sober and stay sober. The support from the staff and other clients was necessary in early sobriety. Without Gateway, I would not be where I am today. I learned how to live life without the use of drugs and alcohol. I have been able to become the person I always meant to be. I will forever be grateful for the Gateway Foundation.” – Jessica
