Jenn's Story.

“How do you say goodbye? How do you say "I love you" one more time, face to face? One last comforting hug? Whisper in his ear, “I believe in you" before his bus drives away; just one last time? I will tell you how. With a heart full of gratitude that he has been given this chance. An opportunity for his suffering to end; a chance at life again. You do it because you believe that you will have many more times to tell him "I love you" face to face. You do it with a humble, selfless hug and strong smile. And you do it with faith that you will whisper many more encouraging words into his ear for years to come. You do it because people believe in him and so do you. You do it because God is bigger than the pain of him leaving...God has a plan. Then, you just do it....."

I wrote this as my boyfriend left for treatment. He was given a chance at life once again. When so many said no, a few said yes, getting him the help he needed bc they too know how hard that can be.

Our cute little sober life was over for now because sometimes relapse happens. Right back to heroin; right back to where he left off 6 months prior.

Me, the heroin addict, now began a journey "on the other side" of addiction. I got to be the enabler...the worrier. The crier...the screamer. I got the brunt of the dope sickness. I was the receiver of lies...the deception. I got to experience the torture of calling rehabs just to hear “no beds,” “waitlist” or “private insurance only.” I got to see someone I love dearly, die daily while begging for help to live.

I had to fight for my sobriety once again or die with him. "Suit up warrior...." became my slogan.

Yet, I knew l was right where I needed to be. I needed to see this side of addiction. The side where the addict tears innocent lives apart. Not because they want to, but because they do. I found myself there.

I needed to find a strength I had not had to use. A strength all of us have to find at some point bc we are all affected by addiction. We all know someone. I know a lot of "someone's"...most of us do, but one in particular taught me the most valuable lesson. He taught me how to be on the other side of addiction.

Stories just like these; of addicts and loved ones, scatter the globe. So many want the help but struggle to get it within reach. Families fight alongside, feeling the slam of the doors just the same. How can we open more doors? Who is going to lend a hand today?