From Addiction to Hope: Carrie’s Choice to Reclaim Her Life

What Makes You a Beautiful Disaster?

Surviving addiction makes me a Beautiful Disaster. Drugs and alcohol tried to take my life, but I took it back—and now my life is more beautiful than I ever imagined.

Why Do You Identify With the Beautiful Disaster Brand?

I am inspired by beautiful, strong women overcoming the struggles that life throws at us.

Tell Us Your Beautiful Disaster Story

I spent many years as a severe alcoholic and intravenous drug user. My life was miserable. I was lost, and I was sure I would die a junkie and a drunk.

I was physically dependent on alcohol and suffered severe withdrawals if I didn’t have any. This kept me trapped in a cycle of addiction. My constant excuse became, “It’s dangerous to quit cold turkey.” I went to the emergency room many times due to withdrawals, only to be told, “Don’t try to quit on your own—it’s dangerous. But a hospital isn’t a detox. You need to find a rehab with a detox.”

When I finally mustered the courage to call rehabs with detox programs, I was told the waiting list was months long. I didn’t know if I could survive months—let alone still be ready for rehab by then.

Eventually, I became sick, desperate, and my body was shutting down. I showed up on my aunt’s doorstep. She took me to an emergency room that showed compassion for a suffering addict, and they got me into a detox center that same day.

After seven days of detox, I was released—and I relapsed one more time.

A week later, I found a residential treatment program. My aunt dropped me off on January 31, 2023, and I have been clean ever since.

I am beyond grateful for my recovery. I have made many mistakes in my past, but they do not define me. The life I lived made me the woman I am today, and I share my story to let other addicts know that recovery is possible.

What Happened for You to Turn It Around?

I was given the gift of desperation. I chose life—and I went to rehab.

Name 3 Things You’ve Done to Move Closer to Happiness

1. Went to rehab and got clean

2. Stayed clean through continuous work of the steps of Narcotics Anonymous

3. Share the message of recovery with other addicts and practice the spiritual principles I’ve learned in recovery in all my affairs

What Is Your Favorite Beautiful Disaster Collection, Past or Present, and Why?

The H.O.P.E. Collection, because that’s what I found in recovery—hope. Reading other women’s stories gives me hope too.