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SaraJane Reusser
 
What Made Me Try It
I always said that I would never do drugs. My dad was very open and honest about his drug use and the effects that it had on your body and your life. I stayed away from drugs until I was 17. I got stoned on Christmas Day in 1995. Not even a year later, I was introduced to meth. It was the most amazing thing to me, and I could focus on things. In the midst of my using, at the age of 21, I was diagnosed with a serious mental illness. The meth only made it worse, but I couldn't stop. It was an all consuming compulsion.
 
Moments of Truth
I used meth and marijuana for about ninw years. I spent the majority of that time in and out of mental hospitals. I also went through two failed marriages. I got into abusive relationships, and I truly hated myself. In April of 2006 I was living outside of Phoenix, Arizona, with my best friend, her boyfriend and their three kids. I was using with her boyfriend behind her back. And it all came down to the fact that I was using in that house around those kids who I love like my own, and I just couldn't take it anymore. I reached out for help and went into a very intense outpatient treatment program. I also moved into a halfway house. I cut off all contact with my best friend and her boyfriend.
 
My Keys to Recovery
I have tried recovery many times. It never seemed to stick. While living in the halfway house I went to outside meetings. I hated it very much, but one Friday night I was sitting in this meeting, and I started listening, actually listening to what this guy was saying. I don't remember what he said, in fact I forgot it soon afterward, but whatever he said clicked with me. I woke up, and I got really serious about living my life better. I graduated from the program at the halfway house and then I came home to Oregon to be with my mom. When it got tough, I would think about just getting through the next minute. Sometimes the smallest step is the easiest way to get through it.
 
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METHAMPHETAMINE (METH)
 
COMMENTS
December 21, 2009
"You are such an inspiration - truly. As a fellow young person in recovery (you only have a couple o..."
-Rachel Broderick
December 18, 2009
"I'm so glad that you stopped using drugs. I haven't done any drugs, but I know people whodo. Some of..."
-Anna Kiss
December 10, 2009
"I am impressed about what you went through and who you came to be, so be stronge and God bless."
-enoch anderson obeng
Browse Methamphetamine (Meth) Stories
Stephanie R.
There for Her Kids
Jeana P.
Jeana's Story
Gary W.
Exceeding Expectations- Life After Meth . . .
Sterling C.
A Vision for the Future
Stay Informed
Encourage
Get Help
Tree
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Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Meth Addiction Impacts All of Us
Originally thought to be isolated on the West Coast and in small towns, meth has spread at an alarming rate. It has exploded across the country, devastating families and communities in both small, rural communities and large, urban areas alike. Simple to make, fairly cheap to buy, and intensely addictive, meth has become one of today’s most dangerous drugs.
Meth addiction is a growing problem that hurts not only the individuals using, but families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Physical impacts aside (see our Faces of Meth and Meth Mouth features), meth use destroys relationships and creates a life wholly focused on chasing the high. But if you’re here at this site, chances are that you know that already, either from first-hand experience or as a friend or loved one of someone struggling with meth addiction.
Stories of Hope and Recovery
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America created Life After… to give a voice to the struggle with addiction and to celebrate the thousands of stories of hope and recovery that we know are out there. Everyone knows that the best stories are true, as true stories are the ones that strike closest to the heart. Whether you’re battling meth addiction yourself, or are supporting someone else through their recovery, we encourage you to share your story. Through real stories from real people, we can help shine a light on the realities of substance abuse. We can also provide an honest look at the challenges of recovery from addiction, while showing that a life after meth is, indeed, possible. Browse our featured stories, submit a story of your own, or tell someone else about this site and help the Partnership in the fight against meth.