My name is Audrey and one of my life goals is to normalize substance use disorder treatment for survivors of domestic violence.
When I escaped my abuser, I was free from him, but not from my addiction; I continued to drink and use to calm the leftover pain and trauma. I have been drug and alcohol free since October 22, 2016 with the help of a wonderful outpatient rehab, 12-step fellowship, family, and friends. The best part of my recovery is that I have been able to work in a field that helps domestic violence survivors like myself – many who struggle with substance use. Many survivors are stigmatized by society and sometimes their own loved ones for their struggles with substance use. In my field, “alcoholic” or “addict” is often synonymous with “abuser”. I want to work to end that stigma and normalize recovery for these survivors.”