#MyPreventionStory is a way for us to acknowledge our mental health and substance use and misuse prevention experiences. Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Demetrie Garner, shares his #MyPreventionStory about his challenges with substance use and how he was able to overcome it:
Darkness loomed in every corner of my life during active substance use. My use created a fortified line of defenses that seemed impenetrable. Trauma was the obvious barrier for others to see but was, ironically, the most unrecognizable pathway to recovery. Accepting God’s love and guidance through community support felt far from reality in the beginning, but ultimately, it was the approach that led to freedom. Today, my childhood pain is my saving grace, but during active use, it was my excuse to self-isolate, lie to myself, and hide my shame and guilt.
The progression of the disease over 26 years led to intravenous delivery of opioids and polysubstance use. Homelessness did not deter me from staying in the pain of trauma, nor did the stigma of using, family shame, or societal unease separate me from my use. Overdoses became a passageway to accepting the inevitable—that death was my only freedom from this life. My physical health was deteriorating, with the presence of blood every morning serving as proof. Hospitalizations for kidney failure and mental health evaluations and observations became part of my progression. Suicidal ideations became daily, while my social skills reverted to animalistic behavior.
After a conversation with God, where I admitted that I knew He could help me, but believed He wouldn’t, my ignorance of who He is began to shift. My journey over the last six years did not happen overnight, and the barriers to recovery were not easily faced. The pathway to overcoming those seemingly impenetrable barriers began with the recognition and acceptance of the omnipresent love of the God of my understanding, the support of a peer community, and the development of self-discovery.
I would be remiss not to mention Percy Jones, a former supervisor and friend who never gave up hope for a change in my life. His own journey through recovery made him persistent in engaging with me during my years of active use and exploring possible pathways to recovery. He never stopped believing that better days were ahead for me. The road seems less arduous when traveled together. This tri-fold approach—faith, community, and self-awareness—strengthens well-being and promotes continuous self-discovery and openness for others seeking recovery.
To join and share your story, email us at instituteinfo@danyainstitute.org or use #MyPreventionStory!