Samira, 29

Leaving the weekend life behind

Then

For Samira it started at parties. A line to stay awake, to be more fun. After a few years it was every weekend, then on Tuesdays too. She earned good money, but her account was always overdrawn. She lied to her boyfriend about where the money went and felt empty and anxious every Monday.

The turning point

Her boyfriend found a baggie in her coat. Instead of getting angry, he sat down next to her and asked: how long? She cried for an hour. Then she looked up a meeting with him. She was ashamed, but the first speaker told exactly her story.

Now

Samira has been clean for three years. She has a different group of friends, one that isn't built around going out. She paid off her debts and is saving for a trip. She says: I thought I'd be boring without it. Instead I'm finally myself again.

“Shame keeps you stuck. It got lighter the moment she shared it.”

The people in these stories are fictional. Their experiences are based on what many people in recovery go through.

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