When Mareesa was 13, she tried alcohol for the first time. Coping and struggling with a death in her family, Mareesa asked a family friend to bring over some vodka. Her first experience drinking escalated as quickly as it began. “The first time I drank I wound up getting alcohol poisoning and vomiting multiple times in my sleep,” she says, along with a near sexual-assault and a blackout.
That same year, Mareesa tried marijuana for the first time with her friends and at 16, tried cocaine for the first time. “That was really the first time that I started to experience cravings the most.” A year later, at 17, Mareesa started using Prescription Opiates. “I just liked being able to tune stuff out,” she says. She began dating someone who was medically prescribed these pills and together, they would use them.
Mareesa was also 17 when she tried Heroin for the first time, with the same boyfriend. “I hadn’t really planned on using Heroin, but I just said, ‘What could happen?’”
Mareesa knew she was reaching a point where her addiction was going to become all-consuming. “I always told myself I wasn’t going to go down that path, because of my parents, both of them were drug addicts.”
But once she began really using the Heroin, Mareesa’s life began to go down, and go down fast. Enrolled in college at 17, she was using Heroin in addition to other substances, such as opiates and methamphetamine. During her first year in college, she failed every single class. Her relationships with friends and family also began to suffer. “I put myself before any of them, always.”
Mareesa would get violent, hitting and throwing things at people she loved, but she couldn’t stop. “I really didn’t like who I saw when I looked in the mirror.” Since she was on probation, it was recommended that Mareesa go to 12-Step meetings. Feeling “chained” to meth, Mareesa was interested in going to the meetings to see what they could offer her. She knew deep down that she wanted to get clean, but her boyfriend that she was using with wanted no part of a sober life.
Prior to being put on probation, Mareesa was arrested via a warrant out for her arrest. She and her boyfriend were put in to different jails. She finally decided to stop fighting the hold that her addiction had over her and bravely told the correctional officer that was questioning her that she was an addict that she needed help. She was allowed to use the phone at the precinct to call her family and arrange plans to seek treatment when she was released in the morning. “I would not take that back,” says Mareesa.
At 19, she went through detox and entered a 90 day sober living program where she stayed for 3 months. Mareesa was able to stay sober for 2/2.5 years until she relapsed by starting to drink again. The consequences were bad and eventually, finding herself with someone who was using meth, she used it again. “I wound up feeling the same remorse, really, from using that, and I finally got honest with my family and everybody.”
She hit her lowest low two days after using meth again, in which she took an entire bottle of Valium in hopes of not waking up. “I was just thinking I’m done, you know, I’m over this.”
Mareesa woke up in a dual-diagnosis psychiatric hospital in which she detoxed and went back in to 12-step meetings. She moved out to Tucson, AZ and went to a 90 day sober living program, as she had family and a strong support system already out there.
Today, Mareesa is 2 years sober.
The best change? “I get to be present in everyday life.”
Today, Mareesa is happily working and staying strong in the everyday journey of recovery. “I’m employable today, I’m able to keep a job, I developed a work ethic, I show up to work, and that’s a beautiful thing, that I’m dependable today.”
Mareesa knows that getting clean and admitting that you need help (as she was able to do through speaking to her correctional officer) isn’t easy. “I understand it’s so scary to ask for help but, really, people just want to see you live and enjoy living, and being alive.”
One of the more difficult things for Mareesa throughout her recovery was trying to navigate through all of the intense, and at times, conflicting, emotions that come with addiction and getting clean. But she firmly believes that “there are ways to cope with life, and cope with your emotions.”
12-Step programs work best for Mareesa. “Anyone can get sober. And [people that can help you] will all be waiting there for you when you make that choice.”
Mareesa’s advice to anyone who’s ready to get sober? “Don’t give up, because that’s what [addiction] wants you to do. The person you become when you’re on dope or when you’re drinking is not you, you know, there’s another person down underneath all that that’s missing and that your loved ones would want to see. And I’m able to be that person today and you can too, and if I did it, so can you.”
69 comments
What an inspiring story. I really liked her advice that you shouldn’t give up. It’s all too easy just to give up to the drugs because they help forget our problems instead of making us face them. Mareesa is a strong person because she fought addiction twice. It shows that she really fought for her freedom of a drug-free life.
Dealing with cravings isn’t easy, because I have been there but one needs to determined to forgo whatever cravings. cravings is another addiction that needs constant fight to wade it off
This is why knowing how to cope with withdrawal is vital. in any addiction . As I said previously quitting or withdrawal becomes a mental battle. this is where a good support system cones in combined with the willingness to change.
Its important we know how to deal with opiate cravings very well. And how to cope with withdrawal shouldn’t be left out. The result of this is an achievement of both the addict and the experts who wanna correct the addiction.
People dealing with cravings needs all the help from the society. We need to understand their situation, their problems and we need to help them too.
How to stop opiate cravings starts with determination to forgo such cravings. It wouldn’t be easy but try to let it go and be whole again
It must have been very hard for Mareesa to try to find out how to stop opiate cravings, I think she is doing a great job and I hope she can succeed in keeping clean her system.
When you are an addict of opiate, it is hard to fight with opiate cravings. You can’t do it yourself. It is better to have assist from others.
For one to stop opiate cravings, it has to start with strong determination. It’s not easy to recover from this addict, it must include the involvement of the people around.
To start dealing with cravings for things like this starts from personal convictions. Then all working methods and plans works since you yourself is ready to change.
The road ahead for a recovering drug addict isn’t an easy one, I can gather. Among the first few steps towards figuring out how to deal with opiate cravings is to acknowledge the problem (that you’re addicted to them), and finding someone who can hold you accountable, during your journey to wean yourself off the cravings.
It could be a loved one, or people who really care a lot for you, but it also boils down to wanting to be clean of the effects of opiate abuse. If you’re currently on this journey, find some support, medical or otherwise; you’re not alone on this journey, despite what you may think, sometimes.
Yes it definitely can be a long journey. It can take everything a person has left in them (and then some) just to overcome addiction, but it can be done. I have a friend who was an addict and now they’re living a healthy and productive life. Took them a while, but they made it!
Determination is the foundation of everything. It’s not easy to stop something you’ve enjoying for long. But you need to make up your mind.
I deeply feel sorry for Mareesa. Her story serves a lesson to learn from and not to get carried away with opiate addiction. Glad she overcome her addiction.
Been addicted is one thing and finding a solution to it is another. Craving for help sometimes is very good when facing some challenges but it worth giving a trial.
I’m glad reading your contents. You share a real life issues which many people are facing. I’m always blessed reading your articles
The 12-step program is an awesome one you would need to try it out and keep trying, don’t give up on it and you would get there.
Mareesa’s story is really touching, she really went through a lot. But I’m so happy that she overcome at the end.
Fantastic! I do really appreciate this article. It’s full of insights that are really applicable.
This is a very pathetic story about Mareesa. Opiate addiction can destroy lives but am glad that she was able to recover through the 12 step program.
The road ahead isn’t easy to climb because once addicted is everly addicted and not easy to adjust takes a great help if wanting to be helped. Been addicted consumes.
Craving for opiates often lead to addiction which makes it bad for health. Mareesa ‘ s story proves this and am happy she finds recovery through the 12 step program to get her life back on track.
Don’t give up on yourself cause you can do it. Been downcast now doesn’t mean you can make it through. Don’t just give up trying press on hard .
These addictions start small and then eventually grow . Learning to hold oneself from temptation goes a long way and getting the needed recovery matters too.
Determination is required to overcome cravings. One should not loose hope. Though it is not a small challenge. Thank you.
An opiate addicts needs a lot of love and encouragement. She is coping with her baggages the way she knows.
What a sad one, I really felt for her but at the same I love the fact that she is saved and this should help everyone out there on how to go about withdrawing and to let go and choose a better life.
Once addiction sets it then it becomes not necessarily hopeless but it will be a hard battle. This is why support system matters. It will make or break the process,
Opiate help her to deal with her issues. People find solutions to their problems in various ways.
Dealing with what you are craving for isn’t an easy task especially when it comes to drugs. Thanks for sharing this article
We need to assist and help those who are opiate in our community out of their addiction. It’s not easy, they can’t do it alone. Let show them light and life after the darkness they are
There is a quote that says if you can see it, you can achieve it. The perception and the need to stop it are essential.
The will and conviction are necessary here. Thanks for this piece of information.
To truely overcome opiate, one need to be determined. Getting out of any addiction is not always easy, but with your determination and the assistant of some experts you can see your total recovery.
Having the understanding of opiate will also help to deal with it appropriately. This is an informative write up.
This requires a lot of patience and perseverance. Opiate craving isn’t something that can be easily dealt with.
It’s not easy to fight drugs cravings especially if the person has gone deep into it. And one needs people’s assistance to fight it.
Craving means not to be able to exist without the use or consumption of something. This requires serious denial and commitment.
Maressa must have faced heck as a result of hard drugs. People who are in her shoes must also learn from this.
I have friends who get in denial stage and claim that they are just using drugs casually and will not get hooked. Eventually they ended up going to rehab because of it. So i can totally relate to this story and am glad you got better Mareesa.
Maressa was determined to earn her recovery. It is well with you.
Congratulations to Mareesa for her come back to the society. You are doing well dearie.
90 day detox rehab program actually help her out. Congratulations to you madam.
Hmmm, whatever actions we want to take in life, care must be taken. This is because the aftermath is always not palatable if it’s a negative one.
Being arrested by the security personnel isn’t something that anyone can be proud of. Nevertheless, she has the opportunity to testify to the goodness of God.
The only way not to be craving for opiate is when one is on the Lord side. Bible says by strength shall no man prevail.
Wow I’m so happy I came acreages this amazing article. This is very educative and well detailed. Nice job detox.
Good to hear that you employable,and work
well,nicee ending on your sober
This article is highly informative and educative. However, with determination, drug addiction can be overcome.
It is important for people to avoid bad habits particularly craving for opiates. Big thanks go to Detox for thid piece of information.
opiates is a very harmful drug which can cause serious problem, hence i am happy that you have recovered.
This story is both emotional and inspirational, thank God Mareesa found her way back. Detox to rehab thank you for sharing this wonderful story of recovery, and how to recover from opiate abuse.
Two years sober is an unbelievable feat. I’m so glad Mareesa is working and living life to the fullest. She’s got a great story to tell and is living proof that recovery is always possible.
The 12 step program worked wonders for Mareesa and gave her a second chance at life. How I wish more addicts would give it a try
I find Mareesa’s story so touching because my sister went through the exact same thing. I’m glad she’s recovering well.
These are practical steps towards escaping from the addiction or craving for opiates. Maraesa has a very interesting story.b
Maraesas story is an interesting one. The way her issue was handled is very pertinent. People must come together to assist those going through an addiction. Not leaving them when they needed help
Maraesas story is very interesting. She really helped herself. The best and greatest of any man is a man . We should always rally round those that need help
“I get to be present in everyday life.”
I love her quote. I mean, how many of us who never been in addiction, but not really present. Just living a life as a routine. Thanks for the life lesson, Mareesa ^^
All the best
Some people take alcohol just to cope with the death of a loved one or to cope with a break up and just like Mareesa, they get hooked and start taking lots of alcohol. After that , they try their hand on cocaine , heroine and lots more. Overcoming cravings for opiate isn’t easy but I’m glad Mareesa fought the battle. 2 year sober isn’t a joke . Kudos to her
Mareesa
It’s not Really easy to stop opiate craving but is very possible.
With Full Determination,energy and proper steps taken.
This Article is well detailed and Informative.
Many out there don’t know how to deal with Their Opiate Cravings, if only they were determined and got Relevant Piece of Information as this…
Beautiful story. One moral – no matter how many times a man stumbles on the way to liberty and freedom from addiction, keep getting up and making moves forward. It’s amazing Mareesa has now been clean for more than two years and is doing pretty good. Big inspiration!
Mareesa got into alcohol and drug abuse early that was why she suffered through hell during those dark moments around drugs that are dangerous just as you’ve mentioned. But at last, she seek for sober, and such helped her to get away from drug abuse, and saved her from lasting bondage of drug addiction.
Yes it definitely can be a long journey. It can take everything a person has left in them (and then some) just to overcome addiction, but it can be done. I
Excessive craving for anything always end bad, it’s just normal because you do all you can to satisfy that want. I think nothing is impossible, we could stop this craving.
Thanks for sharing this blog . I’m always blessed reading your articles. Addictions is very bad habit.
She tried to consumed alcohol at the age of 13 and I guess this is a really young age and she got exposed to heroine addiction at the age of 17. I always wonder why do so many young folks get exposed to such kind of addiction at such an early age. I just hope that laws would be made that would address this issue.
I’ve heard that opiate addiction is one of the hardest addictions to kick. Mad respect for Mareesa for having resolved to get clean and went through with it.