Natasha’s Story
My traditional name is Ithelwut and I am from the Stz'uminus First Nation in Ladysmith, BC.
My English name is Natasha.
My addiction started when I was a teenager. I left home when I was 15 years old and I was a functioning addict until about my mid 20’s.
Things fell apart for me gradually, and then all at once. I went from being a university student and a mother, to living on the streets and being in and out of jail.
My son was apprehended when he was only one-and-a-half years old. It shattered my heart.
One day my life was all about diapers, bottles and naps and the next it was completely empty. I remember sitting in our room the day he was apprehended and staring at the empty crib. The stillness and the silence overwhelmed me.
I couldn't cope.
I went out to the streets of Nanaimo and totally isolated myself from everything I knew and loved. I spent the next eight years homeless, living deep in my addiction. I became a shadow of myself.
I have a big family, who value education, sports, culture, and community involvement.
But we are also a family who suffer the effects of colonization and residential schools. These wounds run deep. And we didn’t have the tools to heal them, so there has been a lot of trauma throughout generations of our family.
Trauma fuelled addiction and alcohol abuse for many in my family. It played a big role in my childhood, and then eventually my own story as an adult.
I couldn’t understand why I ended up in addiction and why I chose drugs over the beautiful life I had until I came to the Glory House at Hope for Freedom. Here I was given the space and opportunity to learn about myself and my addiction. As well as deal with my past, and find a way back to my son, family, and community.
The reason I chose Glory House for my recovery in June 2024 is simple: it was the first place I called and they had a spot for me.
I was facing some serious charges in Nanaimo and treatment was my best chance to stay out of prison. I had no idea what to expect at Glory House. But I knew in order for this to work, I needed a place that was only for women. I also knew I needed structure, rules and spirituality or faith.
When I walked through the doors, I found all those things and so much more.
It was homey and welcoming, and I felt very accepted right away. The women all supported each other and worked together. I really liked how the Director and Peer Support workers have all been through the House as clients. They truly knew how I felt and what I was going through.
I felt like the program was made specifically for me. It was wonderful. I hit the ground running in recovery.
It was exciting to finally find the desire to stop using that I had always wanted but didn’t know how to access. I did anything and everything in my power to keep that fire for recovery lit. I followed all the suggestions. I got a sponsor and a home group, and I worked a thorough set of steps.
I’ve been sober for over a year and I’m working towards my second NA birthday one day at a time.
I have a beautiful little home of my own and plan on going back to school next year. It’s been a gift in itself becoming a contributing member of society again. I’ve also immersed myself in the fellowships of NA and our local church. I also play league soccer. I take part in step groups and stay connected with the women at the house.
I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish when I first went into the Glory House like getting my I.D, renewing my license, getting a car and gaining employment or going back to school. These things felt far-fetched for a while, but I did it.
And now I can drive across the border to visit my 10-year-old son in Washington where he lives.
I am so grateful to have him in my life again.
I’m also able to reconnect with my family on the Island and take part in cultural ceremony which is medicine to me.
I wouldn’t have any of these things if it weren’t for Hope For Freedom. I am forever grateful. Their program just works. Period.
I still have a sentencing hearing coming up in November. And while I don’t know what will happen then, I am strong and confident. I feel steadfast in my recovery and I know now that whatever comes, I will be okay. God willing I will stay sober!